Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach or any of its characters. They belong to Tite Kubo and whoever else actually owns it and I make no money from writing this. This story however is mine and is not to be replicated, reposted, or copied in any way without my consent. Thank you.
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You May Kiss The Bride
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Ichigo let loose a disgruntled sigh while he flopped down onto his bed as the night sky's lantern filled his room with its ethereal light. The moon was a beautiful thing, and he didn't mind in the least that his zanpakutou had the honor of having it in its name. He was alone, something he didn't like very much since he and Tatsuki had taken to sleeping in the same bed no matter how small it may be. Honestly, he didn't know what to feel.
The wedding was tomorrow.
He had heard horror stories from many men naturally, and gained his own assumptions about what he would feel when that day came eventually, but now that it was almost here he felt none of those things. He had heard of cold feet before, but now that the wedding was almost there he couldn't imagine himself even
contemplating such a stupid thing.
So what if I'm joining myself to one woman for the rest of my life? Would I even be happy with anyone but Tatsuki? He thought lazily. The answer came to him as a quick and explosive NO from a certain part of his soul. He smiled. It looked like he had found something to threaten his Hollow with after all.
As for his marital status, he felt nothing. He expected he'd be feeling anxiety or maybe even a bit of fear, but to his surprise he felt nothing. It felt natural. He was at complete and utter peace with his decision. He was going to spend the rest of his life, and afterlife, with Tatsuki and that didn't bother him one bit. That wasn't to say he didn't feel anything about the wedding itself.
He groaned again.
There was the anxiety he had been waiting for.
He not only had to put up with a massive amount of Soul Reapers, but he also had to put up with his graduating class,
and the Vizards. Worse of all was he couldn't invite any of the Espada to his wedding otherwise there was bound to be a flare of fights between them and the Shinigami. Not very many Soul Reapers knew what the Espada looked like outside the higher echelons, but they would surely recognize the spiritually-supercharged gigais they would be wearing. Since they weren't of Soul Society, questions that would be too hard to answer would arise.
At least he had come up with a solution to that. Aizen may have been a creepy stalker with terrifying power, but the screen he used to view things happening in the Real World
did come in handy every now and then. They may not be able to come in person, but at least the Espada wouldn't feel completely isolated by being allowed to view it via whatever strange technology Aizen had developed. To be honest he didn't understand the workings of it himself, but he could make it work and that was all that mattered.
He wasn't worried, so why couldn't he get to sleep?
He sighed again and looked over to his wall, where he had hung his clothes for tomorrow. Uryuu had dropped them off after the rehearsal and he had to admit the Quincy—even though he was better at making women's clothes—had done one hell of a job. It was pure white; everything from the jacket to the hakama was pure white. The stitching was barely visible and he had even gone so far as to make exact replicas of his Soul Reaper sandals, though those were their regular color. He didn't know what it was made of, but whatever it was it felt amazing. He had tried it on once, in front of Uryuu of course; the perfectionist Quincy wasn't about to leave without a first hand look of what his creation looked like on the person it was modeled for, especially if there were any—God forbid—imperfections.
The light of the moon made the suit shimmer in an unearthly luminescence even as the room itself seemed dark and depressed other than the person lying sleeplessly on his bed. It was a beautiful night, there wasn't a cloud in the sky and it was almost like the stars themselves were glowing brighter in approval of what they knew was going to happen after the sun took their place. Ichigo smiled at the thought.
Maybe it was anticipation that wouldn't let him sleep, because he couldn't think of any other reason for him to be like he was. Sighing again, he finally gave in to what his body was telling him and got up off his bed. He knew he shouldn't, but something told him he wasn't going to sleep tonight, so with careful hands he dressed in his white wedding apparel. Though it would appear to be an exact replica of his Bankai, Ichigo couldn't help but smile when he looked at himself in his mirror and saw the crest Uryuu had put on its back. The Quincy said it came to him after seeing his captain's robe's Bankai, and he had to admit, the Quincy was right.
The simple outline of a shield was stitched exactly where the Thirteen Squads' symbol was on his real Bankai, and meeting the corners of that shield that very symbol was inscribed inside it. Inside even those black markings stood the outline of a Shun Shun Rikka pin and the Quincy medallion interposed over each other, giving the illusion of a ten-bladed snowflake. It described them perfectly. He wasn't just a Soul Reaper, he didn't belong to
just the Thirteen Squads. No, he belonged to his friends first and foremost, and the newly created crest fit them perfectly. Chad was the shield, the protector; Ichigo himself, Rukia, and all their Soul Reaper friends were embodied by the classic Shinigami symbol; and Uryuu had himself and Orihime represented with their own symbols interlocked, just like Ichigo was sure they would be one day.
