Finally, the last chapter! It's the longest one I believe (about 9 pages in word. usually it's like 5-7). I'm pretty happy with how it came out. I hope you guys enjoy it too!
And now, the moment we've all be waiting for...
Chapter 21
Rain Dried by White Moon
"THE HILLS ARE ALIIIIIVE WITH THE SOUND OF WEDDING BELLSSSSS…BECAUSE MY BABY DAUGHTER IS GETTING MARRIED TODAY!" Isshin sang, or more accurately, screeched as his car plowed through the roads. Multiple car honks rang through the air, almost like an accompaniment for Isshin's off-key song.
"Dad!" Ichigo exclaimed. "Drive more carefully! I don't wanna die on the day of Yuzu's wedding!"
"Calm down, Ichigo!" Isshin replied. "I've been driving like this for years and never got into an accident. Let me be excited for my baby, OK?"
Ichigo considered correcting Isshin: he had gotten into accidents before. Quite a few times, actually. However, today, he decided not to. Today was the day Yuzu was getting married; of course Isshin would be in a good mood. Hell, Ichigo himself was extremely excited! Ever since the Karakura Dance Tournament, Ichigo had been counting down the days, hours, minutes, till Yuzu's wedding. This morning, when Isshin had gone to Las Noches to pick him, Rukia, Kenpachi, and Toshiro up, Ichigo didn't really mind his eccentric father's back-breaking hug.
"This is so exciting!" Kenpachi said. "I've never been to a wedding before! None of my squad members ever got married. My right-hand man did have a girlfriend, but she stole all his cash and weed and ran off after a huge fight and-"
"OK, that's enough," Toshiro interrupted.
"Hey Toshiro," Kenpachi said as if Toshiro hadn't said anything. "Was your wedding at the Karakura Cathedral too? Momo's gonna be there today, right?"
"Yeah, yeah," Toshiro mumbled, his face slightly red.
As Kenpachi began to bombard Toshiro with questions about his wedding, Ichigo glanced back at Rukia. She'd dressed up nicely today: long purple dress that matched her eyes and a silver butterfly clip that held her bangs back. She'd worn heels too, but was still significantly shorter than Ichigo.
"How tall are you, anyway?" Ichigo asked.
Rukia frowned. "4'8 1/2.""
"Aw, not even five feet? At least you're somewhat close to Karin's height when she was in high school."
"Fuck you."
Ichigo smirked. "Hey."
Rukia smirked back. "Hey."
"What's up?"
"Nothing much, what about you?"
"Same."
"AND HERE WE ARE!" Isshin cried and turned into the parking lot, making such an abrupt stop that everyone lurched forward.
"WEDDING TIME!"
The Karakura Cathedral was the largest church in the area. With its intricate and beautiful architecture, it was a popular site for weddings. Ichigo had actually married Orihime there. It was also where Rukia married Renji.
Stepping into the cathedral and seeing an anxious Jinta sent a wave of nostalgia towards Ichigo. He remembered walking down the aisle, feeling excited but also completely terrified. Had he made the right decision? Was he ready to be married? His doubts had vanished the moment he saw Orihime walk down, looking more beautiful than she ever did.
Ichigo waved to many familiar faces: his childhood neighbors, Yuzu's friends, Karin's friends…he sensed their awkwardness when they recognized him. They all must've heard about Ichigo going to Las Noches, and didn't know what to make of it. The talented, young doctor they'd all respected was a fucking lunatic. Now, he's back from the crazy house, with some guy who looks like he's from the yakuza, a tiny guy with crazy white hair, and a woman who didn't seem to care about anything. Will he flip out the same he flipped out on his wife's lover? Will they be safe?
To Ichigo's surprise, he didn't feel that bad about their blatant discomfort. Sure, it would've been nice if they were more accepting, but what could he do about it? He trusted himself, so did his family and friends. Who cared what these people thought?
"Ichigo!" Ichigo turned and smiled as his high school friends and Rangiku walked up to him. From the corner of his, he could see Rukia look down as Tatsuki came closer and closer. Last time they met, Tatsuki had slapped Rukia and berated her for speaking negatively about Orihime. It was clear they hadn't resolved it since.
