Hello everyone! Only a couple of more chapters until the end! I hope that you'll enjoy this update!

Chapter 35

Under the Moonlight

"Captain Zaraki, Captain Kuchiki, welcome back, sirs!" a group of shinigami called as Byakuya and Kenpachi exited from the Garganta. The two captains walked down the long corridor unfazed by the large crowd that greeted them.

"We're glad for your safe return, sirs!"

They had just put a certain Espada in his place after he had the nerve to come between them in a fight. After that was settled, they barely had a chance to duke it out before Kisuke had reopened the Garganta to bring them back home.

Finally, the fiasco with Aizen was over. Everyone could finally live in peace for a moment without the thought of war living rent free in their minds.

Byakuya looked over to an unseated shinigami.

"Has Captain Soifon and her lieutenant returned?"

After he and Miyako had become an item, their bliss only lasted for a short while. One month later, Aizen had set his plan into motion and took Orihime Inoue as a voluntary captive. Ichigo Kurosaki had stormed into Hueco Mundo to save her, along with Rukia, Renji and Uryu. He and Miyako had sent Rukia and Renji off before they had departed. Meanwhile, the head captain had decided who would assist Ichigo's party and who would stay behind to battle Aizen's army in the World of the Living.

Of course he had to go to Hueco Mundo and clean up after his lieutenant, his sister and the inexperienced and reckless substitute shinigami. Unfortunately, it meant that he wasn't going to be able to keep an eye on his girlfriend to make sure she didn't tiptoe on the edge of an early grave again. He knew that she was a more than capable fighter and that she was in good hands with Captain Soifon, but…Miyako could be a little reckless at times. Before everything had started, they spent their free time together. It was time spent growing closer, but it also included Byakuya helping Miyako train and hone her skills with her bankai. He didn't want her to go into battle with the very little time she had with her experience using it. He could only hope that everything went as well as it could.

"Yes sir; they arrived about half an hour ago. They sustained injuries and are being treated at the Fourth Division."

Hearing that made his stomach drop, but he kept it together.

"Were they serious?"

"Yes, for the most part. You should also get examin-"

Before the seat-less shinigami could finish his sentence, Byakuya was just a blur in the wind.

Shirayuki finished wrapping another bandage around Miyako's arm.

"I'm all finished, Miyako."

Miyako, who sat perched on the bed, rubbed her hands against the bandages that were wrapped around her arms, legs and forehead. She gave her friend a wide smile.

"I'm always in good hands with you, Shirayuki! Thank you!"

Shirayuki returned the smile. "Of course! Now hurry on along; I hate to be here when Captain Kuchiki finds out that you-"

She was cut off when the door slammed open with an irritated Byakuya. Their stomachs dropped when he set his eyes on her.

"B-byakuya! You're back! Welcome home!"

Ignoring her greeting, he didn't lose focus.

"Why is it that everytime you engage in battle, I have to find you here, in the hospital?!"

His accusation earned him a glare.

"I don't end up here every time I engage in battle! I did have to fight against an arrancar and espada, you know!"

"The arrancar shouldn't have been much of a problem for you to dispose of."

"The arrancar wasn't the problem! It was the espada!"

"That shouldn't have been too much trouble either," Byakuya retorted. "You have a bankai now."

Miyako furrowed her brows. "Yes, but it's in infancy compared to yours!"

She looked him up and down, giving him a sly smile. His shihakusho was torn at the sleeves and he had cuts on his arms and face. "You didn't come back unscathed either, you jerk! What's your excuse? And where's your haori?"

Byakuya closed his eyes. "You ask a lot of questions for someone that's laid up in the hospital."

Miyako's eye twitched at his comment. "Don't avoid my question! I'm curious to know which number espada you fought against! Let me guess: number ten?!"

Byakuya's blood began to boil. She sure knew how to get under his skin.

"How dare you insinuate that I had a difficult time fighting against the weakest espada?"

"I said what I said!" she spat, sticking her tongue out. "Answer my question! Which one did you end up fighting against?!"

"If you must know, I battled and vanquished the eighth espada."

Miyako scoffed. "Your battle was child's play when compared to mine! I had to battle the second espada and help my sister and the others fight Aizen!"

Byakuya's blood ran cold, his heart pounded in his ears. It made sense why she was in such bad shape. He grew quiet, his eyes filled with worry. His mind raced back to her battle with Rika. He never wanted to hold her limp, battered body in his arms ever again, wondering if she would live to see another day. His gaze softened as he looked at her, her golden eyes filled with that familiar stubborn defiance that he found both endearing and absolutely infuriating.

Shirayuki, sensing the shift in the room, quietly excused herself and closed the door behind her. The moment the door clicked shut, the tension between them seemed to thicken. Miyako's hand found its way to his cheek, her gentle touch a stark contrast to the fiery banter she had spat out earlier.

"I'm okay, Byakuya…" she said, her voice barely above a whisper, giving him a soft smile.

He leaned into her touch, his fingers instinctively grabbed her hand and gave it a loving squeeze. Their eyes met; a silent conversation passed between them. In the quiet intimacy of the hospital room, time seemed to slow. Miyako's lips curved into a soft smile. Byakuya felt a warmth fill his heart; his fear melted away.