He was the captain of his own squad, a squad made up of people that had been through hell and back together. He was prouder of that than he was of being a Shinigami or even being granted the title of captain. All that mattered was that he had his friends, and together they could make it through anything.
He walked over to his window as his jacket trailed behind him in the breeze he was creating, and with slow movements as to not wake anyone, he disappeared into the night.
…
It hadn't taken him long at all to get where he wanted to be, and he found it was even more beautiful in the dark of the night, illuminated only by the moon and stars. The whites and silvers of the decorations were brought to life in the ghostly beams of radiance and the pink Sakura petals scattered everywhere shuffled magnificently in the slight breeze of the night. The portable dance floor off to the side—lined by more trees—was in itself a work of art, and the lighting was on from the lack of light given to the sensor. White and red roses rustled restlessly in the trees, and the arch he would stand under as he tied his life to someone else's the next day seemed to glow as if by its own light. Even the white folding chairs—for all their practicality—seemed to take on new life in the dead of night, casting shadows that stretched and warped into incredible designs over the trees and other decorations.
The Association really had outdone itself, and Ichigo pondered the thought of changing the wedding to the evening, where all these beautiful things could be seen by others. He quickly discarded the thought, as Rukia and the rest of the Association would probably kill him if he dropped that on them the day of the wedding. He was content to enjoy these sights by himself, even though he wished Tatsuki was with him.
Her mother had insisted on an age-old tradition, and Ichigo had grudgingly gone along with it. He wasn't to see the bride before the wedding, and that meant no night before or no quick kiss for courage before the ceremony. Why a tradition like that had been started in the first place he had no idea, but should he ever learn who it was that started it they were lucky to be dead already. Otherwise…he would have quickly rectified that.
The warm breeze wafted under his nose and on a whim he turned to follow its path. That was when he saw something. Suddenly the placing of the wedding was perfect to him. With easy steps he slowly walked to his destination and with a melancholy smile, placed his hand on the gravestone in front of him. The sword he had made to represent his life had stayed right where he put it, and Ichigo Kurosaki took some comfort in the thought that at least his mother's resting place would be able to see his wedding, even if it was from afar.
"I wish you were here to see this Mom, I'm sure you would love it…" he whispered sadly to the cold concrete marker that placed his mother beneath it. Another soft breeze was his answer, and the wind itself seemed to wrap around him in a loving hug even though no physical contact was ever made. Ichigo shut his eyes tightly to fight off the sting of tears burning the back of his eyes at the loving aura the very atmosphere around him seemed to be radiating.
Yes, his mother may not be alive, but she was surely watching over him. He knew that.
"Ichigo Kurosaki," a deep male voice said in a near whisper.
Even though tears were still a threat, he allowed himself a small smile at the greeting. Looking over, his instincts were confirmed when he saw Byakuya Kuchiki standing not five feet away. He wondered briefly how he didn't sense his spirit pressure, but that thought was fleeting. "Hi Byakuya, a bit early aren't you?" he asked quietly as he turned back to the gravestone.
The night didn't seem to allow regular voices, and whispers were more than enough to be heard even ten feet away in the silent depth of daylight's other half. It might have been the calmness of his heart, or maybe the sadness that lurked at its corners the more he thought about his mother, but right then he didn't have the desire to be energetic or obnoxious towards the equally calm noble.
"One can never be too early," he answered simply as he stepped beside the orange-haired teen and regarded the gravestone in front of him. "Your mother?"
The Vizard hero smiled whimsically. "Yeah. She would have loved to see everything. It's so beautiful, don't you think?"
Byakuya gave a slight nod as his answer, and just like that the companionable air that always seemed to accompany Ichigo wherever he went placed itself between them. The nobleman understood what the younger captain beside him was going through; even though he rarely showed emotion outwardly he knew emotions more intimately than many Soul Reapers. That was why he made it a point to cut them off. He too had known the love of his parents and he too had experienced the emptiness that came when they left him, and he could understand the sadness likely coursing through his fellow captain as he watched him stare at the simple reminder of his mother's existence; a stone that seemed much too small to mark the end of such a great life.
"You have made her proud, Ichigo. You should take heart in remembering that," he said, and gave the barest trace of a smile in response to the almost
shocked look that came over his younger counterpart, until he too smiled back.
"Thanks Byakuya, that means a lot coming from you."
Byakuya nodded again, as if he agreed with the statement. The night slowly passed them by as they stood in each other's company, respecting the memory of the life passed by that stood proudly in front of them. Finally, Ichigo broke the silence.
