Blame Game Chapter 2 A wedding to relish, a bleach fanfic

Hello Everyone!

After many positive and welcoming requests about continuing this I have decided to do so!

Here is Chapter 2 of Blame game hopefully just as good as the first!

please enjoy and leave a review!

Byakuya clasped his hands together, resting his chin. He didn't quite enjoy the current predicament he was in.

His eyes were closed as he listened to the pressing news. "Nii-sama, I have been informed by the nurses from the 4th of the baby…" Rukia hands gripped at her pants, eyes aimlessly staring at the wooden floors. His pride could not be destroyed or ruined, she is perfect. Granted people made mistakes, this current issue is a massive headache for him. 'The Elders will learn of this eventually, we have to act first. Our admission will look better on paper…' Byakuya thought. Rukia would be protected at all costs. "Does Renji know?" Byakuya had given his blessing personally to Renji after he had caught them in a compromising position, one too many times. "No." she had thought her brother would attack her verbally. He definitely was going to after this. "Nii-sama. I am unsure of who the actual father is." She wasn't making a noise, just desperate sounds of air trying to enter into her lungs, accompanied with a few slow tears pooling at her chin. Byakuya's eyes bugged out in surprise, she couldn't have done that. Was she unfaithful to Renji? 'No.' He dismissed the thought immediately.

"Explain Rukia." His voice was stern, he needed answers now.

"Nii-sama, the two possible people…" Good it wasn't more than three, less hassle to hide the bodies.

"Would be, Renji Abarai." She took a deep breath, this was difficult to get off her chest.

"And Ichigo Kurosaki." His power fluctuated for a second, causing Rukia to feel paralysed. Her breath hitched as he reigned it in.

It resurfaced. "Were you Unfaithful?" He regained his natural posture and pose, back to his stoic self.

"Nii-sama, it was before Renji…" She looked pensive and apprehensive at her brother.

"How did this come about?"

"Alcohol was involved." Ah, so there weren't any feelings attached. Still, made of a mess of a situation to deal with. He had to make sure. "And do you, Rukia, have feelings for either?"

She didn't want to get her brother involved in something that was entirely her fault. "Nii-sama, I was drunk. It was my body permitting my desires, not my soul." That stung, her words ached in her heart. Maybe it was due to what she had done to her friend. "Renji, is the only man I currently see myself with." she finished.

"The dilemma, Rukia, is what if the child is Ichigo's?"

"I will hide it for as long as I can."

"Are you sure of this?"

"Yes, Nii-sama. I am certain." Rukia was looking at him, eyes focused, nothing waived in her spirit, from what he could tell.

"Let this be a lesson, A child yearns for its blood. Life built on a lie, a lie made by those who set the foundation will not always be forgiven so easily." Byakuya stared at her closely. Confirmation bias is dangerous. He knew he couldn't stop her. Rukia shook her head in acknowledgement.

"I have three options for you."

"Yes Nii-sama." This was where the conversation was leading up to.

"You either keep the child, Give it up or dispose of it…" She held her breath for what felt like years. A minute had passed.

"Hefty choices are in your hands. Whatever you decide on I will support." Byakuya scanned her pale face, his statement took the life out of her temporarily.

"Thank you Nii-sama…" Rukia had made her mind up long before. She saw a Hell-butterfly flying towards Byakuya. Gently landing on his index finger, it was a Taicho meeting. Set for ten minutes from now. "Rukia, I am needed elsewhere. Hopefully this exchange has been enlightening."

"Yes, Nii-sama." Bowing her head she left his office, she needed to mull over this. Taking her hand she put on her slightly swollen stomach and rubbed it. She knew who the father was, she rather went into the pregnancy fully into denial. Having to discuss this with Renji would be awful.

Early September hit Karakura, the heat was excruciating. Everyone was with each other during the summer break, minus Uryuu. A studious and diligent as ever, always preparing in advance. Over the months they had come back from the Soul Society, they had pursued their goals in higher education. Ichigo is studying to become a translator, Orihime on the other hand got a full time job at a Bakery. Truly the dream job for the bubbly women. Chad on the other hand, had received an offer for a boxing scholarship. Who would have thought? The three of them were casually strolling the streets of Karakura reminiscing as they went.

