Disclaimer: I do Not own Bleach
Oh I added a paragraph at the very end on Page 12 Chapter 20. Hope you like.
Everything by Lifehouse is what I dedicate to this chapter. (It's in the soundtrack, the song should start right when she walks the aisle. ;) )Please review.
A/N: This link is my fanmade wedding album of the intricate details of the wedding. Not the entire album...the Hitsugayas are very private you know. Check it out first before reading this chapter if you want. Please review. Check out this link to get a good idea of how lavish it all is. Please Review...
http:/ /w w w. face book .com /album .php ?aid= 2639&id=100002235125900&l=b48f5a7d90 ... take out ALL the spaces after you paste.
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WATASHI NO KOKORO
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Chapter 23
From a Dream
...
"Heh...kawaii!" Yachiru exclaimed as Soifon-taicho placed a 'Future Mrs. Hitsugaya' sash over Hinamori's shoulder.
"Now Yachiru-chan, you have to go home in an hour, okay?" Ise reminded the little girl.
"Mou...why? But it's only 7 p.m!"
"Rangiku-san is now bringing out the sake...you can't be here. But we'll see you tomorrow at the wedding, ne fukutaicho?" Unohana contributed.
"Okay fine... but I can stay much later tomorrow, right? Since Kenny will be with me."
"That's right, and -"
"Oi, everyone! Izuru, Ayasegawa and Shuhei have arrived!" Matsumoto called out, clapping.
Hisagi and Kira drunkenly stumbled in the room, already taking off their robes. "Matsumoto-san said...said that you all will pay good money to see us dance..." Kira comically slurred.
"Huh? I thought this was an all girls party Rangiku-san?" Rukia was a little confused as well as the other fifteen girls that were invited.
"Nonsense! Just make sure that whatever happens in this room stays in this room. You got that ladies?"
It was Yachiru's queue to leave the banquet which was located in the 8th division building. Where Ise Nanao offered to hold this 'bachelorette' party that Matsumoto had been raving about all week.
"Goodnight, Yachiru-chan. I'll see you tomorrow afternoon, okay?" Momo gave the younger girl a hug.
Inwardly wishing she could go with Yachiru when she realized what Rangiku had planned. But since the party was held on her behalf, she couldn't possibly just leave.
Damn...
Hinamori didn't feel like drinking at all. The smell of sake alone makes her nose wrinkle in distaste. Although earlier in the day, the whole pampering part was fun. Her nails are now nude pink, it's such a pretty color. The girls took her to a salon in town where they had a massage and had her entire body buffed, it was a little painful, but was worth all the trouble. She never looked so refreshed and was even allowed an afternoon nap.
"Open the gifts we brought you Hinamori-san!" Isane and Nanao prodded, who both didn't want to join in the debauchery.
Thankful that she wasn't forced to take a gulp of sake, Momo became excited to see all the presents...
...
Toushiro knew these places existed, but was just never curious about them...
He had gone back to the 11th division to apologize to Ikkaku and was surprised when Zaraki-taicho invited him for 'dinner' along with Kyourako-taicho and Renji.
Hitsugaya had to keep checking if his mouth was left agape. Are these girls for real? Walking around serving their food and drinks...without their robes!
Madarame and Renji were absorbed in one of their heated conversations about the biggest hollows they've come across. Kyourako and Kenpachi also so nonchalant about their surrounding. They were raising their cups to toast the young soon-to-be married taicho.
"Hope you made the right decision, Hitsugaya-taicho!" Kyourako said, then drunkenly chortled.
"Here, here." Kenpachi agreed.
"Uh...thank you."
For the first time Hitsugaya wished he was...small. Like he was 4 ft tall again. He kept lowering his eyes everytime a server refills a drink, feeling guilty to be staring. He just felt guilty being there period.
"It was that big, I tell you!" Abarai insisted.
"Ahe! You're full of shit, I was there!" Ikkaku reminded.
"How about you Hitsugaya-taicho, what's the biggest hollow you've come across?"
"I don't remember...don't these women have husbands that they go home to?"
Renji almost doubled-over at such an innocent yet relevant question. Realizing at how young the taicho really is, and the only taicho to be getting married too.
"You've never been in here before?"
"No. Nor would I want to come back." Toushiro was getting annoyed at this point, already imagining scenes where it would be Hinamori walking around and have other men gawking at her. It was starting to get disturbing. "Thank you for inviting me Zaraki-taicho, Kyourako-taicho. I'll see you tomorrow." He paid for everyone's dinner and left.
