Kenpachi kept his gaze on the spirit in front of him as Linake lowered her head. Intense silver eyes stared back at him, he could've swore the spirit was trying to study him just as much as he was tryin' to study it. It wasn't every day that you got to see a spirit manifest; the fact it belonged to his wife only made it more interesting to Kenpachi. Linake lifted her head; her lips parting about to speak once more. Godai turned it's silver gaze to her and before Linake could speak, the being reached it's root like hand out to her once more as if in offering. Linake let out a gasp as she practically lunged for Godai, grabbing the spirit's 'hand' with her own before Kenpachi could pull her away.

"I have imposed enough on your time for one night. It seems celebration is upon you. Remember that you have the power to call upon me in any time of need..." Godai stated to Linake right before the hand she held started to dissipate.

Linake let out a choking sound as if she wanted to call out to her spirit; it was true, she had many more questions to ask, what could a being like Godai be able to teach her about life? What other secrets did her power hold?

Linake let out a sigh as her shoulders slumped a little, but she understood that it probably wasn't easy for Godai to stay manifested for very long; some spirits only had a certain amount of time before they were summoned back into the inner world of their soul reaper; with Linake not having a very strong spiritual pressure, she knew Godai would in a sense be bound until Linake could manage to strengthen herself.

"You okay?" Kenpachi whispered to her, bringing her attention back to her husband.

"Are you kidding? I have so many emotions running through me right now I don't know whether to laugh or cry..." Linake answered.

Kenpachi adjusted his arms around Linake, tucking his forearm under her knees as he bent forward. Linake allowed Kenpachi to turn her in order to face him, her legs draping over his left thigh while she sat between his spread legs. Linake moved her unsheathed blade to her side out of the way as Kenpachi raised his hand to the side of her face, meeting her gaze head on. Kenpachi's brow furrowed as he looked at Linake's eyes; the intense electric blue flames had gone and once again her eyes were normal.

"What? Why are you staring at me like that?" Linake asked, her own brow furrowing; it looked to her as if something about her had changed to him.

"Your eyes changed right before your spirit showed up..." Kenpachi explained.

Linake lifted her right hand to her face, not sure why her first reaction was to rub her eye lids.

"What do you mean? Are they still different?" Linake asked in a rush.

"They looked like bright blue flames; but they're normal now..." Kenpachi answered her.

"You didn't think to tell me about this sooner? Like maybe when you first saw it!?" Linake countered, still rubbing at her eyes with her hand.

Kenpachi sighed as he reached his left hand up from her thigh and grabbed at her wrist.

"Will you quit doin' that, it ain't gonna help ya." Kenpachi chuckled.

Linake allowed her hand to fall from her face, realizing she probably looked pretty neurotic to him. Linake tipped her head back, looking up at Kenpachi with parted lips.
"My eyes change when I release my spiritual pressure, it ain't anything to worry about. You heard your spirit, woman, it's time to let go of that shit..." Kenpachi countered.

Linake allowed her eyes to close, taking in a deep breath as she tried to gain control over her emotions.

" I didn't expect this..." Linake admitted before she pressed her face into Kenpachi's chest, wanting to feel him closer to her, needing him to be her anchor in that moment as her mind tried to process everything that had just happened.

"Tch. Hell, neither did I." Kenpachi answered as he caressed the back of Linake's head with his right hand.

The woman probably didn't even realize it; but she was clinging to him almost like she was afriad he was going to dissapear on her like her spirit had.

"I want to get stronger, Kenpachi." Linake whispered.

Kenpachi grinned as he heard his woman and he couldn't deny it was something he had been waiting to hear from her; with three simple words, Kenpachi managed to help Linake finally let go of the small lingering twinges of fear.

"I'll help ya..."


"There you are, I've been looking for you..." Yumichika announced himself as he walked up the small staircase in the back of the squad 11 barracks. Ikkaku opened his eyes, lifting his head from his arms. He had been enjoying the night air, laying down on the porch with his arms behind his head.

"Why you lookin' for me? You need me for somethin'?" Ikkaku asked, figuring Yumichika would still be trying to get the last things organized for Kenpachi and Linake's big day tomorrow.

Yumichika took a seat on the porch next to his friend; allowing his legs to hang over the edge of the porch. Ikkaku pushed himself up into a sitting position, reaching back for the small jug of Sake he had sitting next to him.

"There will be a slight change for you in the morning." Yumichika stated as his gaze wondered up to the sky.