"I have to go to the bathroom," Rukia mumbled. As she turned to go, Ichigo took her arm. She looked up in surprise.
"It's OK," he whispered.
Mizuiro hugged Ichigo. "I'm so happy for Yuzu," Mizuiro said. "I bet she's gonna look beautiful down that aisle."
"Hey, don't try anything on her," Ichigo teased. "She and Jinta love each other a lot."
Keigo sniffled. "It feels like yesterday she was just a tween. I feel like a parent and my child's all grown up!"
Tatsuki rolled her eyes. "If you were a parent, your child would never make it to elementary school!"
"Why are you so mean to me?"
"You make it too easy," Uryu said. "Your entire existence is rather amusing, to be honest."
"Uryu, you too?" Keigo whined. He wrapped his arm around Chad. "Fuck you all. I have Chad. He's the only one who treats me with the respect I deserve."
"Sure, if you call the silent treatment 'respect,'" Mizuiro said. He smiled at Rukia. "Hello, Rukia. You look lovely today." At the sound of Rukia's name, Ichigo could see Tatsuki look away, as if she'd suddenly seem something interesting.
"Thanks, you look rather dapper as well," Rukia replied.
"Hey, Mizuiro," Ichigo said, suddenly feeling annoyed. "How are things with that girl from work?" Several days ago, Mizuiro had texted Ichigo about a new lady at work who, according to Mizuiro, was the prettiest girl he'd seen in a while.
"I think it's working out well," Mizuiro answered. "Last night, Sakura and I were texting each other and I asked her out on a date. She said yes. Nanami told me this morning that Sakura said she was really happy."
"Of course she's happy," Tatsuki said. "You make every girl think she's special."
"How do you do it, Mizuiro?" Keigo asked. "I keep asking Midori to give me another chance. I think she blocked me."
"Anyone would, Keigo."
"Fight me, Mizuiro!"
Kenpachi grinned. "If there's a fight, let me join!"
"Idiot, you're gonna get arrested again!" Toshiro hissed as Rangiku laughed.
As everyone started speaking over each other, Ichigo glanced back down at Rukia. She still seemed uncomfortable by Tatsuki's presence. Tatsuki didn't even seem to want to acknowledge Rukia.
"We'll be right back," Ichigo told everyone and led Rukia away.
"Tatsuki doesn't hate you," Ichigo said once they were out of hearing range.
Rukia snorted. "Yeah, I can tell she loves me."
Ichigo thought about his words carefully. "Ever since Tatsuki was little, she's always been very protective of her loved ones, especially Orihime. Even if you're right, in her eyes, you're just some girl that badmouthed her best friend, and that's why she snapped at you. Once she calms down, however, she assesses if she overreacted or not. I've known Tatsuki since childhood, Rukia. I can tell she feels guilty."
"OK, whatever you say," Rukia muttered.
"Ichigo?" Ichigo turned and standing there was Urahara, holding hands with a beautiful, dark-skinned woman. Urahara was wearing a suit, and didn't have his striped bucket hat on, which felt strange to Ichigo. Rukia stiffened.
Urahara grinned. "Ichigo! My my, you certainly clean up well. You look handsome in that suit."
"Thanks, Urahara," Ichigo said. "You look pretty good too. Is this your wife?"
Urahara's grin was replaced with a coy smile. "Yes, this is Yoruichi. We've been married for eleven years."
"Pleased to meet you," Yoruichi said in a honeyed voice. "My husband has told me a lot about you." She looked at Rukia. "Long time no see, Rukia."
"Hi, Yoruichi," Rukia murmured.
Eyes wide, Ichigo glanced back and forth between them. "You two know each other?"
Yoruichi smiled. "Rukia and I used to work at the same law firm. We know each other pretty well."
Ichigo looked back down at Rukia and suddenly, he knew. Yoruichi was the woman Rukia had an affair with. The woman who suggested that Rukia check into Las Noches.
