Hello everyone!

I didn't realize that it had been so long since I last updated! I hope that this was worth the wait, as this will be wrapped up very soon. I promise that the next update will come much quicker than the last.

Thank you to KuchiZaraHana for reviewing!

As always, please enjoy this chapter!

Chapter 36

Before the Vows

After Byakuya had set up his beautiful proposal, it was obvious when they had returned inside the Kuchiki Manor staff were seen eyeing them not so discreetly. It didn't take much to see that there would be a new Lady Kuchiki joining them. The air was lighter, much lighter than it had been in decades, especially with the small, uncharacteristic smile that Lord Kuchiki was sporting.

Miyako was escorted home by her fiancé later that night. He didn't have a chance to kiss her goodbye before Miyako's maidservants and her parents had arrived at the door wanting to know how the night had gone.

"...what are you all doing here?" Miyako asked, clearly annoyed with furrowed brows.

After her debacle with Rika and graduating from the academy, Miyako was surprised that her parents had offered the proverbial olive branch and apologized for how they handled everything, promising a better relationship amongst them. It had only been a short amount of time, but it still felt awkward to witness their now genuine interest in her love life. Her annoyed expression was overlooked when the diamond ring caught their eye, prompting the women to erupt in squeals and congratulations.

The happy couple accepted the congratulations and Miyako was quick to lead Byakuya back outside to the outer garden to wish him farewell. Byakuya lovingly kissed her hand before leaving, but not before locking eyes with her. Even in the dim light, Miyako could see his slate eyes turn dark and smoky, unnerving her. She had seen that look quite a few times before Byakuya helped himself to her lips but today they seemed even darker.

"Um…Byakuya?" she called out, her face blushed.

Her voice seemed to snap him out of his intense stare and he placed a tender kiss on her forehead.

"I'll see you soon, my love. Have a good night."

Nodding, she bid him farewell and pursed her lips. He definitely knew how to make her sweat. She was quick to leave and retire to bed.

The next morning came much faster than anticipated. Nearing lunchtime, Miyako sat in the Captain's Office alone, staring blankly at a stack of paperwork that demanded that it was filled out. A bored sigh escaped her lips before the sunlight kept bringing her attention to her newfound asset. The teardrop diamond sparkled like the brightest treasure she'd ever seen. Luckily for her, the day proved to be a slow one, so she didn't have to spend much time hiding the jewel from prying eyes. Soifon was out checking in with Marechiyo at the Maggot's Nest, making one less person to tell at the moment.

A knock at the door snapped her out of her gaze.

"Come in."

Her bored eyes lit up when her fiance stepped in, closing the door behind him.

"Good morning, my love." he said before showing her a box wrapped in a blue cloth. "I brought you a snack. Have you eaten yet?"

Her heart jumped with joy and she returned the kind gesture with a wide smile.

"Thank you! You're so thoughtful! What did you bring me?"

Byakuya closed the gap between them and sat the bento on her desk.

"Something that's perfect for busy people as ourselves and a favorite between us both," he replied. "Onigiri stuffed with salmon topped with sesame seeds." they both said in unison. His thoughtfulness earned him an even bigger smile as he unwrapped the bento and removed the lid. A smile formed on his face as he watched Miyako help herself to the snack. Partaking with her, a few minutes had passed before Miyako spoke up.

"What brings you here? I didn't think we'd be able to see each other so soon…" she said, her mind wandered back to the following night.

"I came here on official business." he replied, his eyes closed.

Miyako raised a brow and took another bite. "Is that so? I don't remember seeing anything in my paperwork concerning you."

He opened his eyes again and joined her behind her desk. A lone hand cradled her chin and he kissed her before locking her into another of his entracing stares.

"I'm here on official business to retrieve you to take the time to register our upcoming marriage and plan the announcement. I know that everyone would enjoy a gathering in the gardens."

She was at a loss for words. "So soon? We just got engaged last night!"

"These things take time, my love. Did you think our marriage would be official just one day after we register?"

"...you have a point!" she replied.

Byakuya continued to unnerve her with his stare, prompting a bold blush on her face.

"Why are you nervous, Miyako?" he asked, not taking his eyes off of her.

"I-I-I'm not nervous! Not in the slightest!" she replied

'Damn right, I'm nervous…I'm a terrible liar!'

"Lying isn't your strong suit."

Miyako took a deep breath. Guilt crept up on her when he pulled away from her and his expression turned worried.