"What's…your zanpakutou like, Byakuya? I couldn't help but think of Senbonzakura when I looked at the ground back there. What's it like to be controlling something so deadly when it looks like something meant more to be beautiful?"
Byakuya gave a soft chuckle. "Leave it to someone like you to ask that. Very well." His face took on a different look from its usual impassiveness, like he was reliving a cherished memory as he looked up into the gradually brightening sky. "A zanpakutou is the very core of the Shinigami that wields it, as you know, and Senbonzakura…she is the very essence of what it means to be a noble. It is our duty to look what every Shinigami should strive for, and yet behind that beauty we are also meant to be the greatest goal in terms of strength.
"Yet she shows something else as well, and that is the most important part of who she is. There is strength in numbers, but true strength comes when those numbers band together to form a single entity; in her case, a sword. She marks the essence of what it means to be in the Thirteen Squads, and wielding her is like bending poetry to your will.
"She is merciless and beautiful, a maiden forged into the mold of a warrior. To hear her voice is to hear your death, but one would gladly listen to it for all of eternity if it was allowed. When I think of her I think of Hisana, because no other woman had ever been so determined to finish something as I saw in her, and Senbonzakura has the same iron will. When I call out her name I know Hisana is with me, lending her strength to my sword. Remember this, Ichigo Kurosaki, your wife is your strength, and doing anything to jeopardize that strength is like throwing your zanpakutou into the depths of the underworld."
The solemnity and seriousness of the answer he was given had Ichigo's mouth dry, and had he not heard it himself he would not have believed Byakuya Kuchiki able to string so many words together at one time. He could hear the honesty given, and for the first time that night he noticed that the ever-calm captain wasn't wearing his sword at his side. That explained why he hadn't felt him coming, his reiatsu was already restrained inside his gigai, even though it was still plenty enough to be felt.
"I will. Thanks…for being here and for talking to me, Byakuya. I know it might not mean much coming from me but it was nice to have you here."
Once again, Byakuya's lips edged up into the bare traces of a smile. He didn't answer right away, instead he lifted his hands and gingerly took off the scarf from around his neck. Even though it was a mere imitation of his real Ginpaku Kazahana No Uzuginu, it was no less extraordinary and certainly no less expensive. With both hands outstretched, Byakuya held it in front of Ichigo.
"Do not belittle your own worth. The Kuchiki family…
I…would be honored if you were to wear this scarf at your wedding. After all, it is unbecoming of a Royal to not wear something that testifies to their greatness, is it not?"
Ichigo was speechless. This went far beyond the respect that he had often seen the older captain give him, this was…this was unbelievable. Even when his brain finally computed the part where he had mentioned 'Royal,' the thought that Byakuya knew of his title didn't frighten him at all. This was a gesture of good faith, and most definitely the closest thing Byakuya Kuchiki would ever give to openly signify a friendship. Respectful of the serious air around him, Ichigo bowed gratefully to the noble and tenderly took the priceless scarf from his hands.
"T-Thank you…I'm honored…"
Byakuya nodded again, as if saying 'yes, you should be,' and walked behind Ichigo to help him put the scarf on. With the style of clothes he was wearing, it would not seem right to keep it in the style Byakuya always wore. So instead, it was wrapped once around his neck almost like a choker before one end was folded into the wrap to hold it in place, leaving two long tail ends that almost reached his waistline floating gently in the air behind him. The creamy color went perfectly with the white outfit and even the stoic noble had to admit that Ichigo gave a certain air to the scarf that even he would be hard-pressed to attain.
For today, it would do the Kuchiki family proud where it was.
"How'd you find out?" Ichigo asked at last after finally getting over the feel of the scarf around his neck. He had thought his clothes to be fancy but they had nothing on the seemingly simple cloth now around his neck. While his clothes were soft and light, the scarf was very nearly imperceptible in its weight and its softness could only be described as being wrapped in a cloud. The sheer magnitude of what he was wearing was almost enough to suffocate him even though the cloth was doing nothing of the sort.
"The Royal Key may not have been used, but that does not mean that a Royal was not created that day. Only someone like yourself would be able to unite the very pinnacle of a Hollow's existence to their side and something like that does not become undone so easily. To gain a Hollow's fear is one thing, to gain their respect is another matter altogether. Soul Society should consider themselves lucky to have such a King in place," Byakuya answered simply as he straightened his captain's robes.
Ichigo smiled at the actually readable compliment in Byakuya's voice. "You know, I don't think I'll ever understand you for as long as I live," he said with a chuckle.
Byakuya Kuchuki began to walk back to where the ceremony would take place without answering, and thanks to Ichigo running to catch up with him he wasn't able to see the genuine smile on the noble's face the remark had evoked.