It had been a while since the group had heard of news from the Soul Society, regarding rebuilding. Granted it had been 2 months since they left. Orhime ran up ahead a couple of steps, turning around in front of Ichigo, causing him and Chad to stop. "Kurosaki-kun, would you want to go to Rukia's wedding as my date?" Her face was red, he couldn't tell if it was from the sunny weather. "Yeah, sure." He gave her a warm smile, it melted her mind. He was too handsome.

Chad smiled slightly as he watched the sweet moment, Ichigo looked his way. Raising his hand he gave Ichigo an enthusiastic thumbs up. "What's that for?" Ichigo was dumbfounded and looked clueless at his friend's reaction, Chad was clearly hinting at something. Orhime was blissfully reliving his confirmation in her head. It did really happen.

All parties disbanded after the sun began to sink into the horizon. 'A wedding? already? Something happened. She wouldn't be recklessly marrying someone only after two months?' Ichigo's heart still rested very much in her palms, he hated that this was the only time he had heard anything from her since their confrontation. He regretted what he said, however his decision was right she needed to see his commitment. Maybe that would have awoken her feelings for him, but that seemed to be the opposite.

12 days from now, he had to see one of his biggest mistakes in his life walk away. He was happy at least, she didn't truly play him like a fool. Besides he had someone else on his mind, a certain ginger was really catching his eye quite frequently. Making his way to his house, he greeted his family. Isshin was serious, he seemed like a fossil not moving at all, he sat at the dining room table forehead resting on his hands, elbows supporting him. 'Ah, tonights the night.'

Explaining the spiritual world to his sisters was certainly going to be an interesting time. "I'm back." He greeted his family. Yuzu was comfortably working around the kitchen making dinner, Karin was sitting on the coach trying to relax and watch some television. "Ichi-ni-san! Dinner's almost ready, please make your way to the table!" Yuzu greeted happily to Ichigo. "Yo." Classic Karin. Ichigo took his hand and ruffled her hair. "What was that for?" Ichigo ignored the comment and walked to his dad, joining him at the table. "Never seen you this serious in awhile." Ichigo called looking at his dad.

"Ichigo…" Isshin's voice was laced with seriousness. Ichigo's eyes widened in anticipation for what was coming.

"When will I get my grandchildren?" Moving his head, he now looked directly at Ichigo staring with intensity.

Single hit on his forehead was a good enough answer. "How dare you, hurt your father!" Isshin was rubbing his head repeatedly.

"Ichigo! He is our only parent left. Don't hit him so hard!" Yuzu yelled, she truly disliked the abuse the two men would exchange with each other.

"My darling daughter cares for her daddy!" Fake tears, it sold his act per usual. But the Kurosaki family were very much accustomed to it.

"Karin come to the table, the food is ready." Yuzu called out, a sigh was her answer.

Karin begrudgingly got up and walked to the table, in the centre was a pot of curry, Ichigo's favourite. "Great." Her comment seemed to tick off Yuzu. "It's Ichi-nii favourate, so be grateful to eat it!" Yuzu was not one to miss an occasion and today was a small but nonetheless important day to be together as a family.

Dinner went on, relatively normally. Isshin is always curious about the love life of his children. Causing certain remarks, kicks being thrown underneath the table to shut up the dramatic dad.

"I do not have anyone!" Karin was so insistent on the fact, the family knew she was too busy to attempt being in a relationship, especially with her Football nationals coming up. No distractions for the best Striker in Japan! But playing with her head seemed fun from time to time.

Plates finished, bellies full, pot demolished. "Now onto the main course." The girls looked in confusion at their father. "We have already eaten, you had three servings!" Yuzu was shocked, did he think this was christmas dinner! "No my caring child, It's something of importance." Isshin pushed his plate forward to make room to rest his arms. "You're not normally this serious, right Ichigo?" Karin asked the eldest seeing he knew their father a bit more. "Karin, just be quiet and listen, you can ask questions later." She nodded quietly like a mouse.

"My fabulous daughters, us a family, have always been spiritually aware of certain things that happen in this town, correct?" quick nods, affirmed him.

"Well, there's a lot more than seeing the dead walk around." Isshin took a deep breath looking at Ichigo. he simply nodded.

"I'll explain in one go. We live in the Human World: This is where we live. The places we see everyday, like our home and schools. Then there is the Soul Society-" Karin and Yuzu looked at each other in confusion before uttering it. "Huh?" Isshin took another deep breath, gosh this was harder than it had to be.