"I apologize if it seems like I'm forcing you to move on with this faster than you're comfortable with. I'd prefer if everything went smoothly and we have a nice wedding. I know that you enjoy the cherry blossoms and thought you'd enjoy having our ceremony before the season ends in a handful of weeks."

Miyako pursed her lips. 'That's not the problem…it's…'

Narrowed eyes focused on Miyako when he saw her face turn into a tomato. Her mind started racing a million miles a minute.

"Miyako…" he called out, placing his hand against her forehead. "Are you feeling ill?"

Miyako snapped out her thoughts and a heavy sigh slipped through her lips.

"No, not at all…I'm alright, really!" he reassured him.

Byakuya wasn't convinced. "Are you certain? I can escort you to the Fourth Division if need be. "

"Yes, I'm fine!" she replied quickly. She stood up and gave him a kiss of reassurance. Looking into her eyes once more, he fell under her spell of her sweet eyes and how they sparkled in the sunlight. Her face grew hot as he wrapped an arm around her and cuddled her face before helping himself to her lips. Byakuya let out a low growl in excitement and nibbled at her bottom lip. Caught up in the moment, she gave into his embrace and her nervousness was forgotten. She loved and hated how his passionate kisses had so much control over her and she drowned in them. The two continued their make out session until the sound of a knock rang through the room. The door opened and gasps were heard.

"You know, there are rooms for these types of things, but I didn't think that you two would make this room one of them!" Rumi's voice strained while Shirayuki looked away.

Embarrassed, Miyako broke away from Byakuya's embrace while he turned away to hide his red face.

"Rumi! Shirayuki!" she shrieked. "What are you two doing here?!"

The two stepped into the room and shut the door behind him.

"We were coming to see if you wanted to have lunch with us, but it seems like you're already having it! His spit must be top tier!" Rumi snickered.

Miyako covered her face in sheer embarrassment while Byakuya furrowed his brows, his normal stoic face flushed red.

"RUMI!" Miyako and Shirayuki shouted.

Rumi was readying to continue her tirade until something caught her attention.

"...what is that?" she asked in disbelief. Miyako lowered her hands from her face and locked eyes with her.

Shirayuki turned to look in Rumi's direction and her jaw dropped. "Miyako, are you two…?"

Byakuya grabbed her hand.

"We're engaged." he stated matter of factly, almost possessively.

Their screams could be heard a mile away, startling the nearby shinigami. Rumi and Shirayuki were quick to hug Miyako with high congratulatory shrills, pushing Byakuya to the side.

"When did this happen?!"

"When were you planning to tell us?!"

"YOU HAVE TO TELL US EVERYTHING!"

"Last night and at our announcement garden party." she replied, looking over to Byakuya.

"You wish to have the announcement in our garden?" he asked to which Miyako nodded. "That is fine, my love. I'll have the preparations started as soon as possible."

Shirayuki and Rumi giggled at Byakuya's demeanor, earning an unamused look from Miyako.

"You know I would love to have lunch with you both, but we were actually about to head out and run an errand."

Rumi sneered at Miyako. "An errand, huh? Is that what you call it?"

'I have never been so flustered in my life!' Miyako thought, turning red again.

Miyako stuck her tongue out. "Yes, an errand to register our marriage!"

"As usual, don't mind Rumi, you two. You know that acting appropriately is a challenge for her at times!" Shirayuki added, glaring at Rumi before grabbing her arm. "We're going to get out of your hair before the tables fill up in Restaurant Row! Congratulations again! We'll keep this news to ourselves until you're ready. Ta-ta for now!"

She quickly dragged Rumi out of the office before she could say goodbye. Miyako let out a sigh before looking at Byakuya nervously.

"That Rumi, she can be a little snot sometimes! Ignore her, please!"

Byakuya wasn't surprised, especially when he met her wrath when Miyako went into hiding after that disastrous dinner party.

"Noted." he replied, returning to his stoic attitude momentarily before Miyako slipped her hand into his. Looking down at her, his demeanor returned to calm when he gazed upon her soft smile and eyes.

"Shall we go?"

Nodding, he led the way to the registration office.