"Wait, I'll walk with you taicho!" Renji followed after the younger man.
Tch. It's already past 10 pm, he wanted to get a good nights sleep for the big day tomorrow. "Sure. Abarai."
"Sorry. We just thought since you're getting married tomorrow...that maybe you need to say goodbye to your bachelor days."
"I know what you guys were up to. Was this Matsumoto's idea?"
"No, it was Zaraki-taicho and Kyourako-taicho's idea. Matsumoto had her own party for Hinamori-san."
Is that so?
...
It was nearing 11pm when Hisagi, Kira, Matsumoto, Rukia and Momo were on the roof of the 8th division office building. Rangiku still had a bottle of sake in her hand.
"You've never been kissed by anyone but taicho, Hina...Momo-chan?" Matsumoto drunkenly corrected (shrugging Hisagi's now limp arm off her shoulder) since her friend will be soon ridding of her former surname. Albeit she was a little surprised at Momo's confession, knowing that there were a line of men just waiting for her taicho to get out of the girl's way. Though he was temporarily out of the way for three years, and yet she never kissed anyone...
"Nope. But despite the fact, I think he's... a great kisser." Momo shyly admitted, and gestured to stand and take her leave.
Kira helped her, who surprisingly can still stand up. "How...how do you know Hinamori-san if you have nothing to compare it with?"
"I just...know. I really have to-" Kira muffled the last part when he placed his lips on her mouth.
"Kira!" Rukia gasped.
"Oh shit, nobody better mention this to anyone else, you hear? Kira! Let her go!" Matsumoto tried to stand, but got a little dizzy.
Hinamori had finally pushed Kira away and didn't think twice before punching the man so hard that he fell off the roof like a rag doll.
"Oh, shit! Kira...I'm so sorry!" He's so drunk, he doesn't know what he's doing...
"Momo-chan. Go home and get your rest, I'll take care of this. Rukia please walk with her."
"Oi, I'm okay everyone! See?" Kira laughingly said as he waved and stood up. Blood spewing out his nose and from a cut under one eyebrow.
He almost keeled over but Rangiku caught his fall, already wiping the blood from his face, "Baka Izuru!"
"Wha-dd I do? You baka Rangiku-san! For getting me sho drunksh!" Hinamori tried so hard not to laugh as she looked back and started to follow Rukia. I'll apologize to him tomorrow...
"Sigh...what a night, ne Rukia-san? Eh...? Who are these people?" She indicated the two dark forms that were following them.
"Sorry. They're my brother's noble guards. He's been extra protective lately, but please don't mind them."
"It must be hard Rukia-san to have your every move being watched."
"Yes, annoying actually. Sigh... you're so lucky to have all the privacy that you and Hitsugaya-taicho are allowed."
"It must be hard for Abarai-kun too...you guys should get married next!" The girls both laughed. "Well this is me. Thank you for walking me home Rukia-san."
"You'll be married tomorrow...how does it feel?" Rukia curiously asked.
Momo hugged her friend goodnight, "I honestly can't wait."
...
"I'll see you later, Hitsugaya-taicho." Toushiro watched as Abarai almost stumbled to catch up to Rukia.
He also noticed the looming guards disappear the second the redhead was walking next to the girl. Kuchiki-taicho does approve of the match... the young captain's lips twitched at the thought.
Then glanced up at Momo's balcony. He waited for her bedroom light to turn off, then headed towards his division.
...
...
The next day...
~T&M~
Hinamori Momo
~And~
Hitsugaya Toushiro
Request the honour of your company at the celebration of their union.
Saturday, the third of December, Two Thousand and Eleven
One o'clock in the afternoon
At the 10th Division Private Gardens
~Reception to Follow~
...
I like how it didn't include our Gotei 13 titles...
It made her feel giddy as she touched their initials, carved in gold on the lavish dark blue paper. She tucked the invitation back in its light gold envelope. It indicated that it'll start at 1:00 pm, she looked at her clock... It's 11:45am.
Almost.
"Stop moving, Momo-chan. Tsk!"
"Mou...you're so grumpy today Rangiku-san. I told you not to drink that much last night."
"I'm sorry, it's just that I have to go help taicho get ready as well. Even though he didn't really ask me to..."