Not far off in the distance Yumichika could see a swirling of colors among the clouds, electric blue mixed with a deep orange red.

"What's that?" Ikkaku asked before tipping back the jug of sake.

Yumichika turned his gaze to Ikkaku, his brows lifting as he answered.

"You will be walking Linake down the isle." Yumichika informed him.

Ikkaku's brow lifted as the jug of Sake paused mid-drink.

"What? Really? Did she ask for me to?" Ikkaku replied.

Yumichika shook his head, noticing the way Ikkaku's chest seemed to deflate a little.

"So you forgot about it and just assigned it to me then, right?" Ikkaku half-laughed.

"I don't see why you're getting bent out of shape about it, you know as well as I do Linake wouldn't want anyone else..." Yumichika sighed.

"I ain't getting bent outta shape about anything. Just thought she might have chose me, is all." Ikkaku sighed.

"It's strange isn't it? Knowing that Captain Zaraki will be having a family..." Yumichika stated as his gaze moved back to the strange colors in the sky.

"You can say that again...but I'm kinda lookin' forward to it." Ikkaku admitted.

Yumichika smiled softly before he replied to his best friend.

" Yes. I have to admit, I am too."


Kenpachi blinked his eyes as he rolled over in the bed. Linake and Kenpachi had spent a good couple hours up on top of the rock before they had come back down to grab something to eat at one of the restaurants close to the squad 11 barracks. Kenpachi pushed himself up onto his elbow, realizing that Linake wasn't laying next to him anymore. Kenpachi reached his right hand out, feeling the spot next to him, it was still warm, so she hadn't been up for long.

Kenpachi's brow furrowed as he braced himself, about to stand and check on his wife when he saw the bathroom door slide open. Linake stepped out, looking like she was still half asleep with her hair disheveled and her eyes half closed. Kenpachi let out a sigh, realizing she had probably just had to use the bathroom. Linake made it back to the large futon and went down to her knees, her sleepy gaze meeting his.

"You're awake?" Linake asked.

"Yeah...just woke up. Didn't see ya, was about to see if you were okay..." Kenpachi admitted, not liking the feelings that overwhelmed him, but he figured he'd have to get used to them-it was like Renji said, worrying was a part of being a husband and a father.

"I'm fine. Drank too much tea, I guess." Linake smiled as she laid down and faced him.

Kenpachi leaned forward, wrapping his right arm around her and filling his palm with the cheek of her ass. Linake smiled as she felt her body being pulled closer to him, allowing her left leg to rise and wrap around Kenpachi's hip while she draped her arm across his rib cage.

"I have to get up and head to Kuchiki manor soon..." Linake stated; she'd looked at the clock when she'd woken up realizing she only had about thirty minutes before the alarm she had set would go off.

"You ready, Woman?" Kenpachi asked.

" I was born ready." Linake answered without missing a beat; she was already his wife by the law of the soul society, but Linake had a feeling Kenpachi was more exited about the ceremony than she had thought.

"Are you excited?" Linake asked as she felt Kenpachi raise his hand and caress her back gently through the cotton fabric of her sleeping kimono.

"Maybe a little..." Kenpachi chuckled.

"I love you, Kenpachi." Linake whispered to him in the dark.

" I love you, Wife." Kenpachi answered before he rolled his body into hers and captured her lips with his, pulling his woman into one of the tightest embraces he'd ever given her.

Linake let out a low moan as she felt Kenpachi deepen the kiss, slipping his tongue into her mouth, making her mind go blank in the process. When she felt Kenpachi's hand lower and pull the kimono from her thighs she realized what he was after. Linake reached her hand down, stopping Kenpachi before the palm of his hand made it between her legs.

Kenpachi let out a low growl as he felt his woman stop him from touching her how he wanted; it was the first time she had ever made him stop. Kenpachi pulled back from her mouth, letting his lips overlap with hers lightly before she pulled back and whispered to him.

"I don't have enough time..." Linake explained to him, hoping he wouldn't think she was rejecting him.

Kenpachi chuckled against her lips, realizing his woman knew him well; if he took her now, they would be late for their own wedding ceremony.

"Yeah, guess you're right..." Kenpachi replied as he lowered his hand back to the cheek of her ass and squeezed her.

"As long as I get you to myself tonight!" Kenpachi added with a half grin.

Linake laughed softly as she met his gaze; the room was still dark, but there was a small amount of light coming in from behind the curtain of the window from the outside lights. Linake could tell that the sun would be rising in the next couple minutes.

