Chapter 36: A Long-Awaited Return
As Link stepped through the Senkaimon and back into Soul Society, he exhaled in relief. The ordeal with Xcution was behind him, and all he wanted now was to return home to his wives. The warmth of Momo and Rukia's embrace was all he had been looking forward to, but before he could even make it past the gates of the Hylia estate, he found himself confronted by a familiar sight—three formidable women standing in his way.
Rangiku, Soi Fon, and Yoruichi stood before him, their expressions ranging from frustration to relief. He hadn't contacted them since he left, and neither Momo nor Rukia had spoken about his whereabouts.
Before Link could open his mouth to explain, Soi Fon acted first. With speed rivaling a thunderclap, she launched herself forward, wrapping her arms tightly around his torso and burying her face into his chest.
"You idiot," she mumbled, voice muffled against him. "You just left. No word. No nothing. Do you have any idea how worried I was?" Her grip tightened. "I'm not letting you leave again. Not until you marry me."
Link blinked, caught off guard by the sheer vulnerability in her tone. He looked up to Rangiku and Yoruichi, expecting some teasing, but neither woman spoke immediately. Rangiku crossed her arms, huffing dramatically, but her eyes betrayed her genuine concern.
"I was starting to think you ran away because you got cold feet," she said, pouting. "You do know you still owe me a proper proposal, right?"
Yoruichi smirked, though it lacked her usual mischievous edge. "You've got a lot of nerve making us wait this long, Hero." She stepped closer, golden eyes scanning him. "You look like hell. Whatever you went through must have been serious."
Link sighed, his exhaustion catching up to him. "I didn't mean to disappear like that," he admitted. "I was helping Urahara and Ichigo in the world of the living. It wasn't something I could just walk away from."
Soi Fon didn't move from his embrace, and after a moment, he lifted a hand to gently stroke her back. "I'm sorry," he said softly. "I didn't forget about any of you. I just needed to finish what I started."
Yoruichi and Rangiku exchanged glances, their irritation fading.
"Well," Rangiku sighed, stepping closer and leaning on his other shoulder, "I guess we can let it slide this time. But you owe us a proper explanation. And maybe some compensation."
Yoruichi chuckled, placing a hand on her hip. "Agreed. And more importantly, you owe us an answer." She leaned in, eyes gleaming. "Are you finally going to stop making us wait, or do we have to start a war for your hand?"
Link chuckled tiredly. "I don't think I'd survive a war between all of you."
Soi Fon finally pulled back just enough to look him in the eyes. "Then don't make us wait any longer."
Link exhaled, glancing between the three of them. He had always known this moment would come—he had just been waiting for the right time. And after everything, he realized there was no such thing as a perfect time.
Smiling softly, he nodded. "Alright. No more waiting."
The air shifted around them, the tension replaced with something lighter, something hopeful. Rangiku grinned, Yoruichi smirked in satisfaction, and Soi Fon, still clinging to him, allowed herself a rare, small smile.
Finally, Link was home. And his family was only growing stronger.
For the rest of the day, Soi Fon remained glued to Link, as if afraid he might vanish again. Whether she was perched in his lap, clinging to his arm, or simply resting her head against him, she refused to let go. Link didn't mind—if anything, he found her newfound clinginess endearing. Yoruichi and Rangiku, of course, took every opportunity to tease her, but Soi Fon's usual sharp retorts were replaced by a quiet determination to remain at Link's side.
Together, the four of them entered the Hylia estate, where Momo and Rukia were waiting. Momo, now showing the faintest sign of her pregnancy, beamed at Link before rushing into his arms, while Rukia gave him an exasperated look.
"You just got back and already you're bringing more trouble with you," Rukia teased, though the warmth in her voice betrayed her words.
Link chuckled, rubbing the back of his head. "Yeah, well… that's just part of who I am, I guess."
As they all gathered in the living quarters, the atmosphere was warm and lively. The entire Hylia family—both those who had already married Link and those still waiting—were finally together under one roof.
Once everyone had settled, Link looked to Rukia. "I have a favor to ask."
Rukia raised an eyebrow, sipping her tea. "Oh? What is it?"
Link exhaled and straightened up. "How quickly could you help me plan a wedding for myself and the other three?"
Silence fell over the room as everyone processed his words. Soi Fon, still latched onto his side, gripped his sleeve tightly, while Rangiku and Yoruichi exchanged glances of intrigue. Momo, resting beside him, smiled knowingly.
Link continued, "I don't want to make them wait any longer. After everything that's happened, I want them to know that no matter what, I'll always be here. Even if something happens again and I have to leave, I want them to have that assurance."
Before anyone could question whether he would give them a proper proposal, he raised a hand. "And don't worry—I plan on giving each of you a special day before the wedding. Something meaningful, something unforgettable."
Rukia smirked. "Good answer." She tapped a finger against her chin, considering his request. "A massive wedding… in just a few weeks?"
She glanced toward Momo, who nodded excitedly. Then, she sighed dramatically. "You're lucky Byakuya has been planning something behind the scenes. He has a soft spot for you, even if he won't admit it."
Yoruichi laughed. "Byakuya? A soft spot? Now that's a wedding gift in itself."
Soi Fon's eyes narrowed as she glanced between Rangiku and Yoruichi. Without hesitation, she pulled Link even closer to her, her grip almost possessive.