There would be no dishonor happening today to the Kuchiki family. The priceless scarf was in good hands.
…
Naturally, Isshin, Karin, and Yuzu, were the firsts to arrive even though technically that title belonged to Byakuya—who had come much, much earlier the night before. Even saying they came in second was a stretch, because caterers from who-knows-where had come early in the morning to set up the tables with food, and the sheer amount was enough to make Ichigo's mouth water. The Shinigami Women's Association really
had outdone themselves, and he was thankful for it. With the amount of people coming he supposed it wasn't that much really, but it seemed like an awful lot to him. All the caterers were probably just lower-ranking Shinigamis that wanted to make it but weren't seated officers, so it was a win-win situation.
The bearded dramatic was clad in wear identical to his Soul Reaper garments and he even had the torn captain's robe wrapped around his arm. Nevertheless, that didn't stop him from acting like he usually did. He was about to jump into his son for a huge hug of congratulations before all the guests started arriving, but was promptly stopped dead in the air when he saw what was around his son's neck. Shock crossed his face first, then just like that the moronic grin came back full force and he looked over to give Byakuya the 'honor' of seeing that dumb-ass grin.
"You really are my son!" he cried happily and gave his son the huge hug he had been going for before, lifting him clear off the ground in the process. Luckily, he was careful not to tarnish the scarf, as though he may not have been a Soul Reaper for quite some time, he still knew what that scarf was.
Karin was looking comfortable for once, as she too had been allowed to wear a kimono and she thought black suited her perfectly. She had to admit though that she was a bit scared that she might be mistaken for a Soul Reaper with her heightened spiritual energy, and something would accidentally happen to her that wasn't supposed to happen to any
alive human being. Yuzu was as happy as ever even though she wasn't wearing a dress, and she was playing with the hakama of her kimono with great delight as she got used to the looseness of the fabric.
"Ichigo! You look so handsome!" Yuzu cried happily and Ichigo was hard-pressed to fight off the blush rising on his face from the compliment from his pubescent sister. She was looking more and more like their mother each day as her brown hair continued to grow longer, and it was like staring into the face of a younger Masaki Kurosaki.
"Thank you," he coughed out embarrassedly.
Karin elbowed him in the stomach playfully and Ichigo's cough turned a little bit more real. "Getting embarrassed by a simple compliment? What's wrong Ichigooooo?" she taunted like all sisters are bound to do.
That was enough to take away any amount of embarrassment and soon Karin was in a headlock from her older brother. She yelped ungraciously and thankfully Ichigo had mercy on her and let her go, which allowed her to straighten out whatever hairs might have been set askew by her brother.
"What about you Karin? Making sure your hair's nice for someone?" Ichigo taunted right back and was slightly amused by the light blush that took over his younger sister's face.
"O-Of course not!"
Now his curiosity was beyond piqued, but he let it go. He had all of today to see who his little sister was surrounded by, and even more time to make sure whoever the object of her affections was knew what he was getting into. His knuckles rejoiced just at the thought.
After them, Mr. Arisawa was next to arrive, as it went without saying that the mother of the bride was with her daughter to help get ready for the big event. After seeing his future son-in-law and daughter wearing the strange black kimonos and being told what likely everyone at the wedding would be wearing, he too was sporting a copy of the shihakushou worn by any Soul Reaper. He held out his hand with barely restrained tears in his eyes and Ichigo took it seriously. "You take care of my daughter, you hear me?"
Ichigo smiled. "I'll try, but I can't guarantee she won't kill me for doing so."
That got a hearty laugh from the older man. "That's a good man!" And he punctuated it by giving him a playful slap on the back that was harder than he thought. Ichigo coughed from the force of the blow but he gave a pained smile eventually.
So she gets her strength from her dad and her personality from her mom. That explains a lot, the young man thought as he fought the urge to rub his stinging back.
Ichigo felt the spiritual pressure approaching and he straightened himself to watch them approach. It only made sense that they would come early; after all, without Hachi the possibility of Hollow interruptions went through the roof. He was glad they hadn't chosen to dress like everyone else, as though he was happy that they decided to come, he didn't expect them to forgive the Soul Reapers so easily after years of persecution. Even wearing a black kimono was pushing it and he was glad they didn't. Even though none of them were wearing black kimonos, they were all wearing traditional Japanese garb in different styles, even Lisa, who he thought would look out of place in anything but her sailor uniform. The group stopped in front of him and he couldn't help but smile.
"Thanks for coming everyone. This means a lot that you'd go so far out of your way for me."
