"That's very pretty, Linake, but, I don't think champagne is your color..." Rukia commented honestly.
Linake scrunched her nose as she turned to her left in the full body mirror, careful not to fall off the six inch platform she was standing on top of in order to get a decent view of herself.
"I would have to agree, really, I don't think it does much to compliment your coloring." Orihime answered a small smile on her lips.
Linake nodded her head before looking over to Amaya for her two cents.
Amaya shrugged her shoulders.
"Don't care for the color either." Amaya answered honestly.
"Alright then, this one's out." Linake stated before turning and stepping down from platform.
Amaya stepped forward as Linake lifted her hair allowing her friend to untie the knot at the back of her neck. The top of the dress fell, leaving Linake in her modest black t-shirt bra and as she carefully slipped the dress down, her basic black cotton panties were put on display for the other women in the room.
Orihime turned her gaze giving Linake some privacy as she walked over to what remained of the selection of dresses. Amaya jerked her head in the direction Rukia was standing in, not having any other choice but to hear the woman's internal thought process.
Amaya lowered her gaze to Linake's lower abdomen studying the same area that Rukia had just commented on internally—Wow, Linake does look like she's gained some weight...
"Uh, Linake..." Amaya began.
"I think you should try on the black one next!" Rukia called out loudly making Linake's brow lift as she turned her head to the squad 13 captain.
"Uh, okay then." Linake answered.
Amaya turned her head as well, hearing Rukia's internal thoughts once more.
"Telling her she's gained weight while trying on the dresses will only discourage her right now!" Rukia silently explained to Amaya.
Amaya quickly nodded her head, indicating she understood Rukia's point—I hope she and Kenpachi were able to have that talk she wanted; it looks like a whole new type of celebration may be on its way!
Oblivious to the woman's internal thoughts on her state of conception; Linake stepped into a black chiffon halter dress, the skirt was lined with satin and belled out across her legs, with a simple lace overlay covering the skirt, while the top held a sheen with a giant clear crystal in the center.
Linake turned her back, once again having Amaya tend to the clasp at the back of her neck before she stepped forward. Linake let out a disgusted huff before her shoulders slumped.
"I look like I'm about to be waiting for my prom date to show up at my door..." Linake stated with a roll of her eyes.
Rukia stepped forward taking in the way the dress fit Linake's body, the skirt was rather poufy giving it a cheap feel.
"I thought it might look better once it was put on..." Rukia stated.
"I'm starting to feel like I'm not going to find what I'm looking for..." Linake sighed as Amaya walked up behind her to assist once more.
"Maybe we should see if the saleswoman could bring in a bustier, some of these may look better if you had a bit of a lift?" Orihime offered.
Linake paused, looking down at her simple bra and wondered if maybe Orihime was right, if her breasts were lifted and her waist was synched in a little it might make the dresses look better—or I'm just fooling myself...I should have just opted for a kimono!
"Hey! None of that! We will find you something! Orihime, why don't you go ask the sales woman if she could bring us a bustier in white." Amaya stated.
"Alright then!" Orihime smiled deeply before turning and walking out of the dressing room in search for the sales woman.
"I don't feel very confident in how I am looking..." Linake admitted.
Rukia and Amaya turned their heads, sharing a look with one another; both of them thinking the same thing—Linake's normally not this emotional...
"I just want to look good for him, ya know?" Linake continued as he stepped out of the "prom dress" and tossed it over on the reject pile; she'd already tired on four dresses and so far she wasn't feeling as confident as she had when first walking into the store.
"You know as well as we do you could walk down the aisle wearing jeans and Kenpachi would light up like a beacon." Rukia countered, as she rolled her eyes.
Linake allowed herself to smile at her friends comment.
Amaya let out a half-laugh knowing Rukia was more than right with her comment; from Kenpachi's internal thoughts the only thing he'd be thinking about was how fast he could remove the dress from Linake with his teeth.
Amaya let out a sigh as her mind wondered to Ichigo—I hope he's having better luck than we are!
Ichigo paused, looking as out of place as he felt as he walked inside the upscale jewelry store. The kind of place the man usually hated coming into with pushy sales people all trying to make a good commission off of a sale.