"Finish my hair and I can dress myself, Rangiku-san. We practiced it remember? Please, just go. Come check up on me when you're ready... I'll be here." Momo gave her friend a reassuring smile.
...
...
"Taicho?"
"Hm."
Hitsugaya was shrugging on his groom's haori. He was looking out his bedroom window, watching as his garden was being transformed into some sort of a dreamland. From one of her good dreams, I hope. He inwardly smiled.
Then glanced up the skies; content to see birds flying from one tree to the next. He felt Matsumoto straightening the back of his robe.
"You did get a haircut taicho. Good. But they couldn't do anything with those spiky bangs of yours? Oh well." She sighed. It still looks exactly the same, only just a tad bit shorter.
"I can dress myself, Matsumoto."
"Lemme just look at you before I check up on Momo-chan okay?" He turned around now, and held his fukutaicho's hand as she tried to pick a nonexistent lint on his sleeve.
"How is she...feeling?"
Rangiku tried not to smile as she caught the concern in his voice. After all this time, he still feels like he has to check on Momo's affections towards him...
"You'll find out soon enough, taicho."
The sound of classical music flowing through from the garden interrupted Toushiro from prodding his vice-captain about Hinamori.
"What's that? A live band?"
"A pocket philharmonic to be exact. With vocalists!"
"How-what?"
"It's like an orchestra but compiled into 10-15 musicians...they can play all the songs you want, taicho. But I just need your memory modifier for later. Thanks to Ayasegawa, he found out about these guys in one of his earlier missions in the real world."
"I know what a Philharmonic is."
Toushiro admittedly liked how it changed the whole ambiance. He was familiar with the classicals, studied it, and came to love Beethoven...much they had in common. His lieutenant was very aware of the fact as the orchestra played the late composer's Opus 73, piano concerto No. 5 along with violins. Then next played Sonata No. 10, "Spring". A most befitting piece...
"We have one hour taicho. The guests will be coming in soon. I have to go."
"I'll see you in a bit. And Matsumoto..."
"Yes?"
"Thank you."
...
...
"Momo-chan, are you ready?"
"Hai. Rangiku-san, you look beautiful!" Admiring her friend's light gold silk kimono with an intricate pattern of sakura blossoms on the left side, along with a sheer ivory obi. She even put the effort of covering her ample cleavage.
"I'll assure you, no one will be looking at me today. Oh, I almost forgot! Place the engagement ring in your right hand...good. Okay, we have 40 minutes left. The minister should already be there."
Matsumoto helped Hinamori put on the black cloak, and carefully placed the hood over her head. "Don't want anyone to see you. Let's go." They flash stepped to the 10th Division office, Rangiku double-checking that the doors are locked.
Momo closed her eyes as she listened to the music. The aroma of spring and newly blossomed flowers intermingled with the crisp, fresh smell of snow...
It's like I'm in a dream. A heavenly dream.
"Okay, good. The camera men are here...did you want to take a look outside?" Her friend asked, peeking through the curtains.
"Eto...no. Rangiku-san... why am I shaking?"
"Are you cold?"
"No."
"Then you're just nervous. It's perfectly normal. Just close your eyes and breathe... "
Matsumoto held her friend's arm. Then started to take off the cloak. Straightening all the little wrinkles of the soft ivory dress; the long train fully spread out from behind. Noticing that Hinamori had indeed grown and filled out in all the right places; accentuated by the gorgeous gown.
She tucked wisps of hair that escaped from the elegant chignon. Making sure the orchids in their bouquets were not wilted, and also making extra sure that the makeup on her friend's neck didn't rub off...
"What's going on Rangiku-san?" Noticing the change in music.
"It's my queue to walk down the aisle...listen to me. Calm down. He's out there waiting for you, ne? You'll know when it's your turn to walk...and don't trip!" Making a joke as they both felt an onslaught of tears coming.
"Oh crap! Momo-chan, here's the vows. Read it when its time. I still have to give it to taicho also..." She said, handing her a small card. They embraced tightly.
Rangiku placed the fingertip-length mantilla veil over her, making certain the sheer lace material covered the younger girl evenly. She gave her a wink before sliding the veranda door open just enough so she can go through. Then Hinamori was alone.
It's your big day, Momo. Be happy, you deserve it. We deserve it.
Thank you, Tobiume.
She was trying hard not to cry. Breathing in and out as instructed; calming down. Shiro-chan... her childhood friend, he's out there waiting for me.