He was promptly slapped by an all-too-familiar sandal.
"Jeez Ichigo," Hiyori huffed, a small blush blossoming becomingly on her cheeks. "What kind of family would we be if we didn't come to one of our own's wedding? We may have just met Tatsuki, but she's as much a part of our family as you are! Sheesh!"
The Vizards all smiled at Hiyori's embarrassed explanation. She had a soft side, she just didn't like to show it.
Ichigo rubbed his stinging cheek and smiled right back at them. "Hachi. I hate to ask this of you so early, but do ya think you could start right away?"
Hachi nodded slowly like was his way and with a few quick arm movements and a fluctuation in reiatsu, the familiar orange tower had completely encased the entire area and even some outside of it. It took very little toll on him when the people inside weren't battling and it was made for the specific purpose of hiding reiatsu, so it could be held for long periods of time with no ill effects to the user. Add to that that Vizards had a much larger store of the spiritual substance than most Soul Reapers and the barrier would be near impossible to destroy when used for such a simple job as guarding a wedding.
Ichigo whistled in awe. "Damn. You're good."
Rose tapped one of Hachi's tree-like arms. "That's Hachi for you." Aforementioned man rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment.
"I made some modifications so the guests would be able to come and go as they please, but if they step outside the barrier their reiatsu will no doubt be felt," the pink-haired man explained and Ichigo nodded with a smile, shaking the much larger man's hand.
"Well, don't let me keep you guys here. Not very many people have arrived yet but if you want to help yourself to some food and pick out some seats go right ahead!"
At the mention of food the Vizards were all gone in a second.
Ichigo couldn't resist laughing. Today was going to be great.
He could see the mass of moving black clothes coming his way and he knew some of the Soul Reapers had arrived. What division he didn't know but he'd soon find out. He had a long mess of greeting awaiting him.
Damn Tatsuki, I wish you were here. For some reason he got the feeling she was wishing the same thing.
…
Tatsuki Arisawa
was indeed wishing exactly the same thing her soon-to-be-husband was wishing, and it all had to do with the many females crowded around her helping her to get ready. The fact that her mother seemed fine with it and was even joining in was just one more tick on the wall.
Finally, just when she was about to scream for them all to get away from her before she broke out in all-out violence they all stepped away, and Tatsuki didn't know what to make of the looks on their faces.
"Wha-what? I look horrible, don't I!" she cried as her chest constricted at the thought. She knew this was a bad idea from the start. She
knew it. It didn't matter what Halibel and Uryuu said, she was sure it simply wouldn't suit her. She turned to the now visible mirror to take in her reflection.
And she stopped dead.
"Oh God…" she whispered reverently as she raised a hand to her cheek, as if assuming that what she was looking at was nothing more than an illusion. "Is that me?"
Her mother and the Association could only nod numbly. She was absolutely astounding, and even Yachiru, whose childlike enthusiasm could dampen any solemn event, was struck speechless in awe of the more developed woman. That didn't last for long however.
"Ichi's gonna die when he sees you!" she exclaimed happily.
Tatsuki smiled at the honesty from the childlike Soul Reaper and turned back to her reflection one more time just to make sure.
Maybe today wouldn't turn out so bad after all.
…
Ichigo had had almost all he could take when it came to greeting. Some of these Soul Reapers he didn't even
know and yet they had been invited. Even Ganju and Kuukaku Shiba had come in gigais of their own, though that he had no problem with. He exhaled deeply to try and calm himself. The more people arriving had him more and more on edge the longer Tatsuki wasn't by his side, but there was one thing to be thankful for at least. All the arrivals had taken to sitting down and talking, most of them in their squads and if not, then with their significant others. Some of the couples had caught him completely off guard, but he wished them well nonetheless.
He only hoped he didn't have to come between a confrontation with Captain Kurotsuchi and Hanatarou. It wouldn't do for Soul Society to lose one of their captains, but if he so much as
threatened the healer that had put his life on the line to help him back in Soul Society, then the Twelfth Division would be needing to find a new captain.
After what seemed like too long, Rukia and Renji finally arrived after the giant line that kept coming into the large expanse of field. Thankfully it was as large as it was, allowing for plenty of space no matter how many there were. He was grateful for the Association's foresight in that. The other thing was that since Rukia was with her love interest, it meant that the Association had finally finished with Tatsuki. He almost crowed with joy.
"Yo Ichigo, great day for a wed—ding…" Rukia and Renji both trailed off ungracefully as they spied what was around his neck, and soon the two Soul Reapers were looking around for the head of hair that had the Kenseikan in it. Lo and behold, to their utmost surprise, the scarf wasn't there. They both turned back to the orange-haired captain with wide open mouths and Ichigo laughed. If this wedding gathering wasn't good for anything else it certainly was good for a few laughs.