"When people pass away, their spirits go to a special place called Soul Society. It's like a big city with good guys called Soul Reapers who keep everything in order and protect everyone. Your brother and I are one of them." Deadpanned looks adorned on the twins, they couldn't believe what was coming out their fathers mouth.

"There is also the Hollow World. There are also not-so-nice spirits called Hollows. But that's not important for now, you'll know about that eventually." Isshin gathered at their reactions and they couldn't really believe it.

"The reason why I'm telling you this is, we will be moving back to the Soul Society permanently." Sounds were coming from their throats but no words were forming.

"I understand that it's a lot of information to take in. Tomorrow you'll not be attending school and heading to a special shop with Ichigo and I." Mouths agape, what the actual hell was going on?

"Go rest up, you will answer anything, tomorrow." Isshin got up, collecting the plates and walking to the kitchen to wash up.

"Tou-san you can't say outrageous things so casually we have questions you said you would answer!" Yuzu spoke up first, her mind boggling.

"I'm too tired, I'm old yuzu." He dramatically acted out his drowsiness by snoring.

"Fine, Karin. Let's go, they're not ready." Grabbing her sister's hand she ran up the stairs stomping as she went along.

Ichigo sat there silently, their arms crossed. "I feel dirty…" his father sighed. "We were supposed to have this conversation with Masaki. She would have done it better." Isshin looked down at the sink, hands gripping the basin.

"You did good. I have no complaints." Ichigo had gotten up and lightly tapped on his father back in reassurance.

Isshin smiled, he was glad it was over. Taking child innocence about the makeup of the universe wasn't as pretty as he imagined.

12 days had come and gone, he had been busy almost every single day. Explaining and teaching his sisters about the spiritual world. He needed this break, even though it wasn't ideally somewhere he would go first to take a break.

Being escorted by an unseated member of the 1st division he walked through the Senkaimon. Ichigo was wearing an all black suit, even wearing black gloves, winter in the soul society was harsh. From top to bottom it was black, he had blacked out Ray bans resting on his head even. Dressed for a funeral for sure. Orihime walked quietly along his side. She wore a white Kimono, with pink and orange flowers scattered all over. Accompanied with a gold sash. She wore her hair in a bun accompanied with two simple pins. She had one lock of hair to the left of her face free from the bun, Ichigo liked how it made her look cute.

Walking out the Senkaimon they had arrived in the hot Soul Society, Ichigo had now definitely regretted wearing this out. Luckily the ceremony would be taking place inside the well conditioned Kuchiki manor. "I really thought I could catch a break from this heat back home…" Sighing he swept the forehead sweat with his hand and fixed his hair that clung to it. "It's even worse than I expected, "Rukia-san warned me to dress light. Guess I didn't take her advice all too lightly!" Orihime said in a chipper mood, giggling at her own joke. Ichigo smiled, he was going to be ok.

The pair stood by the Senkaimon to be escorted, however the Kuchiki servants were clearly taking their time for some unknown reason.

Ichigo's 2nd worst nightmare is walking towards him and Orihime. "Ichigo don't you look handsome! And Orihime, clearly trying to impress your strawberry friend here!" Rangiku, no better yet, a drunk Rangiku had greeted them first. Ichigo could only blush at her comment thinking about what she had said about Orihime.

"Thank you Matsumoto-san…" She didn't deny it and her looking away, blushing nonetheless clearly was an admittance.

Her plan had worked, she just knew how to get people flustered no matter the circumstance. "Well you guys are awfully early for the wedding. It's only two hours from now." she was a bit tipsy, she had tumbled heads first into ichigo's chest, he supported her his, face clearly unimpressed. "Rangiku, it's in three hours" Now was the best time to sober up! Her eyes widened in realisation. "Huh! I was only drinking for an hour! Right? I will have to go, the Kuchiki servants will be here soonish. BYE!" she said in a series of shunpos.

"Her and Alcohol." Ichigo shaked his head, no matter the occasion she was already drowning herself one way or another. Orihime nodded in agreement.

Several minutes later the servant arrived utterly out of breath. "Kurosaki Ichigo, Inoue Orihime. I am gravely sorry for my incompetence. I was late due to-" His hands on his thighs, deep breath was what was keeping him from collapsing.