Slowly, he leaned in, their foreheads touching. Their hearts raced as their lips met for the first time in over a week. The soft, yet hungry kiss was something well missed and needed. Their breaths were mingled when they pulled apart, their eyes still locked on each other.

"I'm glad that you're okay." Byakuya muttered, his voice low and husky.

"Me too." she replied, tracing a finger against his jawline and the cut on his cheek. "You too."

Still fixated on her, Byakuya knew although the Soul Society was at peace at the moment, the future held the potential for more conflicts that the Gotei would have to settle. The thought rattled him a bit, but in that moment, he felt a sense of peace that he hadn't felt in a long time.

As if reading his mind, her eyes softened. "We'll face whatever comes next, together."

A small smile tugged at his lips. It blew his mind that this woman, with her unwavering spirit, had become the cornerstone of his world in a short amount of time. He couldn't imagine his life without her.

Ten days had passed since everyone had returned to the Soul Society. During that time, Miyako had completely healed and managed to squeeze in one dinner with her best friends. Byakuya, Kenpachi and Shunsui were called into the principal's office and scolded by the Head Captain for losing their beloved and iconic haori in battle. More yelling was had when they all said that it was nothing more than a cheap garment, a nuisance and a fashion statement, in that order. That night when Byakuya and Miyako had met up for dinner, she had a big laugh at his scolding, much to his chagrin.

The winter season rolled along as normal; it was a time for peace, rest and reflection.

One cold winter night nearing the end of the season, Byakuya had sat in his home office by his lonesome at his desk after a slow day at the barracks. After a day like that, he'd prefer if he could spend the evening with Miyako, but she was on duty for the next few nights. His eyes stared out to the expanse of the quiet, empty room. He grew melancholy; the soft glow of the lanterns only gave it so much vibrancy. The hot cup of white tea only kept him warm for so long as he stayed lost in his thoughts.

A quiet hum escaped his lips before he grabbed a sheet of paper and an ink pen to draft a letter. He was tired of sitting on his thoughts. It was time to take action. He wanted to bring change with spring on the horizon. After drafting the letter and reading it over three times, he sent for a servant who bowed at his door when he arrived.

"Make sure this is delivered first thing in the morning. I expect word once a response is sent back."

Acknowledging the Kuchiki clan heads' request, he disappeared behind the shoji door.

It wasn't long before he had received a response to his letter the next afternoon. He had requested a meeting that was to take place that night.

In the Second Division courtyard, Miyako had gathered with Soifon and a small group of shinigami. From a distance, he kept his reiatsu hidden, giving her a loving smile. She was fitting into the role of lieutenant quite nicely. Before he could spend too much of his time focused on her, she had departed with the patrol group for the night.

Silently wishing her well, he made his way to the gate where he was greeted by guards. A knot formed in his throat while he was escorted to the Shihouin Manor. There was no time like the present; the winds of change were around the corner, like a bud ready to blossom in the first days of spring.

A week had passed since his fateful meeting and with that the weather started to warm the citizens of the Soul Society. Miyako had finally returned to a day shift schedule, freeing up her nights for a moment. Spending the nights together brought much comfort, filling in the gaps from the days apart. Smiles with good conversation, good food with kisses peppered in warmed their hearts.

Finishing her last bite of tuna, Miyako smiled with a full belly. Byakuya had finished his dinner moments before her.

"Thank you again for dinner," Miyako said sweetly. "It was lovely, as usual."

Byakuya returned her thanks with a small smile. "Of course. I'm happy that you could join me, as usual."

Miyako chuckled. "I see what you did there," she said before looking out to the garden. A light flashed in her eyes, making her golden eyes more beautiful.

"Your cherry blossom trees…they're budding!" she said with excitement.

Byakuya looked out into the garden. The Kuchiki gardens were the most beautiful in the Seireitei, the whole Soul Society, really.

"I remember when sitting on the porch and watching you and Yoruichi run about…the only thing that kept my eyes off of you back then were your stunning trees...I can't believe it's been so long since I've last seen them in bloom."

Byakuya hadn't taken his eyes off of the trees.

"They should be in full bloom in the next few weeks at this rate. Why don't we have dinner again once they bloom? We'll make it a night to remember."

Miyako's eyes went as big as her smile and she let out a rare squeal. "I'd love that! I'd better go and find the perfect kimono to celebrate the occasion! I can't wait!"

Her giddiness made him chuckle. Rising to his feet, he offered his hand to help her up. On her feet, he planted a kiss on her forehead.

"I'll inform you when the garden is ready, but it's getting late, my love. You need your rest."

Miyako rolled her eyes. "Fine, fine…I'll return to the barracks and rest…after that lovely dinner, I know that I'll sleep well."

She laced her fingers with his before leaning on his arm. "I'll walk you home." he said when a yawn escaped her lips. Soon, they were headed back to the Division Two barracks, where her futon was screaming her name.

It took longer than expected, but the cherry blossom trees had taken longer to reach full bloom. During that time, Byakuya had ordered the servants to painstakingly tend to the garden and make sure that it was perfect for Miyako. Not one weed was in sight and the accompanying flora and crystal clear koi pond was nothing to sneeze at.