"Well damn, I don't think I can say anything that compares to
that," Renji said in barely veiled envy as he looked once more at the expensive heirloom around Ichigo's neck. Rukia only nodded to agree with him, but Ichigo was sure he heard the disbelieving whisper that sounded like 'Nii-sama…' coming from her mouth in awe. No sooner had she done that did she look up at him with tears in her eyes and hugged him.
"Who'd have thought when I stabbed you all those years ago that you'd have such a large effect on Soul Society in such a short time?" Rukia murmured into the white clothes she was holding.
Ichigo's gaze softened and he returned the hug before she went back to Renji's side. "I don't think any of us could have anticipated saving the worlds, but I guess what happens happens," he answered simply.
"Yeah, that's one way of putting it," Renji replied with a laugh.
"Well, you better go find some seats, I know Rukia'll be with the rest of the Association by Tatsuki's side up there, but if
you," he said, directed specifically at Renji, "want to find any good seats then you'd better get going. There are a few rows reserved for our classmates so you'd better find a seat while you can."
Rukia and Renji nodded and walked by him, leaving him to greet the small crowd approaching him.
Dammit why do they all have to come at one time! Is there some kind of prerequisite or something? When he looked closer he saw it wasn't Soul Reapers, and they were all wearing traditional clothes but in much more colorful styles.
Speak of the devils… It was his classmates.
Then he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned around to see Uryuu standing behind him, wearing the traditional garb of the Quincy. Even though he knew what most of the people would be wearing, he was going to stand out to signify the Quincy's presence at the wedding of a Soul Reaper. The two sides were starting to understand each other.
"Ichigo, it's time to get ready." He understood what the archer meant right away.
Turning back to the oncoming crowd, Ichigo made short work of the greeting. "Hey everyone! Thanks for coming but we're about to start right away! Your seats are all up front so get ready!" And with that he took off behind the already retreating Quincy to the archway; that which stood majestically between the two longs rows of folding chairs which made the aisle his bride would soon walk down.
The looks on his classmates had been priceless to say the least when they saw what he was wearing, but they quickly walked to where they were told. They couldn't resist wondering some very confusing questions though as they sat down. Relatively simple in nature, but no less important all the same: who the hell all the other people were, where they came from, and how on earth the Strawberry knew them all. Little did they know they would have to die to understand.
Ichigo took his place up front, where the Captain Commander Genryuusai Yamamoto himself had volunteered to be the acting priest for the ceremony. Soul Society had more of a pull in the Living World than most people thought, and a marriage certificate was child's play for them to create. He also added a perfect atmosphere of antiquity to the already solemn ceremony.
Chad was right beside him as his best man, because though Uryuu was a cherished friend, Chad had been there way before the Quincy ever came into the picture and their friendship had lasted through trials of the worst kind. He stood proudly by Ichigo in his kimono, more akin to the kind the Espada wore than any Soul Reaper, but the plain shihakushou didn't suit the giant very well and this turned out to be the best alternative. Beside him was Uryuu, as gallant as ever in his white priest-like robes. Ichigo smiled at them both in turn and waited for the music to start playing as he turned back to look expectantly at the end of the rows of chairs, where Mr. Arisawa stood waiting to take his daughter down the petal-ridden aisle.
His heart leapt into his throat when the music finally reached the telltale part and Yachiru jumped onto the scene, as giddy as ever yet calm enough to walk slowly, throwing out even more petals from the little basket on her arm. The flower girl couldn't have really been anyone else, and he doubted Yachiru would even
let anyone else try to, even if Nel
could have come.
Then
she appeared, and her father took her arm as the crowd turned to look.
Time stopped for Ichigo Kurosaki.
"Sweet Lord in Heaven…" he whispered in awe.
What was walking towards him was nothing like what he had expected. He thought Rukia had said Tatsuki would never wear a dress and that was why they were having it more traditional, but now that he thought about it that might have been just to throw him off.
She looked amazing. She was stunning, beautiful; more vibrant than the incredible white she was wearing and the beautiful white roses in her hands. He could use every word and synonym for gorgeous that he could think of and still not do justice to the woman that was walking down the Sakura-flowered aisle towards him.
Her wedding dress was curiously close to what a Spanish dancer would wear, only hers held an air of beauty and purity that could never be achieved anywhere else. No straps annoyed her shoulders, and in their place it was supported by her breasts like any strapless gown; flowing down her tight curves to follow her exact physique with smooth white silk. It conformed to her legs with each step forward and
swished along the ground each time her feet traded places, where the thin socks and traditional sandals of a Soul Reaper resided. Her veil was kept in place by a small silver crown that sat upon a head surprisingly lacking any spikes, instead combed and kept in place by two blue hairpins recognized immediately as Orihime's.