"Good afternoon, can I help you sir?" The gentlemen behind the counter asked with a smile.
Ichigo lowered his hand from the back of his neck before he walked over to the counter and half-laughed.
"I was told I needed to look for something for a friend of mine." Ichigo admitted, figuring if he was honest with his ignorance the salesman might be able to really guide him in the right direction.
"Oh I see, sent on a bit of a errand, I take it?" The man smiled.
Ichigo laughed.
"You could say that..." Ichigo answered—the kind of errand that could have me facing the end of a blade if I get it wrong...
"Well, what is the occasion? Maybe we would be able to narrow down some options for you." The salesman asked.
"Uh, it's a wedding ring..." Ichigo answered.
The salesmen paused, his brows rising in silent surprise.
"In that case, we do have a wide selection of diamonds to choose from in many settings." The man offered as he gestured to the glass case in front of him.
Ichigo raised his hand to the back of his neck, trying to remember the stone Amaya had told him Linake liked-It started with an "E" right?
"I think the stone she liked started with an "E" something like Emeril?" Ichigo replied, his features looking apologetic.
"Ah, I believe you mean an Emerald." The man answered with a half-laugh.
"Yeah...that sounds right..." Ichigo smiled.
"I do have a nice selection of those as well in many cuts; would you happen to remember if the bride in question has a preference?" The man continued.
"Something about a princess?" Ichigo offered with a shrug of his shoulder.
"Yes, the Princess cut is quite popular with many women, it's a square shape." The man answered.
"That's what I'm lookin' for then." Ichigo answered.
"If you'll follow me down to the last display case I can show you what I have available." The salesmen smiled with a gesture of his hand.
"Thanks..." Ichigo answered as he stepped forward, walking along the glass cases, his gaze lowering to look at the rings on display.
Ichigo paused at the last counter across from the man and waited as he watched him bend down and slide the case open. Ichigo looked down trying to see if the prices were presented and frowned when he didn't see them.
The salesmen reached inside the case grabbing an array of rings and lining them up along the counter, the stones looked square but they were in different sizes, from small and dainty, to large rocks that looked like they would make Linake's finger ache if she wore it for too long.
"We have many options in carat weight. The smallest one you see is only one carat, and the largest I have is around six." The salesmen explained.
"Ah, I think it would be best to go in the middle." Ichigo decided; the one carat looking too small and the six way too large for the woman he was looking for.
"Alright then." The salesmen replied with a smile pulling the declined options away from the counter, leaving three in place that Ichigo had to choose from. One was a solitary stone fixed up high on the band, looking a bit plain, the middle held a large green stone in the middle with lines of clear stones running down the band; which Ichigo was sure were diamonds.
"It's a bit difficult picking such a thing for a friend, I am surprised her intended didn't accompany you." the salesmen commented seeming sympathetic.
Ichigo raised his head and half-laughed at the thought of Kenpachi standing next to him trying to pick a ring for Linake, he could see the frustration and hear the man's growl already.
"She's a rather unique woman." Ichigo replied with a warm smile; thinking it was an understatement.
"I see; how unique would you say she is?" The salesmen replied, seeming to be thinking of another option.
"Very, I guess it wouldn't be too far from the truth to say she's a bit of thrill seeker." Ichigo answered, thinking Linake would have to be if she were marrying Kenpachi.
"So something a bit less traditional wouldn't be out of the question?" The salesmen asked.
Ichigo's brow rose.
"No, I think that would be just what I'm looking for actually." Ichigo replied.
"Just one moment..." The salesman stated before turning from the counter and heading into the back.
Ichigo stood patiently as he waited for the man to return. Once he did the man smiled, holding a black velvet box in his hand the man held it out to him. Ichigo lifted his hand as his brow furrowed.
"This was something we had on display for many months, it was part of a collection done by a local artisan; unfortunately his pieces didn't go over well with the combination of stones he decided to use." The salesmen explained as Ichigo flipped the top of the velvet box open.
Ichigo's lips parted and he let out a laugh as he saw the ring in front of him.
"I'll take it!" Ichigo smiled.
"Perfect!" The salesmen returned his smile.
"Linake!" Orihime called out sounding out of breath as she rushed into the room with her hands full.
