One Last Vow
Chapter 4.

'How long did it take you to realise?'

Tōshirō steps inside, and closes the door behind him. They watch each other in silence and, effortlessly, the entire room freezes at his presence. Rangiku knows the only reason he cannot control his reiatsu is because he's distracted; this distraction has taken over his mind, stripped away his armour, and all that's left is a man, a normal, human being searching for guidance. From the beginning, he has always turned to her when in need of advice, he has always turned to her if he isn't sure with what to do.

Yet, for the first time, Rangiku is equally as clueless. She knows at least one thing, though: letting him leave would shatter her heart all over again. She wants to hold him, and hold him close. There is guilt swimming in his eyes, and she wants to tell him he isn't a bad man for not allowing the wedding to happen. But she can't speak. Just the sight of him, standing in her doorway, so close to slip away from her grip, makes her speechless, even breathless.

'Too long.' It's not a voice she's familiar with. It's his voice. And his voice trembles with emotions he doesn't know what to do with, and his voice is filled with anxiety, fear and painful devotion. He looks at her so softly, and, in an odd sort of way, it makes him appear older than he is.

Finally she can move. The blanket slips off her shoulders and she kisses him hard, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck. Tōshirō responds in kind, and her warm mouth is inviting, her tongue teasing his lower lip before kissing him passionately, her hand resting at the back of his head, squeezing his thick, white hair. Their lips dance together as he gently ushers her back, exploring the curve of her waist, running over her small shoulders before holding her face between his hands, his kisses becoming more assertive, more needy. Wanting.

They break away momentarily, and she lets him kiss her neck, his lips slightly chapped but gentle against her warm flesh. Rangiku tilts her head back, and releases a quiet moan as he continues to kiss her down to her collarbone. Her hands move down from his face, to the collar of his shirt, to the jacket, and she pulls it open, strips the jacket off his body. Tōshirō can feel her breath against his lips, and he kisses her again, his arms curling around her waist and he feels her shiver.

She gasps when his shirt crumples to the floor, and she can touch him. He's so cold, and he hisses at her touch, the heat of her reiatsu burning his flesh, but he's addicted. Rangiku's hands are soft when they slide down his chest. Suddenly the two lovers are in a hurry, they're rushing. Both are blind and whatever sense they have left is gone. Manipulated by their love for one another. Tōshirō's hands are strong at her clothes, and she helps him undress her. Her breasts feel like silk under his rough palms, and she exhales heavily, her lips brushing over his while he massages her chest, slowly, and they kiss again.

When she whispers his name into his mouth, Tōshirō is a man possessed. He lifts her off the ground and they fall onto the bed. Tōshirō captures her lips again, and bites possessively on her lower lip, earning a moan of surprise. Sending his hands through her gorgeous, flaming hair he feels his chest tighten, and his body trembles terribly when she unbuckles the belt to his trousers. Rangiku notices, and takes his hands in her own, their fingers interlock, and she squeezes.

'It's okay,' she says quietly; she knows that while he is a master at sparring, while he is almost unbeatable on the field, he is not a man who has experienced love before. Rangiku eases herself up and kisses his cheek several times, and her left hand slips from his to rest against his face. Their eyes meet, and she is transfixed by his eyes: an emerald green, sharp, fixed; dilated pupils, and a tenderness she hasn't witnessed before. 'I love you.'

It amazes him how she confesses so effortlessly. She is the first to reveal the secret hidden between them; she is the strongest out of the two –– she loves him. It's enough to help him relax, feel safe and secure. She loves him. She isn't going anywhere. And her love is powerful, like a fire itself, scolding his body and heart, and he desires every inch of her. Their bare chests press together when he leans down to kiss her, and he is consciously aware of Rangiku bringing her legs around his hips, a sign that he is welcome, invited and deserving. He is hers. She is his.

They don't strip completely; seeing the other naked is nothing uncommon to them. They already know each other so well –– better than anyone. She unzips his fly, and her hand roams for a moment, finding him, and Tōshirō pushes a little, her hips bucking at his encouragement. Finally, he enters her, and they're relieved, but already gasping for breath. Tōshirō's heart thuds against his chest when he kisses her again, and she moans softly, her palms gently holding his face.

He is anxious, and rocks, but they can't find their sync. Tōshirō has been completely removed from what has hidden him; Rangiku has effortlessly peeled away his helmet and shield, and he is confused and uncertain; he can't think. She holds her breath, and his movements are too sudden, too fast, and she needs to tell him it's okay. It's okay to be this way; nothing has to happen. But she doesn't need to voice her words, he only needs to catch her eye and realise.

Rangiku presses her hands on his shoulders, and he is soon on his back, she straddling his hips, and they're still one. Lowering herself to kiss his lips, she is soft and calm, trying her best to ease him, feel safe. He may be in a vulnerable position, but she won't hurt him. Tōshirō has lived his entire life living under a shell, protected himself from others, and now, suddenly, he has welcomed someone into his life, literally given her the knife to stab him with.

But she has thrown it away without a thought. Tōshirō feels warmer, but he is tortured by the pleasure rising from where she has him. Rangiku breaks their kiss, and keeps her hands pressed on his chest while she rocks. She is slow, and the tightness of her flower makes him groan, pushing his head back against the sheets. They make love together, and he closes his eyes, his body raging, scolding by her heat, her moans and gasps so wonderful to his ears.

The chill has been zapped from him, and when he opens his eyes, he raises himself to his elbows and kisses her passionately. Tōshirō is finally convinced she shan't abuse this vulnerability he has expressed, and takes charge. They meet again when he raises himself over her, but his movements aren't as slow. They're more forceful, slightly faster, but this time they fall into sync together. Rangiku presses her heel against the lower of his back, and the sensation of him rubbing against her folds brings her to her climax. It's sudden and takes them both by surprise.

When her muscles relax, Rangiku lets out a quiet moan, and Tōshirō pauses momentarily. He lowers himself to his elbows, and wipes away a few strands of hair from her face. 'Rangiku... I will love you, respect you, console you and help you... until death.' He kisses her briefly, and adds: 'I swear.'

His vows echo in her ears, and, of all moments, she realises how boyish he looks when his hair is a mess. His cheeks are slightly red, but he is smiling. It's a small smile, but it's a smile which holds so much for her. It's a smile of happiness. He's happy. Finally, he is happy.

Miraculously, she finds her voice, 'And I you.'

Tōshirō raises himself, and everything is finally sealed between them. Their promises are never broken, and this one last promise between the two shall be engraved in their hearts. They are the vows which they have voiced silently to each other for years, but never had the courage or strength to speak them. Neither have been in the position to, so wrapped up in their armour, hidden behind their blade, and distracted by war. Until now.

From this moment on nothing is secret, anymore. Their last vows have started something beautiful, something which shall flourish and be envied, but their fates are now darkened. Connected and made one together, Tōshirō and Rangiku are inseparable, creating a love so inconceivable it shall torture them both to their dying day.

Their last vows are their first; final.

End.

author's note: This story didn't have much of a plot behind it; I wanted to write something light-hearted and simple, so here you have it. By the way, the vows Tōshirō spoke were the Japanese vows (obviously translated into English) when at a wedding ceremony. I thought that would be a nice touch. Thank you Universal-Public-Cockblocker, [ Kobato ] and sagitgirlth for reviewing the prior chapter. Until next time!

Acknowledgments:-

1) I do not own Bleach, or any of the characters written in this story. All I own is my writing and, I suppose, the story.
2) Thank you everyone for your encouragement in your reviews. I always appreciate and read every one; they mean a great deal to me!
3) I always have to acknowledge my cats. I mean, who wouldn't?