She was wearing very little make-up, but her radiant smile and happy hazel-black eyes made that inconsequential in the warmth of their seemingly physical caress as she looked at him. Her beauty had always been natural, and her being a tomboy helped with her lack of concern for cosmetics. Her strong, seemingly frail arms weren't bare; instead they had on them longer versions of the armlets Byakuya Kuchiki usually wore; freeing her fingers for the ring about to go on the one but covering the rest of her wrists and arms with creamy white material up to her shoulders. The illusion of straps on the strapless gown was wonderfully done, almost too beautiful for words.
Right then he could have made the comment of her being a fallen angel and felt no guilt for the corniness that it was supposed to always include. It was no less than the truth in this case.
When her father finally handed her off to him under the arch he still hadn't been able to tear his eyes away from her. As she took her place beside him while the Association stood to her side as her bridesmaids, he couldn't let go of her hands. They simply stood there, holding each other's hands as the music played its way though.
"God you look beautiful," he whispered.
She smiled sweetly at him from under her near-transparent veil. "You don't look so bad yourself."
'You may kiss the bride' couldn't come soon enough for the orange-haired savior.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the joining of Ichigo Kurosaki, and Tatsuki Arisawa, in the bonds of Holy Matrimony…" The Captain Commander started, and the ceremony was underway.
…
At last, it came at last to the moment of truth.
"Do you, Ichigo Kurosaki, take Tatsuki Arisawa to be your lawfully wedded wife; to have and to hold; to love and to cherish; for richer or poorer; through sickness and in health, for as long as you both may live?" The old man was barely able to suppress the chuckle regarding the last question and Tatsuki and Ichigo were in the same predicament. They would both be living a loooooong time unless a sword cut them down first.
"I do," he answered lovingly as his eyes never strayed from Tatsuki's.
I do. With a smile on her face she slipped the gold band around his finger and the next proceeding started.
"And do you, Tatsuki Arisawa, take Ichigo Kurosaki to be your lawfully wedded husband; to have and to hold; to love and to cherish; for richer or poorer; through sickness and in health, for as long as you both may live?"
Tatsuki had been waiting for this moment for so long, when the time came to finally bind her life to her love's forever in the eyes of the law and the world. Tears formed in her eyes and she had to swallow thickly to try and get rid of the pride that wanted to course through her words. It was no use.
"I do," she answered in the same loving, proud tone he had used.
I do. With agile fingers he slipped the ring Chad gave him onto her finger and the proceedings were sealed, all but one last thing.
The echoed answers of their inner beings seemed to be heard by the audience, and they looked around for a few seconds, wondering who else had spoken. The Captain Commander smiled in full understanding and cleared his throat. "Now, should anyone here have reason why this joining should not take place, speak now or forever hold your peace."
Just at the mention of someone not allowing their marriage, the two at the altar underwent a familiar change. They never took their eyes off each other, but the promise was written in their eyes that even if someone
did speak up, they would stay together no matter what. The white King and Queen would make sure of that. The Soul Reapers and the spiritually-aware members of their class shuffled backwards in their seat slightly upon witnessing the Hollowization of their eyes and none dared speak, though many did gulp nervously.
"Then by the power 'vested in me, I hereby declare you husband and wife!" Yamamoto bellowed happily, and everyone leaned forward in anticipation of the next words, the Shinigami Women's Association especially. "You may kiss the bride, young man."
Tatsuki was smiling as Ichigo tenderly reached forward and lifted the veil over her head, to once again see her with no obstacles between. He had been waiting so long for this moment and he was going to make sure she remembered it for the rest of their lives. Screw corny, he was on a roll on the subject so he might as well go the full mile. Tugging her to him unexpectedly he placed one hand solidly on the small of her back and the other behind her neck, then in full view of who-knows-how-many Soul Reapers, most of his graduating class, his family, her family, and the Vizards, he dipped her down and sealed her mouth with his.
The cheers of the crowd reached enormous proportions right away at the romantic move but to Ichigo and Tatsuki those cheers went on deaf ears. This was it, they had done it. They were lawfully married. And right then he had her in one of the most romantic positions he had ever put them and his lips were making her forget where she was. She wrapped her arms around his neck to keep herself steady and returned the greedy kiss with just as much force, thoroughly enjoying what was easily the most intense kiss of their relationship.