Once Byakuya and Miyako received word that their marriage was registered two weeks later, the couple were swept up in a flurry of wedding preparations. Between the demands of their captain and lieutenant duties, free moments were spent reviewing the guest lists, debating various reception menus, and attending meetings that somehow managed to dissect the intricacies of their wedding attire for the garden party, the ceremony and the celebratory reception. To say that wedding planning kept Miyako busy was a profound understatement, especially as she navigated the responsibilities of her new lieutenant position. Every night was short and she was quick to sleep whenever she could. Having alone time with Byakuya eluded her leading up to the night of the garden party.

The weather was kind to them with a warm breeze for the garden party, which was set to take place in the late afternoon. The Kuchiki gardens were meticulously decorated and clean to the highest standards.

Paper lanterns swayed gently in the breeze, casting a warm, inviting glow over the assembled guests. Attendees of the party consisted of the Shihouin family, Kisuke, Soifon, Rumi, Shirayuki, Rukia, Renji, Ichigo, Orihime, Uryu, Chad, most of the captains and their lieutenants. Everyone mingled amongst each other while they partook in some light beverages.

Inside the manor, Byakuya stood alone, lost in his thoughts. He rubbed his eyes in an attempt to hide his fatigue.

'One event is finally taking place…'

He was brought back to reality when Miyako slipped her hand into his. Some of his fatigue went away when she squeezed his hand and gave him a smile. A frown transformed into a small smile.

"Ready?" she asked softly.

Byakuya didn't answer, but instead looked her up and down. Miyako's eyes widened in wonder.

"What?"

"You're wearing that kimono again…are you planning on running away from me once more?"

His comment earned him a smack on his arm.

"You're seriously not going to let me live that down, are you?!" she asked, her cheeks puffed in frustration. "After all this time I took to look good for you and you want to act up?! I should leave!" she added, crossing her arms and turning away from him. Her threat to run away was nullified when he captured her in his embrace from behind.

"You're beautiful to me no matter what you wear." he responded, his voice deep and calm. With his arms around her, it took her back to when he showed her his bankai up close and how flustered she was back then.

'I can't believe how far we've come from that…' she thought with a small smile.

He grabbed her arm and spun her around to face him. He proceeded to plant a kiss on her forehead and then her lips.

"You have to excuse me, I've missed the playful banter between us as of late."

Miyako rolled her eyes with a smile. "I've missed it too…and you."

Byakuya caressed her face with a lone hand and softened eyes. He couldn't help himself and kissed her again once more, savoring the little alone time they had at the moment.

"Come, Miyako. I'm growing tired of keeping our secret from the world. I've been looking forward to informing everyone that we'll be married soon." he said before opening the door and grabbing her hand. Miyako nodded and walked in hand with him to the garden.

The anticipation grew with each step as they approached their waiting guests. Many eyebrows rose as they lessened the gap. Byakuya arrived with his usual stoic face, but with a sense of pride while Miyako, who usually had a calm and sometimes playful demeanor, arrived with a bashful expression.

With all eyes on them, most of the guests had wondered why Miyako had accompanied Byakuya outside. After the disaster of the first round of training in the World of the Living, many rumors had spread about their relationship and only a select few knew that they were dating. Their thoughts were silenced when Byakuya began to speak.

"Welcome and thank you all for attending," he started in his usual stoic voice. "You've been invited here today to hear an announcement. Miyako Shihouin and I are engaged and are formally inviting everyone in attendance to the wedding ceremony that will take place three weeks from tomorrow."

Miyako offered a small, slightly nervous but undeniably happy smile as she felt the warmth of Byakuya's hand briefly squeeze hers. The air erupted with claps and congratulations and a heavy weight was lifted from their shoulders now that the secret was out. In the crowd, Yoruichi's, Shirayuki's and Rumi's lips curved into a knowing smirk. Rukia's eyes welled with excitement and happiness for her brother. After all the time that she knew they were spending together, she had wondered how long it would take for him to marry her. Renji grew happy for his captain and was happy that he had a partner that would mellow him out a bit.

"Brother! Miyako!" Rukia exclaimed, her voice filled with joyful tears. "This is the most wonderful news! I'm so incredibly happy for both of you! Miyako, you're going to be the most amazing sister!"

She rushed forward, nearly knocking over a nearby lantern in her enthusiasm, and enveloped them both in a tight hug. "I can't wait for all the…the sisterly things we'll do!"

Miyako returned Rukia's small hug with a big smile.

"Me too, Rukia!"

"Congrats, Kuchiki!" Kenpachi growled. "Didn't think that you'd settle down again. You picked a strong one! I should see how well she fights before you walk down the aisle! Whaddaya say?!" he said with a toothy grin, which was met with opposition from Byakuya. His face reverted back to its usual expression.