" I will be yours for the taking." Linake replied before she lifted her hand and caressed the side of his face; she wondered if maybe Kenpachi would be as passionate tonight as he had been before she'd gone dress shopping; the thought of being made love to by Kenpachi for hours on end made Linake clench her thighs together; she knew her body would be beyond ready by the time they managed to be alone again.

"Might as well get up and start the day then..." Kenpachi sighed as he pulled his hand from Linake's curves.

Linake continued to smile as she pushed herself up into a sitting position on the futon, she always loved mornings like this with Kenpachi, when the two of them would spend precious minutes just talking while they held one another. Linake could honestly say nobody else had ever had such a calming effect on her. Kenpachi pushed himself up next to her, reaching his arm over her he grabbed his eye patch from the side table and secured it over his right eye.

Linake felt the energy in the room shift as she watched him push himself to his knees. Linake tucked her legs, giving him enough space to stand to his feet. Linake found herself biting her bottom lip once more as she watched her husband's naked body walk across the room towards the bathroom-I'm a very lucky woman!

Linake let out a groan as she turned her head to the pocket door as a persistent, almost chipper sounding knock filled the room.

"I'll be right out!" Linake called out, already knowing it was Yumichika on the other side.

Kenpachi paused in the doorway of the bathroom, turning his body to the side, he watched Linake push herself up from the bed and begin to rush with putting something suitable on for the walk to Kuchiki's. Linake pulled the tie to her sleeping kimono and allowed it to fall at her feet; giving Kenpachi a decent view of her curves from the side; Kenpachi's lips lifted slightly when they locked onto her stomach; a warm sensation unlike any other filling him as his chest pulled a bit tight on him; making him press his palm against himself.

Linake reached out and quickly secured both the top and bottoms to her Shihakusho before she turned and faced him; realizing he hadn't gone into the bathroom yet. Linake hurried over to his side, smiling up at him as she went on her tips toes. Kenpachi bent his frame down enough for the woman to kiss him. Linake grabbed him by the sides of his face, causing Kenpachi to grunt at the woman's force behind her kiss. Kenpachi kissed her back, just as hard, knowing that he wouldn't be seeing her again until she walked down the isle to him. Linake pulled back from her husband, meeting his gaze, she smiled at him before she spoke.

"I'll meet you at the end of the altar."

Kenpachi's lips lifted into a sly grin; he didn't want his woman being nervous while she wasn't around him and even though it wasn't really his style to be overly romantic, he knew Linake being away from him was going to weigh on his mind, so he decided to give her something more.

"I'll be countin' the minutes, Wife." Kenpachi replied before standing to his full height, enjoying the wide smile plastered on Linake's face-if that's all it takes to see her smile like that, I'll need to do this shit more often...

Linake met his gaze once more before she rolled her eyes at yet another insistent knock at the door.

"I'm coming!" Linake called out to her 3rd seat as she turned away from Kenpachi and hurried across the room; if Linake didn't stick to Yumichika's carefully thought out schedule, she knew he would never forgive her.

Linake made it to the pocket door and pulled it open, smiling as she met Yumichika's bright eyes and cheerful smile.

"It's time to make you beautiful, Mrs. Zaraki." Yumichika stated slyly.

"Alright then, I trust you guys enough not to make me look like a clown..." Linake laughed as she slid the pocket door closed, a slight pang in her chest assaulted her, picturing Kenpachi by himself as he waited, which made her hesitate.

"Don't start fussing! Ikkaku and Renji will be by in about a half an hour to help the Captain get dressed." Yumichika informed her, seeming to pick up on her inner thoughts.

"We have to keep to the schedule, we will be having a small breakfast, courtesy of Captain Kuchiki, I even managed to sneak in some of that coffee stuff that you and Amaya are so fond of." Yumichika smiled.

Linake turned her gaze to the man as he walked by her side, both of them speed walking down the dirt pathway. Linake reached her hand out grabbing Yumichika's, making the man raise his brow at her in the process. Yumichika came to an abrupt stop just as Linake pulled him into her arms, hugging her 3rd seat tightly.

"Thank you, Yumichika. I know I've never said this, but, I love you, and I appreciate everything you have done for us!" Linake spoke softly.

Linake heard the man let out a soft sigh as the two of them stood on the pathway, the morning sun rising by the minute filling the sky with a beautiful pinkish orange hue.

"If you keep saying things like that, you might actually make me cry. I really want to look my best today, so, let's keep moving..." Yumichika insisted as he pulled away from the woman who had grown to be like a sister to him, in many ways Linake had changed the development of squad 11, even the lower seated members looked to her as it's matriarch, the lady of their fearless captain.