"Look, you arrived. There is no reason for you to give an excuse, we still have time to make it. Take us there please." Ichigo had interrupted his sincere apology. He just wanted to get out of the heat before he began to smell…

"Yes, right this way." turning on his hill the servant began to walk in the direction of the Kuchiki manor.

Rukia was nervous, granted the reception was awfully small. So was her bump on her stomach, these past few weeks have made her quite self conscious about her body. Renji being the amazing person he was, always praised her motherly beauty? She wasn't a mother just yet, but the praise she would get from Renji made it more bearable to bear down the sin of having this child. Renji had been quite enthralled about Rukia's body, time after time he would try to engage with her in his sexual proclivities.

Disgusted, everytime. Time after time, he would touch her, this urge to rebuke anything related to him came over. Guilt was an awful thing, it was difficult to explain to Renji why. Simple answer was, 'I'm not in the mood.'

She hadn't told him it might not be his, she couldn't afford losing another piece of her soul. If it had to be any day, it would be after they were married she needed to break clean.

"Kuchiki-sama preparations are ready and the time has come."

Her face was drained of blood, shit she was getting married soon.

She nodded, the Shoji doors to her room closed. Then it opened again.

"Kuchiki-sama Inoue Orihime is here to see you, can I let her in?"

"Yes, please do…"

Turning around in her room, she looked towards her mirror gazing at her attire, A pure white Kimono, she had a see through veil. That was not currently covering her face.

"Rukia-san! You look beautiful!" Orihime stood at the doorway gasping, hands covering her mouth, yes tearing up. She was truly awe stricken.

Rukia laughed at her reaction.

"Thank you." A smile as genuine as the heat accompanied her.

"Rukia-san, I have some lovely Strawberry Flowers. I thought they would look good with your veil…" Orihime was unsure, she really didn't want to impose her Ideas on the bride. Of all people.

Rukia's face blushed in surprise, what an amazing friend. "Inoue-... Orihime, Your Idea would be welcomed.

Orihime giggled and prepped her veil with the Strawberry flowers, Rukia loved them. They carried on conversing, her mind finally drifted away from the impending wedding and eventual child.

She was blissful.

"Oi, Ichigo!" Renji was scampering along with a new camera from the world of the living in his hands, clearly something Byakuya bought for this occasion. He was wearing a black Montsuki Haori with white pants. 'Here we go…' The Soul Society really needed to update others on technology. "Hey Renji." his words came off quite rude, he seemed irritated in Renji's eyes. Ichigo didn't care or know the tone of voice he used.

"..." Renji walked up to Ichigo without saying a word, his expression thin lipped.

"What!" He gave him what he deserved, a simple hit on his head in one fell swoop.

"You can't use that tone with me! It's my wedding day!" Renji had set things straight, no one would ruin this. Not even the Soul King.

"Yeah, yeah. Whatever. Clearly you want me to take pictures…"

"yes…" He sheepishly admitted

"Don't look so down, I'll gladly take them for you." It was now Ichigo's turn to hit him, quite hard.

"Lifesaver you sure are. I have to get going, I'll see you at the ceremony!" Renji turned on his heels and walked away, throwing a thumbs up. 'An hour from now, she will be gone…'

His scowl deepened. 'Not today.'

Putting the camera strap around his neck, he went to look for company.

Orihime and Ichigo stood at the back left of the readily available seats, every single one of them taken. "Sorry Kurosaki-kun, but the bread…" Her mouth began to water, and the food bar was loaded with freshly baked bread. "It's fine, it took me a while to find you." Orihime, blushed. Such a simple statement not meant for anything else could get her like this, Ichigo could make her like this…

Ichigo looked around as he was currently underneath the shaded tree. The Kuchiki estate was larger than he had expected. This was just one of the very many gardens they had. Along the chairs were beautiful ribbons adorned with blue and white flowers alike, that travelled along the outerside. The path in the middle was adorned with tiles of the Kuchiki symbol littered all the way to the altar where Renji stood readily, nervously. Looking at the crowd, he spotted the two.

Ichigo raised his thumbs up and picked his camera, taking his first shot of the day.

'Best one yet.'

Renji straightened up, the crowd went dead silent. The bride was here. He didn't want to see her, but to keep up appearances he had to.