Ichigo quickly stared at Urahara, jaws open. "You-"
Urahara raised a hand. "Yes, Ichigo I know the story. I've known way more about Rukia then I've let on, but I pretended to barely know her so that you could find things out yourself, and I told you a bit about her husband to develop your interest."
"You manipulative, lying bastard," Ichigo said, somewhat amused, somewhat annoyed. "How could you-"
"I knew it would be good for the two of you," Urahara said. "It was the right thing to do no matter how you look at it."
Ichigo shrugged. "I mean I guess, but I can't believe you lied to me. I guess I shouldn't be surprised."
"Attention, everyone!" An old man, definitely the priest, announced. "The ceremony is about to begin. Please take your seats."
"Well it was nice talking to you, Ichigo!" Urahara said, his voice cheery again. "Thanks for inviting us, by the way."
As Urahara and Yoruichi left to find their seats, Ichigo looked down at Rukia, whose expression was strangely blank. "Let's go sit down."
Ichigo and Rukia sat down in the front row. Rukia had gone silent, and Ichigo wondered if something was up. Just when he decided whether to ask or not, the wedding theme played.
Jinta stood at the altar, looking as if he were about to faint. His skin had paled and Ichigo could see beads of sweat rolling down the side of his face. Ichigo smirked. Though he wasn't even thirty yet, watching Jinta made Ichigo feel old.
The doors behind them opened, and everyone turned around. The flower girl entered first, scattering light pink petals around. Then, Yuzu came in, with Isshin and Karin by her sides. Murmurs of awe swept through the room. Yuzu looked beautiful. Her dress was strapless, and flowery patterns stretched across. Her brown hair was curled, and for a moment, Ichigo felt that she looked like their mother.
Yuzu seemed to be brimming with joy as she walked down the aisle. Ichigo glanced back at Jinta. He still looked nervous, but the way his mouth hung open as he gazed at his beautiful bride told Ichigo he was going to be alright.
Yuzu reached the altar and she and Jinta faced each other. The priest began his speech.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to unite these two people in marriage…"
Once he finished the first part, Yuzu and Jinta exchanged their vows. The both of them looked as if they were about to cry as their professed their love. Ichigo smiled. Being the protective older brother, he'd always wondered if Jinta was the right choice for Yuzu. Now he understood that Yuzu had made the perfect decision.
Jinta and Yuzu slipped their rings onto each other's finger. The priest continued, "I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride."
And they kissed.
"Ichigo!" Yuzu exclaimed and hugged him tightly. "I'm so unbelievably happy you were able to come."
"Of course I did," Ichigo said as she pulled away. "How could I miss my baby sister's wedding? You did amazing."
"I was so nervous!"
Isshin sniffled. "You're so beautiful, Yuzu." He turned to Karin. "Now, when are you gonna get married?"
Karin rolled her eyes. "Not now Dad, please."
"With an attitude like that, it'll be a miracle if you find someone!" Isshin retorted. He stared hard at Ichigo and Rukia. "Now, when are you two gonna get married?"
Ichigo flushed. "Dad…"
"Wow, I've never been to a wedding before!" Kenpachi cried. "That was great! Can't wait until I have mine!"
"With Unohana?" Rangiku teased.
"You bet."
"Yuzu!" Tatsuki jumped in and gave Yuzu a quick hug. "You look so beautiful, I'm dying! Congratulations!"
"Thank you, Tatsuki-chan!"
Tatsuki turned to Rukia, who was still silent. "Um, can we uh, talk?"
Rukia glanced at Ichigo nervously for a second. "Uh, sure?"
Rukia and Tatsuki walked off. Ichigo prayed things would turn out alright.
More and more people began to crowd around Yuzu. Ichigo backed away to let them talk with her. Smirking, he slipped his hands into his pockets and turned to walk. His smirk faded almost instantly.
Standing right in front of him was a beautiful orange-haired girl in a pale pink dress.
Orihime.
"O-Or-" Ichigo stammered.
Orihime smiled. Ichigo nearly jumped at how gentle it was. Orihime used to smile that way all the time, yet Ichigo felt as if he were seeing it for the first time. "It's OK Ichigo," she said. The smile disappeared. "I, uh, I cancelled the restraining order."