Linake smiled as she allowed Yumichika his freedom and as the two hurried down the pathway trying to stay on time, Yumichika turned his gaze back to her and decided he wouldn't leave her hanging.

"I do love you, too, ya know, why else would I go to so much trouble?"


Amaya paused on the pathway as she heard Linake and Yumichika talking to one another-Shit! I can't let her see me! Amaya quickly used her flash step, sending her behind the white building of the squad 11 barracks; if she was seen right now she wouldn't have a chance to give Kenpachi Linake's ring without her finding out about it! Amaya peeked her blonde head out and her heart melted a little when she witnessed Linake pull her 3rd seat into her arms.

"About time she tells these guys how much they mean to her!" Amaya whispered as she stepped backwards, intending to walk around the building all together so she wouldn't be seen; she had figured Yumichika would have left with Linake already, but, Amaya knew sometimes it didn't matter how you scheduled something; life was unpredictable!

Amaya heard Linake and Yumichika's inner thoughts as she made her way around the back of the building, when she could no longer pick up on them, she knew it was safe and stepped out from behind her hiding place. Quickly Amaya flash stepped to the front porch of Kenpachi and Linake's room. Amaya listened out, trying to hear Kenpachi's inner thoughts so she wouldn't interrupt anything, when she heard his heavy footsteps walking into the room and heard his sigh and inner thoughts she lifted her hand and knocked gently.

Amaya smiled to herself as she heard Kenpachi wondering who would be showin' up so early? He knew Linake wouldn't bother to knock if she had forgotten something. Amaya stepped back as the footsteps came closer and reached her hand into her pocket, pulling the black velvet box free from her bottoms.

Kenpachi pulled the pocket door open, his gaze lowering, meeting Amaya's bright brown eyes and warm smile. Kenpachi found himself smirking down at the woman as she raised her flat palm and presented Linake's ring to him.

" Thanks..." Kenpachi stated as he reached his large hand out accepting the ring he would be putting on Linake's finger in a matter of hours.

"You're Welcome." Amaya replied before she turned on her heel and started to make her way back down the steps; if she used her flash step, she would beat both Yumichika and Linake to Kuchiki Manor.

Kenpachi let out a chuckle as he watched the woman jog down the stairs without another word. He kept his gaze on her as she ran down the pathway, no doubt trying to beat Linake to Kuchiki's. His inner thoughts were confirmed when the woman disappeared, using her flash step.

"I am afraid she is in a hurry this morning..." A calm deep voice spoke, making Kenpachi turn his head to the side of the porch; his eye patch had been blocking the man from his vision until he'd spoken.

" Yeah...looks like everyone is..." Kenpachi answered Aizen with a half laugh; he wasn't sure what he was supposed to do with himself, he had three hours before he was supposed to be at the squad 1 barracks and he didn't even know what the hell he was wearing yet...

"Good morning, Captain." Ikkaku called out as he appeared next to Aizen; the squad 11 lieutenant looking like he'd rather still be asleep.

"Hey, Aizen." Ikkaku greeted the immortal man.

"Good Morning." Aizen answered taking a step back so that the lieutenant could address his captain.

"Renji is supposed to show up with your Hakama in about twenty minutes, Captain." Ikkaku announced, repeating Yumichika's earlier statement.

"Alright then, guess I'll head to breakfast." Kenpachi stated as he slipped his sandals on, intending to go raid the sqaud 11 kitchen for something to hold him over until the reception later on.

Ikkaku and Aizen watched as the massive man descended the stairs to his quarters, not even bothering to put on the top to his Shihakusho. Kenpachi looked over at the two men and tilted his head towards the entrance to the barracks.

" You comin'?" Kenpachi asked before he made his way forward; thinking that the next three hours were going to be the longest in his life.


Amaya let out a sigh as she appeared on the doorstep of Kuchiki Manor. A barrage of hectic inner thoughts assaulting her to the point she had to reach her hand out and balance herself on the open doorstep.

"Are you well, Amaya?"

Amaya lifted her head, meeting the squad 6 captain's steel grey gaze and forced herself to smile back at him as she pulled her abilities inward, blocking out as much as she could.

"Yes, thank you, Captain Kuchiki. A lot of people inside, that's all." Amaya explained.

"I see." Byakuya answered before turning his head to the pathway in front of her.