"What is it, Orihime?" Rukia asked as she, Linake and Amaya all turned their heads to see what had caused Orihime's reaction.
"I think I found it!" Orihime giggled as she lifted her arms, presenting a dress she had randomly come across while searching for the sales associate.
Linake lowered her head, deciding to humor the woman and give the dress a shot.
"Oh my! That is beautiful!" Rukia whispered.
Linake's lips parted as her gaze locked onto the lavender dress Orihime held in her hands.
"You've gotta try this on!" Amaya grinned.
Linake felt her heart rate accelerate as Orihime handed the light purple dress over to her. Linake paused running her hands across the lace overlay that covered the light purple silk fabric; Linake didn't know it was possible to fall in love with a piece of clothing, but from the way her heart was pounding she thought that's what she was experiencing.
"It's not a halter top style, but, I think it would work!" Orihime offered.
"It's so beautiful!" Linake whispered feeling the absurd urge to cry.
Amaya cleared her throat before she stepped forward.
"Try it on, Linake." Amaya encouraged her.
"Okay..." Linake smiled, pushing back her emotions as she unzipped the low back to the dress and gently stepped inside.
Amaya bent down; helping Linake pull the form-fitting gown over her hips then lifted the delicate lace straps up over Linake's shoulders before she zipped up the four inches of zipper. The back of the dress hit Linake just under the shoulder blades, showing off a good portion of her back, the lace straps hugged Linake's shoulders, fitting snuggly at a slant across her pale skin.
"Wow!" Rukia breathed as Linake turned to face her.
"The neckline doesn't plunge too much does it?" Linake asked as she stepped forward lifting the bottom of the dress in order to step up on the platform one more time.
"No, I think if you got one of those things Orihime was talking about it would look amazing!" Rukia admitted.
Linake's breath hitched as she got a good view of herself from the front. The lace straps lay delicately across her shoulders, the lines of the dress plunging into a soft "v" across her chest which would highlight the tops of her breasts very nicely if she did perk them up a little.
Linake allowed her gaze to drop and for the first time ever, she didn't curse her hips; it was as if the dress had been tailored especially for her body type, extenuating every line before the skirt flared behind her giving her a trail of at least three yards of lavender lace covered silk.
"This looks so elegant, Linake. I mean, I know we said Kenpachi wouldn't care, but, seeing you in something like this..." Amaya stated with a smile as she shook her head.
Linake half-laughed as she raised her gaze, looking at Amaya thought he mirror in front of her.
"I agree, I think we have a winner!" Rukia replied.
"I knew it was the one when I saw it, the color is perfect for your skin, it brings out the highlights of your hair, your eyes; you look perfect!" Orihime spoke softly as she raised her clenched hands to her chest.
"Well that was easy..." Linake laughed; the three women following suit just as the sales associate tapped on the door and walked inside.
"Oh, My! Now that looks lovely!" The woman chimed in her own opinion on the subject, making Linake's smile deepen.
"You're husband to be will be speechless!" The woman continued.
Rukia let out a snort before she replied to the woman's comment.
"I think you may be right, for once..."
The room filled with the sound of laughter as Rukia cracked her joke at the 11th division captain's expense.
Ichigo let out a sigh as she made it back to the dress shop; pulling open the door he stepped inside and couldn't help but smile when seeing the happy expressions on the women's faces. The sales woman had wrapped up the dress it looked like Linake had found into a travel bag and Ichigo couldn't help but notice two more bags Amaya was holding in her hand—looks like she's all set then!
"Where did you run off to, Ichigo?" Rukia called out as she noticed him enter the building.
"Uh...decided to go have a cup of coffee while you ladies picked out the dress." Ichigo fibbed, not knowing if Rukia was in on the secret mission.
"I'm actually starving! Would anyone else want to go and get something to eat before we head back?" Linake asked.
Rukia and Amaya glanced over at one another again, and this time it seemed like Linake had picked up on the behavior.
"Okay, that's the second look you have given each other after I've said something, what's up?" Linake confronted the two.
Rukia and Amaya both paused; trying to hide the guilty expressions from their faces.
Orihime smiled at the three before she turned and walked over to her husband.