Ichigo blinked. "Really? When?"
Orihime bit her lip. "A couple of days after we met last time." She paused. "Can I…can I speak with you?" She quickly added, "If you don't want to I completely understand, I just-"
"What do you want?" Ichigo asked, suddenly feeling so calm, he almost felt nothing.
Orihime didn't meet his gaze. She led him to a less crowded area. She broke down.
"I-I'm so so so incredibly sorry, Ichigo!" She cried. "I'm so sorry for everything! After…after you found me and Grimmjow, I didn't know how to face you. I felt so guilty for hurting the both of you, but mostly you. And I'm such a coward and didn't want to face that. S-So I divorced you and got that restraining order so that I wouldn't have to see you again. I-I thought that if I didn't see you, I'd be able to move on. B-But I was wrong! I was so wrong! You were the only thing I thought of and when Miss Kuchiki gave me that letter, I didn't know what to do. I was scared to read it and when I did, I felt even more scared. I knew I probably should've spoken to you but I didn't know how!"
Orihime wiped her tears away and hiccuped. More tears welled up in her eyes, though she seemed to be refusing to let them flow out. "When I saw you last time, the panic kicked in again and without thinking I ran. When the cops came, I wanted to say something but my voice failed me and when I saw how hurt you were, I truly understood that we needed to talk. You deserved at least an explanation. So I cancelled the r-restraining order, and I met with Tatsuki. She told me about the dance tournament and I actually attended it and you danced really well, by the way. But I was still too cowardly to face you so I hid in the shadows away from you all." Orihime sniffled and her voice cracked as she continued, "I'm truly sorry, Ichigo. There's nothing I can do to make up for the horrible, disgusting things I did s-so you can not forgive me a-a-and you can hate me. You can say whatever you want to me. I don't care. I understand. I completely deserve it."
Orihime's head hung low, as if waiting for her punishment. Ichigo stared at her. "Why did you cheat on me?" He asked.
Orihime looked up. "Huh?"
"Why did you cheat on me?" He reiterated. "How come you chose Grimmjow?"
Orihime swallowed. "I loved you, Ichigo. I loved you, and that's how I could see that you were hurt. You were sad about something, but you were never able to talk about with me. I knew that it was up to you whether to talk or not, but since I was your wife, I felt inadequate. I felt like a failure of a wife, because I couldn't truly be there for my husband. Grimmjow…Grimmjow was open to me. He opened up to me about everything and I felt like I was needed." She looked down again. "So I did such an awful thing and the both of you were hurt by it and-"
"Orihime," Ichigo interrupted, causing her to flinch. "Is Grimmjow better?"
Orihime looked back up, eyes wide. "W-What?"
"Is he healing? I uh, beat him up pretty bad."
Orihime blinked. "He was released form the hospital a while ago, actually. He's doing well. He recovers fast."
"And do you love him?" Ichigo asked. "Do you really love him?"
Orihime hesitated, as if wondering what to say. Finally, she smiled. "Y-Yes. I do love him. I love him a lot."
Ichigo sighed. "OK. I forgive you."
Orihime's jaw dropped. "What?"
"I forgive you," Ichigo said. He scratched his head. "You know, I was never really angry with you. Hurt and confused as hell, definitely, but never angry. I'd always just wanted an explanation and you gave me one that I can understand. I can't hate you, Orihime. I can never love you again of course, but I can't hate you." He paused. "M-Maybe we can try to be friends again? Like in the old days? If it's alright with you, I wouldn't mind."
Orihime stared at him, then started sobbing hard. "Y-Yes," she said in between sobs. "Let's try t-to be friends."
Ichigo smiled and slowly pulled her into a hug. She clutched his suit and cried into it. "There, there," he said, stroking her small head.
"Y-You're too good, Ichigo," Orihime sobbed.
Ichigo laughed. "Yeah, maybe." He paused. "Though I suppose a big reason I'm not mad is because in a way, what you did ultimately changed my life for the better."