As beautiful as the first snowfall, his white moon made its way slowly to the path. Accompanied by Byakuya, wearing a similar attire to what Renji was wearing.

He was stunned, her skin flawless; soft, delicate, it seemed crisp. Just like the first fruits of winter, an Apple. She really was blossoming. Stomaches churned, this awful feeling. He was getting married, the other was losing something. His scowl deepened, the other's smile faltered with his quivering lips. Both are so emotional.

Ichigo put his glasses on and faced away, gripping the camera tightly. Sighing he slowly turned around. They were walking in slow motion, at least the camera would hide what his expression was saying. Crouching a bit he readied his camera until they had gotten closer. Fuck me, his heart beating, sweat felt like rushes of water slicking down his back. Had the shade moved?

Rukia, walked in comfortable silence as she reached the beginning of the path, Byakuya was going to give her away to another man, a man she surely did love? A simple flash caught her eye, oh the photographer. She moved her eyes to the left of her to take a quick glance at them.

'Shit.' She hadn't expected him at all, she faltered nearly tripping. But Byakuya caught on, just as fast he readjusted her, no one besides the few with the trained eye could have seen what had occurred. They had walked past- she didn't want to think of him now, Renji was in front of her. She couldn't seem to smile, neither could he.

The ceremony commenced, both saying vowels, as well exchanging sake cups. The symbolism of the union, it was truly breathtaking. He couldn't bear to take any more pictures, the last one was them kissing, that drew the line. Dropping the camera to let it hang he closed his eyes and tilted his head to the ground below.

She wasn't stopping him from being happy, he forced himself into this corner. He wanted this right? Nothing could stop him now, he had another that could help stop the rain. Reaching his hand out he lightly touched the bubbly woman next to him who was still nibbling on the fresh bread.

"Hey… Orihime, I would like to hang out with you sometime. Just me and you?" He asked, he was looking at her through the glasses. She blushed, and was looking at the ground.

"I would like that…"

Yeah, everything was going to be alright.

With this new conviction, he had taken the photo of them walking down the aisle. He was changing for the better.

Eight years down the line, Eight years since he asked her out, seven years since he had told her about that night. Seven years since she got pregnant, six when she gave birth.

All those memories, gone for good.

He wouldn't expect his child of all people to tell him about her infidelity. "Tou-san, what will you do now?"

Ichigo was tearing up. A few drops managed to escape, he felt like a wimp crying in front of his son. "What we will do, is that we will be going with your Sofu to the Soul Society, without your mom, for now." He corrected Kazui.

Ichigo was in the Kazui's room ravaging through his cupboards and placing whatever his son wanted into the tog bag, he needed to leave this place.

He had not expected his son to tell him, about a week ago, that his Kaa-san was leaving the house at random times and coming back rather late forgoing so many responsibilities.

She had been more distant lately, not wanting to touch Ichigo in any circumstance. The same could be said for Ichigo. Granted he was moving to the Soul Society with his whole family, as his dad had just gotten his acquittal finalised, Isshin was ready to come back as the head of the clan. Him going back there, made him hope for something that was impossible. Orihime might have caught on, however he was only ever committed to her since the day he had taken her as his wife.

Taking the tog bag of his personal stuff and Kazui's. He grabbed his son's hand gently and began walking to Urahara Shoten. Every step he took made his heart feel constricted, she really had to go and do something so wicked with Uryuu.

Having to see them have sex at a motel, he didn't confront them. Just saw what he needed and left, no conflicts, no raging moment where he felt the need to beat him up. Just utter heartbreak.

His letter, he left, said everything he needed to say.

I know what you did and have been doing. I'm going now with our son, hopefully you'll find it in your heart to forgive me for taking your sunshine.

Simple.

They had made it, Yuzu, Karin and Isshin had already gone through the Senkaimon moments earlier.

"Where's your wife Kurosaki-kun?" Urahara asked in a mischievous tone.

"In the past." He walked into the Senkaimon, leaving Urahara confused for the first time in a millennia.

That's it for the 2nd chapter hopefully you all enjoyed that!

What will Orihime do now? What does the future look like now that Ichigo is living permanently in the Soul Society?

What has happened to Rukia and Renji over these eight years?

more to come in chapter 3!

All those curious about the third instalment please be aware I will be super busy and will take a longer time than usual to finish it!