"Everything go okay?" Orihime whispered in his ear as she hugged him.
"I got it, I hope she likes it." Ichigo answered before Orihime pulled back and smiled up at him.
"I never thought Captain Zaraki would have such a romantic side to him." Orihime spoke softly; before Linake all but yelled at Rukia.
"What do you mean I look like I've gained weight!?"
Ichigo lifted his head, another choking sound escaping from the back of his throat...
Orihime paused, her blue eyes going wide as she turned her body and faced Linake.
"Oh, my goodness! How could I have not realized it before! Your skin his glowing, you almost cried when I showed you the dress! Oh! Linake, you're pregnant!" Orihime gushed.
Linake turned her head, her mouth falling ajar as she shook her head in disbelief—No, I couldn't be...could I?
"That's why we've been sharing looks; we didn't want to say anything while you were so down trying on dresses." Amaya stated.
Ichigo let out an uncomfortable sound from his throat as he lifted his hand to the back of his neck, once again feeling like he'd just walked into the middle of the twilight zone.
"Have you had a recent check-up with Captain Kotetsu?" Rukia asked.
Linake turned her head as her heart began to pound, all the color draining from her face as realization donned on her—I've been so tired, so hungry, and I swear my body has been hypersensitive lately; is that why it feels even better when Kenpachi touches me now?
"I think she's in a daze..." Amaya laughed.
"Well, wouldn't you be if you just realized your carrying your first kid?" Rukia countered.
Linake sucked in a deep breath as she met Rukia's deep violet gaze.
"I think we'll skip lunch and head back now; I...I want to go see Captain Kurotsuchi." Linake blurted as she walked past the two women and headed straight for the exit.
Rukia turned; her brow furrowing.
"Why would she want to see Captain Kurotsuchi?" Rukia asked out loud as the group all turned and followed Linake back out onto the sidewalk.
Ikkaku let out a sigh of relief when he came around the corner of the dirt pathway, it had taken him a good ten minutes before he'd realized his captain was fighting farther away from the barracks then he had originally thought. Yumichika flash stepped next to his side, both Renji and Iba not too far behind and the group of men all stood with almost sheepish expressions as they watched Kenpachi and Aizen trade blows.
Ikkaku stepped forward and bent down to pick up the black eye patch that belonged to his captain and allowed himself to smile—what better way for the captain to celebrate?
Yumichika smirked as he turned his head and met Ikkaku's gaze; seeming to have the same thought process as his friend.
"Well, I guess when it comes to Captain Zaraki; this is as good of a party as any." Iba half-laughed as he watched his former captain land a hard blow against Aizen's right shoulder.
Kenpachi let out a deep growl of laughter as he pushed himself forward, slashing his sword without any cares; the feeling of not having to hold back against Aizen bringing back the rush he had been craving for so many years; finally, an opponent that wouldn't shit out on him right when it started to get fun!
Aizen twisted his body, pivoting Kenpachi's attack as he released an impressive wave of violet spiritual pressure against Kenpachi, succeeding in making the squad 11 captain stagger backward a little, only giving the man another reason to toss his head back and laugh.
"This is great! Been a while since I've had this much fun!" Kenpachi called out as he kicked his feet up from the ground, going airborne, intending to land a harsh blow against Aizen's shoulder.
Aizen let out a grimace as he flash stepped his body to the right, Kenpachi stilled, his blade lifted in the air as he watched Aizen's flesh begin to regenerate instantly.
"You do realize that just because I am immortal does not mean I can't feel pain..." Aizen grated.
Kenpachi let out a deep roll of laughter.
"Quit your bitchin', pain is weakness leaving the body, now shut the fuck up and fight!" Kenpachi growled as his lips spread into an excited grin.
Aizen allowed his lips to lift as he took in the squad 11 captain's comeback.
"Of course, I must remember who it is I have agreed to fight..." Aizen answered, before pushing a violent wave of spiritual pressure forward, so strong Kenpachi could feel his sword vibrating against his hand.
"Now you're talkin'!" Kenpachi laughed, right before the two men took off in a haze of spiritual pressure; violet pushing against yellow in the middle of a barren meadow located in the 80th district.