"Um, can we uh, talk?"
Rukia stared at Tatsuki wide-eyed before glancing nervously up at Ichigo. "Uh, sure?"
The two women walked away. Rukia's heart pounded. Of course Tatsuki was going to talk about their strife from the dance tournament, but what exactly? Was she still mad? Or did she forgive her like Ichigo said she would?
Once they were in a relatively remote area, Tatsuki said, "About last time…"
"I'm sorry," Rukia blurted out. "I'm sorry I spoke badly about Orihime. You were right, you know. It wasn't my place to say something like that. I went out of my lane."
Tatsuki looked surprised. "You're sorry? I'm the one who's sorry! I slapped you!"
"Yeah but for good reason," Rukia countered. "Even if my anger was justified, I shouldn't be the one saying things like that. I-It's none of my business."
"Honey, I slapped you," Tatsuki said. She sighed. "It may not have been your place to speak, but I shouldn't have reacted so violently." She scratched her head. "I, uh, I'm really protective of my friends, especially Orihime. She's been my best friend since childhood. So even if you were right, hearing you speak badly about her made me uncomfortable and I have a temper so…"
Tatsuki looked so awkward, like a little kid trying to apologize for breaking a vase. Rukia crossed her arms and smiled. "It's OK. I probably would've reacted similarly if I were you."
Tatsuki laughed. "You know, the moment I first saw you I figured we had something in common, other than the fact we're both close to Ichigo. I can tell you're a good person. I wanna start over." She extended her hand. "Let's be friends?"
Rukia shook it. "Of course."
Tatsuki grinned. All of a sudden, Uryu approached them.
"Hey, Tatsuki," Uryu said. "Keigo is trying to get Chad drunk. I think he might've spiked his drink with something. Chad is starting to act a bit…strange."
"Jesus fuck," Tatsuki groaned. "Keigo." She nodded at Rukia. "Well, I have to go deal with something. I'll see you later, OK?"
"OK."
Tatsuki waved and rushed off with Uryu. Rukia smirked and walked around. So many unfamiliar faces were surrounding her. She searched for a familiar one.
She scanned the area and stopped when her gaze landed on Ichigo…talking with Orihime. Orihime was in tears and Ichigo was looking at her with a gentle expression that made her heart ache. Her mouth went dry as Ichigo wrapped his arms around her.
Rukia clenched her fists. Urahara's words rang through her head clear as a bell. "I pretended to barely know her so that you could find things out yourself, and I told you a bit about her husband to develop your interest."
"Develop your interest?" The words struck a chord in Rukia. What the hell did that mean? Rukia didn't want to think about it, but it stuck with her the entire ceremony. Watching Ichigo and Orihime together, Rukia now understood.
Ichigo never genuinely cared about her. This whole time, he just felt bad for her and saw her as a method of reaching Orihime, his one true love. It made sense. It made perfect sense. Didn't Ichigo start trying to talk to her when he noticed her sitting alone? Didn't he start to put more effort after offending her? Didn't he agree to do the dance tournament with her, just because she offered to deliver a stupid letter for him?
Rukia's eyes stung. She was tearing up. Furiously wiping them away, she stormed off, nearly bumping into Isshin who looked quite confused.
She walked out of the Karakura Cathedral.
"You good?" Ichigo asked as Orihime's sniffles gradually died down.
Orihime giggled and pulled away. "Yes. I'm good. Thank you."
"OK then," Ichigo said. "Let's get back to the party."
As Ichigo and Orihime walked back, Orihime asked, "What's your relationship with Miss Kuchiki, by the way?"
"Rukia? She's my best friend. Why do you ask?"
Orihime eyed him. "You two seemed very close when you danced together. I would've mistaken you two as a couple."
Ichigo flushed. "Um…"
Orihime observed him for a moment and laughed. "Well, whatever you say I guess. I'm going to go find Tatsuki now."
"OK, see you then. I'm gonna go find Rukia." Orihime walked off and Ichigo glanced around the room. Where was that midget?