When he pulled away he slowly brought them back up the standing position and they looked over at the crowd, who were by now standing and clapping as well as cheering at the kiss that must have lasted at least two full minutes. Tatsuki had felt this urge many times over their relationship, but usually she was able to fight it off. This time not even her Hollow could help her thanks to the changes in altitude as well as the hot kiss that had her insides reeling.
She did what she had sworn she would never do.
She swooned.
The crowd drank in her practically drunk demeanor until the slow fall backwards started in telltale fashion. Luckily Ichigo was still right beside her and his focus was solely on her, otherwise she might have had a very painful meeting with the ground. He caught her easily and held her there, uncaring of the gasps and laughter of the crowd as he watched her slowly regain her bearings.
"If you weren't such a good kisser I
might be mad at you right now," she whispered as strongly as she could because her voice still hadn't fully recovered yet. Ichigo chuckled and gave her another chaste kiss.
"I had a good teacher," he insinuated smartly and she managed to give him a feeble punch.
"I taught you too well then." Once again, he gave her a chuckle and nodded before raising them both up again. She blushed at the looks everyone was giving her, especially from her former classmates and especially Rukia and Orihime. Eager for their appraising looks of mischievousness to be ended, she waved the roses in her hand tauntingly at the crowd and turned around.
The stares certainly stopped right away, because it then became a mass charge of women to get in front of the bouquet surely about to be flung by the bride. Ichigo laughed at his wife's ingenuity and he soon saw her hands flung behind her head, whereupon the white roses were sent sailing into the air. She underestimated her own strength however, and the flowers sailed right over the large group of women gathered at the foot of the altar.
And whose hands did they choose to land in but the disinterested hands of Hiyori, who had completely turned away from the horde of women in disgust and was talking to the other Vizards. They flew right over her head and right into her gesturing hands as she acted out her revulsion at the indignity the women were putting themselves through. She looked down in shock at the large bouquet in her hands and turned around to see if she had what she thought she had. After seeing the equal looks of shock on the women and the widest, stupidest smirk she had ever seen on Ichigo, her brain finally determined that what she had in her hands was indeed real.
She fainted immediately.
The rest of the group scrambled to catch her but since he was sitting closest, Shinji was the one to have the honor of saving the smallest member of their group. He sighed and shook his head while nodding to Ichigo to continue. She would wake up soon enough.
On the other hand, marriage? She did
want to be a virgin bride…the blonde thought amusedly. Some things just need a little tap to get going.
Tatsuki burst out laughing and Ichigo cheerfully joined her. That had to be one of the funniest, most unlikely things that could ever happen in the history of the world. Suddenly she felt the eyes of many men on her and she blushed when she realized what was to happen next. They
were having more of a Western wedding after all. She was going to kill Rukia later. She was
sure that the Association made her wear that just so they could see Ichigo with his hand up her dress.
They were
soo dead. Later at least, right now she was allowed to bask in the warmth of their love and she could forgive them…for now.
"Go ahead, get it over with," she mumbled as she covered her eyes and raised her leg slightly. With that damn infuriating smirk on his face, Ichigo boldly knelt down on one knee and before she even felt his fingers on her leg or anyone was able to see what he was doing, he had her garter in his hands. On his way up, seeing her shocked expression mixed with complete and utter relief, he whispered, "Master of Shunpo, remember?"
She coughed down her laughter and she heard the disappointed whines of many members of the assemblage, men and women alike.
And just like that the garter was airborne, flying through the air.
Then just as suddenly, it was gone.
Everyone looked around in confusion, but only Ichigo and a few other captains who were well attuned to tracking super high speed movements were able to see Uryuu tucking something into his pocket.
And of course, since Orihime was so well attuned to his reiatsu, she
felt the movement more than she actually
saw it, and she swiftly turned redder than the ripest red tomato while Rukia and a few other Association members nudged her teasingly or looked at her curiously.
Once again, Ichigo and Tatsuki were given something to really laugh about. They did so heartily, loudly, and uninhibitedly to the surprise of everyone present. Uryuu merely adjusted his glasses as he tried to hide his smile and winked inconspicuously at Orihime, who turned even redder in response.
"Food?" Tatsuki asked hopefully. Ichigo smiled widely and soon the both of them had made a beeline from the archway to the long line of tables stacked high with the food brought for the event.
Taking the cue that was so blatantly given, everyone followed in line to get their food. Thankfully, there were also Soul Reaper waiters and waitresses who could serve the people that would normally be waiting unheard-of amounts of time in line.
Being a savior really did have its perks.
…
Author's Notes: Almost done. I still don't know why AFF screwed over the formatting on my stories so badly. Thanks for reading!
