Here is the epilogue guys :D I hope you enjoy it! A massive thanks once again to those of you who took the time to leave a comment for me! FafaCute, Always Keep the Faith and Allistera!

Toshiro did his best not to fidget. It wouldn't look well in front of all these noblemen who seemed to have accepted him fully when Byakuya introduced him. They'd eyed him with scrutiny but couldn't seem to deny that his Captain uniform was appropriate attire, nor that his scars should be worn with pride for protecting the pillar of balance between the world of the living and the dead. Only one seemed to object, and Toshiro had to stifle a chuckle when he realised it was because he wished his own son to marry into the Kuchiki line.

Byakuya had turned his nose up at the request and claimed that there would be no better husband for Rukia than Captain Hitsugaya.

Husband.

That word still sent a thrill down his spine. It was more than excitement or nerves it was everything, she was his everything.

His lip twitched where he stood. She'd become his everything the moment she beat him in their first spar. Despite his pride, his own belief in his power and his mantra that he didn't need anyone by his side, she'd come and cut it all down with a swish of her zanpakuto.

Now here he stood, waiting for her, waiting for the beginning of the rest of their lives together.

The outside shrine had been beautifully decorated and spring had been the perfect time to host the ceremony. Large tree's lined the gardens, the grass a deep rich green and the sun casting a brilliant glow across all the fully repaired buildings. The cherry blossoms had only just begun to fall and the setting was entirely… dare he think it? Romantic.

The nobles were chatting quietly amongst themselves, where Toshiro stood he could see beyond their ancient faces into the faces of the people he and Rukia cared for. Rangiku was beaming at him and waving, her familiar presence a source of normality and comfort. His lips twitched and peeled back into a blinding smile and his best friends answering smile was just as dazzling. Matsumoto looked stunning in a pink kimono that took her so long to accessorise that she was almost late. To her right sat Renji, tall and clearly complaining about the leg space to Ichigo who seemed to be having the same thoughts. As soon as the strawberry blond felt Toshiro's gaze he too, met his eyes and gave him a cheeky thumbs up.

Toshiro quirked a brow back at him, but the two had become a lot closer since Rukia had explained Ichigo's preference for the same gender rather than the opposite. It was only while having that thought that he noticed how close Ichigo seemed to be sitting to Renji and wondered if something was going on there.

Ichgio distracted the thought however by passing something to Rangiku and she tried to be discrete as she took a drink of whatever it was. Toshiro sighed but ultimately didn't send them any warning glares. They were his only family and he had to take them as they were. That title would soon be made official once the announcements were made at the end of the ceremony for the precious load that Rukia carried would have both Ichigo and Rangiku as her guardians.

When Toshiro had first learned that Rukia was expecting… he was terrified for her. Despite their years and years of peace they'd enjoyed together he couldn't ever seem to shake the same thought Byakuya had, that once people found out she was pregnant then they'd know what she was. She'd be in greater danger…

But then Toshiro realised, that there would be no person in the world better protected than Rukia Kuchiki, except perhaps the daughter she was carrying.

Hyorinmaru rumbled inside him in agreement and Toshiro put a steadying hand on the hilt of his zanpakuto.

With him as a father, Rukia as a mother, Byakuya as an overbearing uncle and of course Ichigo and Rangiku as god parents, no one would be suicidal enough to try anything.

They'd proven to this universe over and over again that when they all fought together, there was no team more powerful than all the souls gathered at that ceremony today.

The music started and Toshiro tensed. The crowd got to their feet and turned in the direction of the torii gate.

Byakuya came around the corner but Toshiro barely noticed him, his eyes only for the strong beautiful woman who clutched his arm. Rukia's white kimono was traditional and stunning and melted Toshiro's heart. Her violet eyes locked onto his and he couldn't stop the smile that broke out over his face.

All his weaknesses wrapped into one perfect person and he wouldn't have it any other way. After today it would be official, she'd have chosen to spend the rest of her existence with him and only him and that thought was enough to steal Toshiro's breath.

Only when Rukia was finally beside him, only when he took her soft fingers into his own hand did it feel real. She stepped gracefully up onto the step beside him, her fingers lacing with his and turned to face him.

'Have you told your brother?' he whispered to her, a smirk playing on his lips at their earlier conversation, something normal in amongst this unreal, 'is he going to make her sign an NDA?'

Rukia shook with laughter, her bright red lips pulling back to reveal her white teeth.

Byakuya seemed to be the last person to find out about the pregnancy, and Rukia had decided this day to be the best day to tell him. Toshiro would have rather told him together but Rukia was convinced that he'd hurt Toshiro for not waiting until after the wedding.

'He cried,' she whispered quickly back to him, but still Toshiro's eyes did not leave her face. He laughed softly at her words, but registered the acceptance behind them.

'So now you're stuck with me?' he asked as the priest stepped forward, ready to begin the ceremony.

Rukia's perfect lips twitched at the corner too, pulling into a breath taking smile, her eyes twinkling up at him, 'forever.'

'Forever,' he smiled.

And then the ceremony began.

I hope you've enjoyed this HitsuRuki fic guys! I know a few of you have and another massive thanks for coming on the journey with me. As I already said there's a massive HitsuRuki piece going to be coming out towards the end of this year. If you want to be notified of it please make sure you follow either myself and Geishaaa!

The fic will be a 2 POV fic similar to our 'Mind of an Ice Prince/Princess' and 'Counting Down Roses' and will be entitled 'Going for Gold'

We hope to see you then!

Also, Always Keep the Faith you mentioned liking the nudge to MatsumotoxGin ;)

Not giving anything away but... they may or may not play a role in Going for Gold ;) ;) ;)

Watch this space guys! Thanks again!