At the end of another week-long night patrol shift, Miyako had received word from Byakuya that the garden was ready for viewing.

A couple of days later, Byakuya had eagerly awaited Miyako's arrival at the entrance of the manor dressed in a beige kimono. It wasn't long afterwards that Miyako had arrived dressed in a familiar blue and silver floral kimono. Byakuya raised a brow as she stepped closer.

"The last time you wore that, you ran away from me," he started, skipping a greeting. "Is this your subtle way of telling me that you're planning to do the same thing tonight?"
Miyako rolled her eyes. "It was my favorite kimono! I had to order another one after I ruined it!" she huffed. "You don't forget anything, do you?"

"What a ludicrous question to ask, my dear." he replied before extending his hand out towards her.

"Promise me that you'll stay put while we enjoy dinner?"

Miyako quickly looked down at his hand, then back at him before placing her hand in his.

"Surely you've procured some sweet sake for me to partake in?" she asked with a cold smile.

"Not at all."

Miyako looked away and huffed once more, her eyes furrowed in annoyance.

"Then I promise nothing!"

Byakuya ignored her and pulled her closer, embracing her and enjoying the moment. She suddenly lost the desire to playfully pout; she loved his hugs.

"Enough of that, my love," he said, his voice deep and husky, making her blush. "I recall telling you that we'd make this a night to remember. Let's not dawdle."

Nodding quietly, he led her down the hall hand-in-hand to the dining room where they dined once more on her favorite foods, top quality of course. Scarlette dusted her face once more as his dark eyes focused on her while they ate. She wondered what he was thinking, but it was tossed aside when he stood up and walked to her side, offering her his hand once more.

"Shall we move onto the rest of our evening?"

A shy smile grew on her face as she took his hand and rose to her feet. His eyes softened at her smile and gentle eyes; he grew more anxious as the seconds went by. He stepped a couple of feet away to the nearby shoji door. Sliding it open, Byakuya led Miyako out to the lantern lit garden. Miyako's eyes widened with joy. Although the garden was lit with only lanterns, the stars and the light of the full moon, she could see the fullness of the cherry blossom trees splendor. Even the koi pond was decorated with pink lotus flowers.

"Byakuya!" Miyako exclaimed. "This is so beautiful! I hadn't seen the Kuchiki gardens in the spring in decades and it's still as wonderful as I remember! The cherry blossom trees have always been my favorite!"

He watched as she ran out further and basked in the beauty like a child in a candy store. The sweet scent of the blossoming flowers brought on a sense of calm. A small smile briefly graced his features.

"I'm glad that you like it." he said as he joined her.

"Like it? Are you kidding me?! I love it! It's so beautiful!"

'Not nearly as beautiful as you,' he thought. He laced her hand in his, leading her further into the garden.

"Shall we make our way through?"

Miyako nodded and happily walked beside him. The walk lasted about five minutes until he had led her under a sakura tree. A small wooden bench had sat in front of it, upon which they took a seat and admired the beauty of the tree.

"Thank you for bringing me here."

Byakuya looked over to her.

"Of course," he replied softly. A moment of silence came between them.

"I brought you here because this is a place of peace for me," he began, his voice low and steady. "This is a place where I can clear my mind and find solace from the world." he paused, his gaze fixed on her. "But tonight feels different."

Like twin flames, both of their hearts pounded in their chests. There was a shift in the air, a chill went up her spine, along with a blush across her face. Byakuya embraced her hand in his once more, rubbing a thumb over it.

"Miyako…I have to be honest…when we crossed paths in the forest that night, I didn't expect for my world to change as much as it had. I never would've thought that we'd rekindle our friendship and grow closer. Your laugh, your courage, your kindness and your unwavering spirit and tenacity have become an integral part of my life." His usual calm and composed voice held a tremor of emotion: unsurety. Miyako's breathing quickened as she listened. She mustered up the courage to meet his gaze.

"After Hisana died, I didn't think that happiness would knock on my door once more. You've rekindled the light of love, happiness in me…you've shown me a side of myself that I thought had died long ago. You love me for who I am and I can't thank you enough."

A tear escaped Miyako's eye and he was quick to wipe it away before kneeling down on one knee before her. In the soft glow of the lanterns, he pulled out a small shell shaped hand stamped pearl box.

"Miyako, I can't imagine my life without you by my side. There have been too many instances where I've almost lost you. With you, I feel complete. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?" he asked, opening the box and revealing a tear shaped diamond ring.

Miyako stared down at the ring, her eyes wide in shock. Every little detail leading up to this moment was beyond thoughtful. Her wildest dream that was hidden in her heart decades ago was finally a reality. Byakuya Kuchiki, the man who was once a cold and distant figure in her life, had just asked her to spend the rest of her life with him. Her heart pounded in her ears, tears of joy raced down her cheeks as she nodded without hesitation.

"I'd love to be your wife!"

He slipped the diamond ring on her trembling finger before he wrapped his arms around her. There, under the moonlight, he pulled her into a passionate kiss and looked forward to the next chapter in their lives together.