The music came to a stop and all was quiet except for the chirping of birds...
It was the string quartet that began the familiar harmony of Wagner's bridal chorus. Hinamori braced herself as she carefully walked out the door and descended the steps towards the center of the garden. She stopped for a second to look up, basking in the ray of the afternoon sun. The path she had to walk on was clearly marked by a thick overlay of white rose petals. Light pink sakura blossoms falling like raindrops in slow motion...
Exactly like a dream. Only this was real. She smiled.
Then finally glanced to see all the familiar faces that were all focused on her. She had to blush.
Why are they all standing?
Toushiro was dressed in black, his white hair ruffled by the gentlest of breeze. He was at the opposite end of the long aisle, and everyone else seem to fade into the background once she saw him. His lips slanted, but his eyes...
Don't break the pace, Momo. She can almost hear Rangiku reminding her, making sure to maintain her slow walk.
His turquoise eyes never looked so full of emotion...and pride. So lost in his eyes that Hinamori didn't even realize that her 'march' has ended until Toushiro slowly removed the veil over her head, while Matsumoto readily stood by to take it.
He now held her hand. Ready to face the minister...
The next thing she was aware of, they were facing each other and he was being asked, "Hitsugaya Toshirou, will you take Hinamori Momo to be your wife?"
"I do." It rang loud and true, in all his haste and sincerity.
"And you, Hinamori Momo take Hitsugaya Toushiro to be your husband?"
"I do." She said wholeheartedly; tears blurring her vision.
"Now, your vows Toushiro."
Without blinking an eye, he said
"I, Hitsugaya Toushiro, take you, Hinamori Momo, to be my beloved wife, to have and to hold you, to honor you, to treasure you, to be at your side in sorrow and in joy, in the good times, and in the bad, and to love and cherish you always. I promise you this from my heart, for all the days of my life." ...
The minister then turned to her, "And your vows Momo." The tears now freely streaming down her face.
"Huh?... Oh I'm sorry but I didn't have time to memorize it." She laughingly confessed; blushing.
With that crooked smile on his face, Toushiro wiped the tears from her cheeks. There was laughter in the audience...
She read the card that Matsumoto handed her earlier, trying hard not to break away as much from their eye contact.
"I, Hinamori Momo, take you, Hitsugaya Toushiro, to be my beloved husband, to have and to hold you, to honor you, to treasure you, to be at your side in sorrow and in joy, in the good times, and in the bad, and to love and cherish you always. I promise you this from my heart, for all the days of my life."
Then it was followed with the exchanging of rings and the SanSanKudo ritual much to Hinamori's aversion of sake. But she drank it in order to 'seal' their vows. And it wasn't surprising when even this ceremony required some documents to be signed.
In the meantime the little orchestra always doing a beautiful job playing in the background...
Momo bit her bottom lip, as Toushiro signed the last of the marriage papers. He turned to look at her; already knowing what came next as the minister continued.
"...I now pronounce you Husband and Wife. You may kiss the bride."
He cradled her face when he leaned down for the kiss. She tip-toed so he doesn't have to reach so far, but instead was surprised when he carried her bridal style - -most appropriately, and without breaking the kiss. Someone coughed when their moment lingered for another 5 slow seconds. They were grinning at each other when their lips finally unlocked.
"It gives me great pleasure to introduce to you, Mr. and Mrs. Hitsugaya."
Toushiro placed her back down on her feet; held her hand tightly to face their audience and walked down the aisle.
The applause was deafening as Renji and Ichigo were trying to outdo each other's whistles, getting an annoyed look from Rukia and Kuchiki-taicho. Orihime and Matsumoto were next to each other clapping and...crying.
It was a blur after that. The congratulatory hugs, greetings and picture-taking extended for another hour. They were separated during the process.
Rangiku had to pull Momo away from a crowd and drag her to her bedroom. "Eh...Rangiku-san, I was still thanking Kurosaki-kun-"
"We have all evening, it's barely 4pm. You have to change-"
"But I don't want to change into anything else."
Her friend wanted to argue but then thought about it. "Fine little girl, it is your day after all. You can do whatever you want...but let's put your hair down and shorten that train."
"That's a good idea, Toushiro likes my hair down. Eto...where is he?"
"Around. I told him to meet us in the office in an hour...how are you feeling?"
"...Delirious!"
...
A/N: Sorry it ended abruptly. Hehe. Reception still to come... Oh please, please, review.