"It seems you just made it before them." Byakuya stated, making Amaya turn on the porch; not to far in the distance Amaya saw Linake and Yumichika hurrying down the pathway.

Amaya forced her body upright, no longer leaning on the doorway-just focus on Linake; let everyone else fade to the background!

As Linake climbed her way up the stairs she noticed the way her brow furrowed as she met Amaya's gaze; leave it to Linake to pick up on her discomfort so easily. Linake reached her in a matter of seconds, placing her hand on Amaya's shoulder before she spoke.

"Is this going to be too much for you?" Linake asked outright, already seeing the strain on her best friend; Linake could only imagine what the day would be like for Amaya, being able to hear every thought around her.

"Not at all, I'll be fine." Amaya insisted, not wanting to let her friend down on her big day.

"If you need a break, just let me know." Linake replied.

"Sure thing..." Amaya answered before taking in a deep breath and stepping inside the crowded home of Byakuya Kuchiki.

"Breakfast has been served in the room to your left." Byakuya announced.

Linake turned her head to the squad 6 captain, her smile warm as she reached her left hand out and pressed is against Byakuya's bicep.

"Thank you, Captain Kuchiki, for everything..." Linake stated before lowering her hand and stepping into the man's home, careful to pause and remove her sandals before walking across the hardwood floors.

Both Yumichika and Amaya followed suit, leaving their sandals at the doorway.

Byakuya allowed the side of his mouth to lift in a slight smile before he turned and followed the bride to be and her friends down the narrow hallway.

"Oh my god! Is that coffee!?" Amaya all but yelled as she hurried over to the large buffet style breakfast that had been set up for them all.

Linake smiled as she watched Amaya make a B-line for the pot of freshly brewed coffee, Yumichika had even thought to get the creamer! Linake let out a sigh as she took in the spread; it seemed whoever have paid for this hadn't worried about the expense and even though it humbled Linake, she couldn't help but feel a bit guilty-what would Kenpachi be eating for breakfast? Leftovers from the squad 11 Kitchen? Should I send some of this to him and Ikkaku?

" I can send someone if you want..." Amaya stated as she walked over to Linake's side.

"Please do. I know Kenpachi is probably already raiding the kitchen at the barracks, but, I know if I send some of this to him he'll enjoy it." Linake stated.

" Sure thing, no problem, I'll ask one of the squad 6 officers if they could package some of this up and take it over to them." Amaya smiled, cup of coffee in hand, she went to search for someone who could complete Linake's task.

" You need to eat something, Linake." Yumichika insisted as he eyed her standing there in the middle of the room.

Linake raised her right hand to her stomach and even though it was filled with excited knots, she knew Yumichika was right; Takeo needs food too! Linake smiled at Yumichika softly as she made her way forward and grabbed one of the small plates of china Byakuya had allowed them all to use. As Linake filled her plate with sweetbread, eggs and a couple links of sausage her vision moved to two lower ranked officers of squad 6. The two men stood on the opposite side of her, quickly filling two large containers with various foods, and even stopped to fill two container's with Coffee and Tea before they both abruptly left the room.

Amaya appeared at Linake's side just as she was about to turn and take a seat with the rest of her friends.

"Task complete." Amaya smiled as she grabbed a plate of her own and began to load it with her own selections. Linake stayed by Amaya's side, waiting for her to fill her plate before they both made their way over to sit at the crowded table.

"Good morning, Mrs. Zaraki!" Rangiku called out to her, making everyone else at the table look up at her.

"Good morning, everyone!" Linake laughed, feeling like she wasn't quite awake enough to handle so many people at one time.

Rangiku, Rukia, Ichigo, Orihime, Yumichika, and Isane all sat at the large table, while Byakuya stood in the hallway just outside the door, seeming to be instructing his men on what they needed to have done for the day.

"Did you want some Coffee, Linake?" Amaya asked her, pulling her attention away from Byakuya.

"Oh, Yes...I did..." Linake replied, turning her body back in the direction of the table.

"Sit. I'll get it." Amaya insisted as she sat her plate down on the table next to Rangiku.

"Oh, okay then..." Linake replied, her brow rising at her friend-everyone seems like they want to spoil me today; I don't know how to feel about this...

Linake made her way over to the table and took a seat next to Isane.

"How are you feeling, Linake?" Isane asked just as Amaya appeared with another cup of coffee filled with creamer; the way she would know Linake liked it.

"Thanks, Amaya. Uh, I'm feeling fine." Linake answered Isane.

"Are you nervous yet?" Orihime asked from across the table, her smile so warm as she looked over at her.