"On the wedding day, I'm the first one he marries," she declared, her voice leaving no room for argument.
Yoruichi smirked. "Oh? Claiming first place, are we?"
Rangiku giggled. "I suppose it makes sense. She's been attached to him all day—might as well make it official."
Soi Fon merely tightened her hold, refusing to be swayed by their teasing.
Link chuckled, wrapping an arm around her waist. "Alright, alright. If that's what you want, Soi Fon."
She buried her face in his shoulder, satisfied.
Rukia sighed. "Looks like I've got work to do."
Momo grinned. "It'll be fun. And a wedding like this will be one to remember."
As the conversation continued, laughter and excitement filled the air. After everything they had been through, the Hylia family was finally moving forward—toward a future that would bring them even closer together.
Later that night, Momo and Rukia made their way to the Kuchiki estate, eager to enlist Byakuya's help in planning the grand wedding. While the two of them worked on logistics, the rest of the women took the opportunity to explore the Hylia estate, each selecting a room to claim as their personal space.
Yoruichi, ever the free spirit, chose a room near the garden. She stretched lazily, grinning as she explained her choice. "This spot gets the best sunlight. Perfect for lounging around as a cat."
Rangiku, on the other hand, made her way to the top floor and picked one of the larger rooms, which featured an expansive walk-in closet. As she admired the space, Soi Fon and Yoruichi both sighed in unison.
"Of course, the fashion queen takes the biggest room," Soi Fon muttered, shaking her head.
Rangiku merely shrugged with a playful smile. "Well, I do have a lot of stuff. Can't exactly cram all my outfits into a tiny closet, now can I?"
As the others laughed, Soi Fon made her way to a room that was as close to Link's as possible. Unlike Rangiku's choice, her room was modest in size, but its proximity to Link's chambers made it the perfect fit for her.
Yoruichi raised an eyebrow. "You're really taking a smaller room?"
Rangiku smirked. "That's not like you, Soi Fon."
Soi Fon blushed under their questioning gazes, hesitating for a moment before answering in a quiet voice. "I… just want to be close. In case Link leaves again." She lowered her eyes, her expression uncharacteristically vulnerable. "I don't want what happened with Yoruichi all those years ago to happen again… and after Link left recently without a word, I—" She cut herself off, shaking her head. "I need to know when he's leaving."
Link, who had been listening quietly, took a step closer and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "If you want to make sure I don't leave like that again, why not just share the bed with Momo and me?"
Soi Fon's head snapped up, her eyes widening.
Link smiled gently. "I mean it. You don't have to worry about being left behind. If it makes you feel better, then stay close. Momo would understand."
Soi Fon hesitated, then turned to Yoruichi and Rangiku, half-expecting them to tease her. Instead, she found them both smiling at her, encouraging her without words.
That was all the reassurance she needed. Without another thought, she latched back onto Link's arm, pressing herself against him as she whispered, "Yes, please."
Yoruichi smirked, crossing her arms. "Guess I'll have to move my room closer, too. Can't have Soi Fon hogging all the time with our husband-to-be."
Rangiku giggled. "Agreed. If she's staking her claim, we might as well get comfortable, too."
Soi Fon shot them both a glare, but her blush deepened as she held onto Link a little tighter. This time, she wouldn't be left behind.
As everyone settled into their rooms for the night, a message arrived from Momo and Rukia, informing Link that they would be staying at the Kuchiki estate. Apparently, Byakuya had anticipated this moment for some time, preparing detailed wedding plans for each of the women drawn to Link.
Meanwhile, Rangiku and Yoruichi gathered in Rangiku's new room, setting up decorations she had secretly hidden away in preparation for her eventual move. They chatted and laughed, their excitement for the upcoming wedding filling the air.
Back in Link's room, he sat on the bed, flipping through a book left for him by Momo and Rukia. His face gradually turned red as he realized it was filled with fantasies and desires they had written for him—things they dreamed of doing together once they were officially wed. Just as his mind was spiraling into deeper thoughts, a soft sound caught his attention.
The bathroom door creaked open, and Soi Fon stepped out, moving slowly and deliberately. The soft glow of the lanterns cast a golden sheen over her toned body, accentuating the sheer black and gold lingerie she wore. The delicate fabric clung to her skin, its patterns reminiscent of a bee's wings, the hem stopping teasingly at the tops of her thighs.
Link swallowed hard as she approached, her usual sharp demeanor replaced with an alluring confidence. She climbed onto the bed with slow, measured movements, her piercing eyes locked onto his.
"You're not going to bed just yet, are you?" she murmured, her voice silky and low as she placed a hand on his chest, gently pushing him back.
Link barely had time to react before she straddled his lap, her fingers tracing along his jawline. Her touch was light yet possessive, a stark contrast to the usual hardened warrior she presented to the world.
"I've waited long enough," Soi Fon whispered, her breath warm against his skin. "You left without a word… and now, you're going to make it up to me."
Link felt his breath hitch as her lips ghosted over his, teasing but not yet claiming. She leaned in closer, pressing herself against him, her confidence growing as she saw the effect she had on him.
"You belong to me now," she whispered, her lips finally capturing his in a deep, demanding kiss as the scene faded to black.