"Is that all that you think about, Zaraki?"

Miyako avoided Kenpachi's gaze. 'I'll pass!' Miyako thought, a nervous smile plastered on her face.

The couple received many more comments from everyone else, some more personal than others. Rukia completely gushed about the occasion with happy tears and adoration for her brother. Lastly, she was happy to have another sister in Miyako.

Yoruichi was quick to pull Byakuya aside and dragged him away near his precious koi pond.

"Congratulations, Byakuya-bo! Took you long enough to propose!" she said with a sly grin. "You waited a long time to ask after you had come and asked us all for your blessing! I guess that it's better late than never!"

Byakuya closed his eyes, his eyebrows twitched a little in annoyance. He brushed it off.

"Thank you, Shihouin."

A shiver went down his spine when she widened her eyes and brandished her sharp teeth.

"You better make my sister happy because if you don't, remember this one word: Kushinada ." she threatened with a smile.

A knot formed in his throat. Her threats brought back flashbacks. "You have my word."

Yoruichi patted his shoulder twice before leaving him by his lonesome.

The party continued into the evening with the sun starting to set and casting its red orange glow on the Seireitei. As the party began to wind down, most of the guests prepared to depart and gave another round of congratulations to the happy couple. Miyako looked around and found Rumi and Shirayuki near the koi pond, their faces still alight with excitement.

"Rumi, Shirayuki," Miyako began, a soft smile gracing her lips. "Thank you both again for coming and keeping the secret. I know that you were ready to burst at the seams, Rumi!"

The trio shared a hearty laugh.

"It was already hard keeping my mouth shut about you two dating! Thanks for finally making my life easier!"

Miyako rolled her eyes with a playful smile.

"Congratulations again, Miyako and for letting us be a part of this special occasion."

"Yeah, we wouldn't miss it for the world!" Rumi added.

Their words warmed her heart, taking away the seriousness of it all.

"You two have always made such a cute couple. I can tell that his demeanor has softened a bit." Shirayuki said. "We knew that he loved you after everything that had happened, but it's more obvious now. I can only imagine how he'll be at the wedding."

Miyako took a quick peek over at Byakuya, who was preoccupied talking with a servant. She let out a small sigh and fiddled with her fingers.

"Yeah…well, with the wedding being only a few weeks away now…and with everything becoming so real…" She hesitated for a moment, a touch of nervousness creeping back in. "I was wondering… would you both be willing to stay with me the night before the wedding?"

Rumi's eyes widened, and Shirayuki clasped her hands together.

"Are you kidding? We wouldn't miss it for the world!" Rumi exclaimed, throwing her arms around Miyako.

Shirayuki nodded eagerly. "It would be an honor and pleasure, Miyako. We'll make sure you have the most wonderful last night as a single woman."

Miyako's heart swelled with affection for her two dear friends. "Thank you," she whispered, a genuine smile finally easing her lingering anxieties. "That means the world to me."

The friends shared a group hug with big smiles before parting ways and leaving Miyako by her lonesome. She looked around the garden with a blank stare. Her fingers were busy twiddling the sleeves of her kimono as she got lost in her thoughts. Byakuya appeared beside her, his gaze softer than it had been amongst the crowd. Her eyes held a sense of uncertainty as she returned his gaze. He offered his hand and she took it, calming down once she felt the familiar warmth she grew to love. Byakuya didn't speak; instead he led her to a secluded part of the garden near a softly girdling koi pond. The sounds of the pond, the gentle breeze and distant chirping of insects surrounded them in a quiet melody. Upon stopping, he turned to face her with his dark eyes taking her breath away. For a moment, Miyako averted her eyes away and focused on a nearby stone lantern. A deep nervousness crept into her chest - the weight of the day, the joy of their announcement and the reality of what laid ahead felt immense.

'Soon, I'll be his wife with all of the responsibilities that entail…and…everything else…'

A faint blush warmed her cheeks at the thought. Bykuya simply squeezed her hand in response, his gaze gentle. He then placed his other hand on her waist and she rested hers on his shoulder, her movements slightly stiff. He began to sway gently to a slow, unhurried rhythm. As they moved, she tried to relax into his embrace, but a knot of apprehension remained in her stomach.

'Will I be enough? Will I be a good wife to him?'