"I don't think it's sunk in yet..." Linake admitted before she raised the large sweetbread to her mouth and took a bite.

"Where is Renji?" Linake asked in-between bites of her breakfast.

Rukia met Linake's gaze and smiled.

"He's going to be helping the groom today." Rukia answered.

Linake smiled before reaching out for her coffee.

"That's a relief..." Linake answered, making everyone around her laugh.

Linake hadn't been trying to make a joke, she actually was relieved that Kenpachi would at least have Ikkaku and Renji helping him today.

"If it makes you feel any better, I'm about to head that way once I'm finished." Ichigo stated; making Linake turn her head to him.

"It does, thank you, Ichigo." Linake replied.

"Ah, it's nothing. It's been a while since I've seen Kenpachi." Ichigo smiled before sipping his own cup of Coffee.

"Let's hurry up and eat, we have a schedule to keep!" Yumichika demanded the room, making everyone sigh and roll their eyes at him, but, in the end, the conversation came to a standstill as everyone ate their fill of the delicious food.


Kenpachi let out a sigh as he leaned into the cooler of the squad 11 barracks. There wasn't much to choose from; some left over rice and a what looked like maybe three steamed dumplings. Kenpachi stood to his full height allowing the door to the cooler to close as he scowled over at Ikkaku.

"Ain't much here..." Kenpachi stated.

"With the celebrations recently, I don't think many of the squad members have been eating here, Captain." Ikkaku explained.

Kenpachi nodded as he sighed, figuring he had enough time to walk over to one of the restaurants for a bite to eat before Renji showed up. Kenpachi didn't voice his plan out loud, instead, he just started walking, Ikkaku and Aizen following his lead.

"I could always go grab something myself and bring it back, Captain." Ikkaku offered, knowing Kenpachi's mind was somewhere else today.

Kenpachi paused on the porch as he spotted two men hurrying towards them. Kenpachi's brow lifted when he realized they were Kuchiki's men-what the hell?

"Delivery for Captain Zaraki; on the order of both Captain Kuchiki and Linake Zaraki." One of the men called out, heaving a breath as if they had both been running.

Ikkaku stepped forward, accepting one of the large boxes from the winded men, while Kenpachi reached out for the other. The smell of food wafted across the air and it made Kenpachi shake his head as he smiled-even when you're not here, you're still thinkin' about me, Wife.

"Hold on a sec. I've got somethin' for you to take back with ya." Kenpachi stated making the two men pause and nod.

Kenpachi turned, placing the boxed up food on the porch before he made his way back to his room; he was going to wait to give Linake this gift until after Takeo was born; but, since his woman had gone out of her way to feed him, he felt like now would be better. Kenpachi entered his room, walking over to the wardrobe he pulled the door open and reached his hand up on the very top shelf that he knew Linake was too short to reach.

Kenpachi pulled the black velvet bag from his hiding place and opened the small string looking at the necklace he had bought months ago. He'd seen it sitting in one of the shop windows and had bought it on impulse, not even understanding why. He'd had it hidden, waiting for the right time to give it to Linake, wanting it to be special for her-I guess that day is today...Kenpachi ran his thumb across the black onyx stone that was shaped like a heart and grinned-how bout that, it'll match her ring...

Kenpachi dropped the silver chain and onyx pendant back into the bag and pulled the small string closed and let out a sigh as he turned and walked back out onto the porch where the two men from squad 6 waited for him-like putty in her hands...

"Make sure my wife gets this!" Kenpachi demanded the man as he held out the velvet bag placing it in the man's open palm.

"Yes, Captain Zaraki!" Both men called out in unison before turning and hurrying off down the pathway.

"Looks like Linake sent us breakfast, Captain." Ikkaku smirked, taking a seat on the porch next to the now opened boxes.

Kenpachi made his way over to his lieutenant and took a seat on the opposite side of him, the two boxes of food and drink sat between them. Kenpachi reached his hand down, taking one of the containers of liquid from the box. Kenpachi twisted the cap and sniffed it; realizing it was full of Tea, Kenpachi twisted the cap back on and tossed it over to Aizen.

Aizen caught it effortlessly, his brow rising before he twisted the top and realized what the container held; Aizen smiled, knowing very well a Tea of this quality would not be something Kenpachi Zaraki would enjoy.


Linake stood in the middle of the small bathroom that connected to the room she was to be getting dressed in. When she'd walked in her breath had hitched when seeing her dress again hanging up and waiting for her to put it on. Linake let out a slight sound of surprise when Amaya reached her hand down, pulling the tie to Linake's Shihakusho free.