"Hey, Dad," Ichigo said as Isshin walked by. "Have you seen Rukia anywhere?"
"Rukia? She left."
"She what?"
"She left." Isshin's voice was strangely calm. Very rarely did Ichigo see his father like this. Isshin only really acted so mature when he had something very important to say. "I saw you and Orihime, by the way. I think she did too."
"OK? And..?"
Isshin sighed. "Listen, Ichigo. I'm not that close with Rukia, but I can see how much she loves you. She's someone you don't want to lose."
Ichigo opened his mouth to respond but then closed it. He didn't have to say anything. He understood.
"Thank you, Dad," he said and rushed out of the cathedral.
Panting, Ichigo scanned the area and found Rukia slowly walking about forty feet away. Ichigo ran after her. "Rukia!"
At the sound of her name, Rukia stiffened. She quickly took off her heels, picked them up, and ran. Thank god Ichigo was a fast runner, and that people had trouble running bare foot. He caught up to her soon and took her arm.
"Ruki-"
"LET GO OF ME!" Rukia screeched, jerking her arm away. She glared hard at him, but Ichigo could see tears in her eyes. "Don't talk to me anymore, OK? Nothing's forcing you anymore. You have what you want. Now leave me ALONE!"
Ichigo was taken aback. "Forcing?! What, did you think this whole time I was forced to interact with you?"
"Don't act as if you weren't, Ichigo!" Rukia snapped. "I was there when Urahara spoke to you. 'Develop your interest?' What the fuck does that mean to you, Ichigo?" Her voice softened. "Look, Ichigo, I know this whole time you just felt bad for me. You felt bad for that poor girl who has no friends and a dead husband. I get it. I can't blame you, but I don't wanna have to talk to you knowing you just pity me. So please, let me go."
Rukia turned around. Ichigo grabbed her hand. "No, Rukia," he said firmly. "I'm not letting go. Maybe at first I did just feel bad for you, but I stopped feeling that way quickly. If you were just someone I pitied, Rukia, I would've let you go a while ago. Because with people I pity, I just have them toughen up and when I feel they're OK, I let them be. You were OK Rukia, but I still stuck with you. Wanna know why? Because…" Ichigo paused and suddenly he knew. He knew for sure how he felt. "I love you, Rukia."
Rukia flinched. "You-You're lying. I saw you and Orihime-"
"Orihime and I were just talking," Ichigo said. "We don't love each other anymore. She loves Grimmjow and I love you. I actually fell in love with you ages ago, but I was so stupidly hung up over Orihime that I didn't realize until now. I'm sorry for being so stupid, but I guess that's what love does to you." Ichigo's heart was beating so fast. He was way more nervous now than when he was at the dance tournament. It was almost funny.
Rukia was silent for a long moment. Ichigo was scared she was going to reject him, that Isshin was wrong about her.
Then, finally, after what felt like an eternity, Rukia whispered so quietly it was barely audible, "Do you really mean it? Do you really love me?"
Ichigo smiled and nodded. "I've never been so sure in a long time."
Rukia turned around. There were still tears in her eyes, but her lips twitched into a small smile.
"OK," she said, and stood on her tippy toes. Ichigo leaned down.
As they kissed, the sun above them shone brightly, proudly, without a single rain cloud in sight.
And after over 2 years, Rain Dried by White Moon is finally finished! I felt really nostalgic at the end. It seems unreal to me that I was actually able to finish. I want to thank everyone who's read this story, reviewed, favorited, followed, the people who've been here since the beginning, middle, and those who just started reading recently. It means so much that this story received the attention it did. All the compliments and criticism has helped me grow as a writer and I cannot thank you all enough for being so patient with the long updates and just being supportive.
I've actually decided to write an epilogue, which I've uploaded along with this final chapter. It's short and sweet, I hope you all are satisfied with it.
Also, this is almost definitely the last fanfiction I'm going to write. As you've all noticed, it takes me a long time to update and with college coming up, I know I'm going to have even less time to write. If I have time one day, maybe I'll start a new story but as of now, it looks like I'm done. Again, thank you all for reading this. It's made my experience here better.