Many questions swirled around in her mind. She glanced up to Byakuya, trying to read his expression, searching for any hints of his expectations.

"It's quiet now," she murmured, her voice a little breathy. She hesitated for a moment. "Do you think…everything will change much?" Her question hung in the air, carrying more weight than the simple words suggested.

Byakuya's gaze softened further. He didn't answer immediately, but simply held her a little closer, his silent reassurance that spoke volumes. As they continued their gentle sway, Miyako leaned her head against his chest and found comfort in his presence.

"I love you no matter what life throws at us, Miyako."

His words brought another blush on her face.

"I love you too."

Three weeks later, Rumi and Shirayuki were greeted at the Second Division gates by a pair of guards, who escorted them to the Shihouin Estate. The large double doors opened and they were greeted once more by a group of servants with Kimura and Miyako at the helm. Miyako, dressed in a pale pink evening yukata, greeted them with a slightly hesitant but sweet smile. 'I can't believe it's the night before the wedding…my last time as Miyako Shihouin," a fleeting thought crossed her mind. 'At least I'll be able to spend it with them.'

"Welcome, my wonderful friends."

"Hey, hey, Miya!" Rumi replied. "We're ready to party~!"

Rumi's enthusiasm made Kimura break into a smile. "Lady Miyako has been looking forward to your visit! Come along, now! The night is young!"

In Miyako's room, the trio locked themselves away from the world. To start off the peaceful night, they all indulged in a hot bath and gathered back in the room and enjoyed the fresh air from the garden. Three fluffy futons were set up for a restful night.

Kimura made sure that her sweet girl and her friends were fed their favorite foods, drinks, desserts and snacks. Their meal was stuffed with laughter and chatter as they caught up on their journeys in their respective divisions. A particularly funny anecdote from Rumi about a training mishap had Miyako throwing her head back in laughter, the sound echoing softly in the room. The clinking of tea and sake cups accompanied their continuous chatter.

The stories wound down and a comfortable silence fell upon them. As she sipped her tea, a stray thought of the monumental shift awaiting her the following day brushed against the edges of Miyako's mind. She found her gaze drawn to the open shoji door, a wisp of wind caught her attention. The air was fresh and light, carrying the scent of the plum blossoms and the sound of the nearby bamboo fountain. Miyako rose to her feet and walked out to the porch, where she stood alone. Her gaze focused on the bright gibbous moon and the stars that twinkled softly. The fleeting beauty of the present moment.

A quiet sigh escaped her lips, almost unnoticed. The weight of tomorrow, the finality of her last night as Miyako in this room, settled upon her.

Shirayuki and Rumi glanced at each other with a worried look before approaching their friend.

"Miyako, are you alright?"

Shirayuki's question was met in silence. "Tell us what's on your mind."

Miyako remained silent for a moment. "...I never would've thought that the last day I'd be able to gaze at the moon from my room would come so soon…"

Miyako let out a small sigh before her friends closed the gap between them.

"And you didn't think that you'd become Captain Kuchiki's blushing bride, either." Rumi added.

Miyako pursed her lips. "Yes…I'm getting married tomorrow…it's so surreal."

"But it's a good surreal, Miyako. You're marrying the love of your life and he absolutely adores you. This is the culmination of a beautiful love story."

Miyako sighed, a flicker of sadness in her eyes. "But…it's the end of something too, isn't it? At the core of things, it's my last night as Miyako. Tomorrow, I'll be someone else."

"You'll always be Miyako," Shirayuki insisted, her voice warm. "Marriage doesn't erase who you are. It adds to you. And you'll be Miyako Kuchiki, which sounds rather magnificent, if I do say so myself!" she ended with a small, spunky smile.

Rumi nodded with a big smile.

"...I'm nervous," Miyako confessed, her voice barely a whisper. "It's so weird…I haven't been to a wedding since he married Hisana…"

The somber memory from the past crept into her mind. She remembered when she stood in the crowd and had to watch him with his late wife, beating herself mentally for not being more bold with her feelings and confessed to him. Maybe then, she would've been at his side. Even after Hisana's untimely passing, she never would've thought that her fleeting fantasy would become reality.

"Well, it's your wedding now," Rumi interjected. "And you'll become the new Lady Kuchiki. But for now, let's just enjoy our girl time with the one-of-a-kind Miyako Shihouin."

The three of them shared a group hug that was sorely needed.