"I can undress myself guys!" Linake insisted as she felt Rangiku pull her top from her shoulders.

"Sorry. Yumichika wanted us to help you, so that's what we are doing..." Rangiku replied, ignoring Linake as she bent down and stripped Linake of her bottoms, leaving the woman standing naked in the small bathroom.

"Hmm. Looks like someone likes going commando..." Rangiku teased.

Linake rolled her eyes at the woman-if your husband constantly ripped every pair of panties you owned, you would too, Rangiku...

Amaya let out a snort at Linake's inner thought, not wanting to laugh outright.

Linake let out a sigh as she turned sideways in order to enter the bath that had already been filled and laced with floral oil, she could smell it clearly, it was honeysuckle.

"I made sure it was a scent you would like..." Amaya offered as Linake climbed the small steps and sat down in the hot water.

"Thanks..." Linake smiled up at her friend.

Amaya made her way behind Linake, the small bath allowing for someone small like her to stand in the area behind it. Linake leaned back, watching as Amaya reached out for the pitcher that sat on the side and dunked it into the water. Linake let out another exasperated sigh as Amaya began to wet her hair for her.

"I can do this, Amaya..." Linake stated once more.

Amaya sat the filled pitcher on the side of the tub before she reached her arm around Linake's shoulders, not caring that the woman was now wet.

" It's not about whether you can or not, Linake. You spend so much time thinking about everyone else, you take yourself for granted sometimes. I want to help you today, you remember how you helped me after I woke up from my last coma? Think of this as a way of returning that favor." Amaya countered softly.

Linake raised her hand, grasping Amaya's forearm tightly in her hand, a wave of emotions running through her, threatening to make her cry.

"Don't start that! I have to do your make-up!" Rangiku ordered.

Linake allowed herself to laugh at the woman, knowing very well that her make-up was the last thing Rangiku was worried about; she just didn't want to see Linake cry anymore than Amaya did.

"I love you, Amaya." Linake spoke silently; knowing her friend would hear her inner words.

"And I love you." Amaya whispered softly before she continued helping Linake by washing her hair for her.

Linake leaned back, allowing her best friend to help her on the biggest day of her life. Amaya made quick work of washing Linake's long hair for her, then the two women finally backed off enough to let Linake bathe her own body. Linake didn't mind that they were with her, in all honestly, Linake wasn't a very shy person when it came to nudity, in her eyes, both Amaya and Rangiku had the same thing she did, so there really wasn't anything to be bashful about.

Linake finished rinsing her skin of the honeysuckle soap and stood up from the tub, feeling a little bit like a goddess as Rangiku and Amaya stepped forward with clean fluffy towels that belonged to Byakuya Kuchiki. Linake's thoughts wondered back to the squad 6 captain as the two women worked quickly to dry her off-Why was Captain Kuchiki so willing to help her and Kenpachi like this?

"Time for make-up!" Rangiku smiled as she held out a clean white robe for Linake to wear while her hair and make-up was being done.

"Okay..." Linake replied, allowing her mind to come back to the present.

Linake tied the white robe closed before Amaya opened the door to the small bathroom and the three of them stepped out. Yumichika stood in the middle of the room wearing a royal purple outfit. Each line of the long armed top was pressed, making the man look even more elegant than she thought was possible.

"What are you wearing, Yumichika?" Linake asked him as she walked forward and took a seat in the small chair in front of the table that housed a lot of make-up.

Yumichika smiled.

"This is something we wear when in celebration, it's called a Hakama." Yumichika explained with a smile.

Linake's lips parted a little, knowing that Yumichika had had one of these made for Kenpachi. Linake allowed herself to smile, the thought of seeing Kenpachi in something other than his Captain's haori and Shihakusho filling her with a big of glee-although, I have to say he looks the best naked! Linake rolled her eyes at herself before she tipped her head up giving Rangiku her face.

A knock sounded at the door and Linake didin't think much of it until she heard the deep voice of Byakuya.

"This was delivered for the bride; from her husband." Byakuya announced, making Linake turn her head to the doorway.

Rangiku let out a sigh.

"I can't do this is you're going to turn your head on me!" Rangiku complained, but paused when she noticed Captain Kuchiki walking across the room to Linake.

All the women in the room watching him as he made his way over.

Linake lifted her hand, accepting the black velvet bag from him, her brow furrowing as she pulled the small string and dumped it's contents in her left hand. Linake let out a gasp as she looked down at the necklace. The chain was kind of delicate looking, just a simple rope pattern and silver in color, but what caught Linake's attention was the pendant in the middle-Black Onyx, like the hilt of my sword! Linake felt her eyes beginning to fill up with tears, not even knowing how to take a gesture like this from a man like Kenpachi.

"It's beautiful, Linake. May I?" Rukia asked as she walked up behind her.

"Yes, please!" Linake answered as fresh tears began to fall down her cheeks.

Rukia took the delicate necklace from her and carefully unclasped it, placing it around Linake's neck and clasping it once more. The heart hit the swell of Linake's neck, sitting high up, any shorter and it would have resembled a choker. The small black heart gleaming under the over head lights of the room. Linake reached her hand up, grasping the small heart in her hand.

"Now you have something new!" Amaya smiled, catching Linake's attention.

Linake's jaw fell at her friends comment; she couldn't believe she had almost forgotten the tradition of their world!

"I don't have anything borrowed, old or blue..." Linake replied back.

"What do you mean?" Isane asked, her brow furrowing.

"In our world, it's good luck to have something borrowed, something new, something old and something blue, on your wedding day." Amaya explained.

"It's kind of a silly superstition." Orihime giggled.

Linake smiled, not going into anymore detail on the matter as she wiped her eyes and faced Rangiku once more.

"Okay...make me pretty!" Linake demanded the squad 10 lieutenant.

Byakuya turned his body from the three women, knowing with him present the other women could not change into their kimono's.

"I'll be right outside while the rest of you change..." Yumichika announced as he followed Byakuya outside of the room and pulled the pocket door closed.

"Something borrowed, something old and something blue..." Byakuya spoke his thoughts aloud.

"Quite a strange tradition if you ask me." Yumichika offered his opinion.

" Yes, even so, I think I have the perfect piece." Byakuya stated, surprising the squad 11 3rd seat even further.

"Forgive me if I sound rude, Captain Kuchiki, but, it seems like you're going out of your way for Linake. Do you mind me asking why?" Yumichika stated.

Byakuya paused in the hallway, his face as stoic as ever as he met the man's gaze.

" Linake brings out the best in that man, so for her sake, I will offer her my assistance." Byakuya answered before giving Yumichika his back.

"Yes, she does..." Yumichika agreed with a smile.


"What the hell is this?" Kenpachi demanded as Renji laid out his new Hakama out on top of Kenpachi's desk.

Renji chuckled as he stepped back, giving the man enough room to see what he was expected to wear today, while Sosuke Aizen stood in the doorway, a soft smile on his lips as he watched the three men.

"It's what Yumichika ordered..." Ichigo added.

"Tch. It's purple..." Kenpachi countered, the side of his lips lifting into a bit of a sneer.

"Yeah, so? Linake's dress is light purple..." Ikkaku blurted, making Ichigo reach over and elbow him in the gut.

"What the hell was that for!?" Ikkaku growled.

"You Idiot! Don't you know Kenpachi isn't supposed to know anything about her dress!" Ichigo sighed.

Kenpachi grinned as he looked up at the men.

"Light purple, eh?"

"From Amaya's memories, Linake looks quite beautiful in it." Aizen added.

Renji sighed, shaking his head before he spoke again.

"Yeah, it's a really soft purple, all of you men are wearing a darker shade. Yours is the darkest, Captain Zaraki." Renji explained before walking over to Ikkaku and shoving another bag at the squad 11 lieutenant.

"Wait, you mean I have to wear one of these too?" Ikkaku scowled.

"What's the big deal?" Ichigo countered.

"Yeah, really. Would it kill ya to do it for one day? It's for Linake..." Renji countered.

"I don't see the two of you wearing anything like this..." Ikkaku growled.

"That's because we're not a part of the ceremony. If you want, I'll put it on and walk Linake down the aisle." Renji snapped.

Kenpachi lifted his head, his gaze furrowing.

" What's that?" Kenpachi countered.

Renji turned his gaze back to his former captain, another sigh escaping him.

" It's tradition for someone to give away the bride to her husband. Like how Captain Kuchiki walked Rukia to me on our wedding day." Renji explained.

" I was told last night that I have the honor, Captain." Ikkaku stated.

Kenpachi turned his gaze back to the dark purple Hakama in front of him-this wasn't about him or Ikkaku, it's always been about Linake and allowing her have something she would normally get in her world; if it made her happy to see him in this, he'd wear it, and so would Ikkaku.