"I'll never say this enough; I have the best friends ever." Miyako said with a soft smile.

"Alright now, enough of the serious talk! Let's go back in and talk about something else!" Rumi said, guiding them back inside where they all sat on fluffy zabuton. Partaking in more sake, they enjoyed the silence for a moment.

"So Miya…" Rumi started off with a sly look, unbeknownst to Miyako, who was taking another sip of her drink. "After you seal the deal tomorrow, are you gonna show Captain Kuchiki a good time?"

Miyako nearly choked on her drink, her face grew as hot as the sun. "RUMI!" Shirayuki yelled, also with a reddened face. "Are you alright, Miyako?!"

Miyako quickly gained her composure moments later and turned away. "Or are you going to let him show you a good time?"

Miyako stayed quiet as her head started to swirl. The room grew hot and she felt like she was on the verge of melting. 'Of course he wants to show me a good time!'

Shirayuki glared at Rumi. "Rumi, look at what you've done! You've got the poor girl sweating bullets!"

Rumi took another sip of sake. "I don't see what the problem is! Is there a problem with her knocking boots with her husband-to-be?"

"Of course not!" Shirayuki replied. "Right, Miyako?"

Miyako's knuckles turned white as she gripped her robe. "There is a problem! He's going to hate me because I won't have any idea what I'm doing!" she cried.

Their eyes went wide. "Miyako, you mean…"

"I have no experience in pleasing a man!" she stressed.

"You've got to be kidding, Miya! You mean you two haven't even fooled around?! After we walked in on you both when we found out about the engagement, I was sure it was to that level!

"He's the only man I've been with! He was the one I had my first kiss with! He's been a gentleman about it all until recently! I can tell he's ready to sink his teeth into me and I'm afraid that he'll be disappointed!" she sadly confessed. "He's been married before…he must have some expectation that I possibly…can't…uphold…"

"Aww, Miyako! I don't think that Captain Kuchiki would be disappointed in you just because you're…a novice in that department!" Shirayuki started out. She placed a hand on Miyako's shoulder. "Captain Kuchiki was known to be uptight, strict and as warm as a brick wall on a chilly winter night…after everything that's happened and seeing how he conducted himself when you were hurt, all that man wants is you. He's not thinking about anything else."

"Yeah and who knows? He could've had a terrible sex life before you or it could've been non-existent. You'd be a very welcomed upgrade!" Rumi interjected before taking a huge gulp of sake.

Miyako's face grew hot and red while hearing Rumi talk. Another sigh escaped her mouth. Before the conversation could continue, they were interrupted by a knock on the door. A warm face greeted them when the door slid open.

"Yoruichi!"

"Hey, hey, lil sis!" she replied while sliding the door shut. "I came bearing a gift!"

Everyone's attention was drawn to the white box that was wrapped in a blue ribbon. Yoruichi quickly joined them and gave her sister a hug. Miyako was all smiles when Yoruichi handed her the box and was grateful to have a distraction.

"Thank you for the gift! Can I open it now?"

"You definitely need to open it now. You'll need it for tomorrow."

Filled with excitement, she quickly opened the gift. Suddenly, her eyes grew wide and the color drained from her face.

"What's wrong, Miyako?" Shirayuki asked with concern.

Overwhelmed, Miyako quickly fainted and fell into her sister's lap. Shirayuki and Rumi let out loud shrieks.

"Miyako!" they shouted in unison.

"What the heck did you give her?!" Rumi asked, scrambling for the box.

As Rumi looked into the box, Shirayuki's worried expression remained strong while Yoruichi remained aloof. Rumi then burst into a fit of laughter, confusing Shirayuki. Yoruichi's aloof expression transformed into a big grin.

"Oh, Captain Kuchiki is going to have a field day with Miya!" she snickered, showing the wedding gift off. Shirayuki's pale face turned red, her eyes as wide as dinner plates.

"Oh my…"

Yoruichi smiled as she lifted her little sister into her arms. She kissed her forehead and tucked her into her futon. "My work here is done! I'll be back in the morning to make sure she's all wrapped in a bow for Byakuya-bo." she said with a wink. "Take care of her for me!"

The women nodded and bid Yoruichi farewell. The subtle sound of nature filled the room once more, bringing on gentle yawns from Shirayuki and Rumi. It wasn't long before the lights were out, the door to the garden was closed and they joined Miyako in their own futons with her in the middle, finally ending their night of fun.