So, my story ends here! I've really enjoyed writing this one… A final, big thanks to all the reviewers! It's amazing to receive such nice, encouraging reviews. It's a big motivation to improve.

I have 2 sequels already drafted, which will center on Karin / Toushiro, but it would not be for immediately (at least not before two months).

So, here's the epilogue!

XOXOX

Propped against a sakura tree in the grand, brightly illuminated Kuchiki garden, and hidden by the low, leafy branches, Ichigo watched the mass of people happily milling around. It was already late into the night, but the party seemed far from being over.

About a hundred of people, consisting mainly of Shinigami from the Gotei 13, had gathered at the Kuchiki manor for the wedding reception. A few of the friendlier bunch of the Kuchiki members and some other nobility family friends also form part of the celebrating group.

Ichigo fidgeted with his kimono; a navy with green trimmings, brocade silk affair, which Uryuu had produced out of his bag, just like a magician would produce a rabbit out of a hat. Seeing that the colors accurately matched Rukia's 'uchikake' - the reception's kimono – Ichigo had deduced that Uryuu must have bought the fabric at the same time that they got Rukia's in Rukongai.

And to think that I'll have to go through another such thing very soon, Ichigo groaned to himself, as he thought about the second wedding plus reception that they would soon be throwing in the living world. It was inconceivable that there would not be a wedding where his living friends and most importantly, Yuzu, would be able to attend. So, it had been agreed earlier between the main parties that there would be another small wedding in Karakura as soon as possible.

Ichigo felt ridiculous hiding like that during his own wedding reception, but he had little choice, if he wanted to come out of this night with his sanity intact. Spotting Rangiku from a distance, he hastily buried himself deeper in the shadow of the tree, not wanting to be found by the blond 10th squad fuki-taicho. She was one of the various reasons which had made him spent most of the past hour desperately wishing he was somewhere else.

Rangiku, along with the complicity of some others, namely Ikkaku and Yumichika, seemed to have acquired a main objective: that to get Ichigo drunk, at all cost.

"It's more fun when the groom is a bit tipsy for the wedding night!" had claimed a slightly drunk Rangiku cheerily and suggestively, while their surrounding friends had laughed raucously at Ichigo's obvious, spluttering embarrassment.

At least Rukia is not around to hear this, had thought a crimson faced Ichigo, wondering from where the blond girl had got such a ludicrous idea. She had got Ikkaku and Yumichika on her side, and the trio had been trying unrelentingly to corner Ichigo with the intent to get him drunk, by all devious means.

Thus, he had been running away from them ever since.

There was also Zaraki Kempachi… The bloodthirsty captain seemed to have got a renewed vigor since Ichigo's fight with the Royal Guards, and was now pursuing him with more temerity for a spar. Ichigo had run out of excuses to deter the man. Finally, he resigned himself in doing his utmost best to avoid crossing the crazed 11th squad Captain as if his life depended on it

Then, there was Isshin…His Dad did not need any reason to be idiotic. He was naturally crazy, Ichigo thought, despaired. At every opportunity he would get, Isshin had been loudly, boisterously demanding immediate grandkids from Ichigo and Rukia, making Rukia blush and Ichigo wanting to bury himself in the nearest hole in embarrassment. Even Karin's severe admonishment had not been able to douse the man's enthusiasm. Ichigo wished that he was anywhere but in the presence of his Dad right now.

Finally, there was Byakuya…Strangely and horrifyingly, Ichigo has found that he has developed a chicken heartedness towards the man. It seemed that with his marriage with Rukia, his previous defiance and cockiness towards Kuchiki Byakuya had disappeared; he felt much less bold to face the cold Kuchiki now. He had been carefully avoiding to be alone in the man's company, dearly hoping that this cowering he was feeling for the man was only temporary.

All these had made that he now enjoyed the solace that the sakura tree temporarily offered him.

His mind then wandered to the brief conversation Yamamoto Genryuusai has had with him. The Sou-taicho had solemnly informed Ichigo that he was now considered, de facto, as an integrate part of the Gotei 13. His position was not properly defined yet, as he would not be forming part of any squad in the immediate time. But he would be duly remunerated as from now on. The aspect of Soul Society monetary currency against the living world currency hurdle would be seen to by Urahara, as the man was always dealing in business between the two worlds.

It had definitely been fantastic to learn that he would very soon be financially independent. This would greatly decrease the pressure to find a suitable job which would cater for both his normal human and his Shinigami status. And most importantly, it would enable him to get an apartment as soon as possible, so that he could immediately move out of the Kurosaki's residence…to start his married life.

Married life…His heart gave a leap at the thought. Two facts which had not ceased to make his heart flutter since earlier that day: First, he was married; second, Rukia was his wife…

Thinking of her, he immediately gave an impatient, frustrated sigh. He let his eyes roamed around the garden once again, trying to locate the blue and green shimmering mass of fabric of the bride in the huge crowd. Why is it so damn difficult to get a private talk with her when we are in Soul Society? he thought, scowling.

The two of them had not had a single opportunity of having a private word yet. The wedding party and guests have moved to the Kuchiki manor, for the reception, right after the wedding ceremony. Then, what with the huge crowd and everybody wanting to talk to them, it had been impossible to make any justifiable escape. He badly wanted to have even some minutes alone with her, at least to assure himself that all this was real…That they, as a couple, were real and not a figment of his imagination.

It had been decided that the Karakuran group would leave for the living world as soon as the reception party was over, but that seemed for several more hours away, and Ichigo did not have the patience to wait that long to be able to have a private word with Rukia!

After a munitious survey, he finally spotted the distinctive blue and green bridal kimono at the far side of the garden. Rukia was conversing with Yoruichi and Soi Fon. Leaving his hiding place, he quickly made a beeline in her direction, deftly avoiding to bump into people in the fear of being retained.

As he approached her, he had to admit that Uryuu's dress work was outstanding.

And he had been right; the vibrant peacock green and blue hues of the rich golden brocaded silk definitely suited her. She looked magnificent, regal and absolutely beautiful in the reception kimono which was worn over her wedding dress. She had removed her veil, and now the high hair updo, held by the golden combs and senbons, exposed her neck, which rose swan like and which seemed to tease his already heightened senses.

He sneaked to her side. Desperation situations ask for desperate measures, he thought, before interrupting the conversation.

"Rukia, there's this couple who have been wanting to meet you since a while now," he lied, without the slightest qualms. "Please excuse us, Yoruichi-san, Soi Fon…" Ignoring the devilish yellow gleam of Yoruichi, and without giving the two women the time to utter a word, he urgently ushered Rukia along.

Rukia quickly cast an apologetic smile to the two before following Ichigo.

"Who are they?" she questioned curiously. She hastened her steps, trying to match Ichigo swift, long strides, but her floor length, bulky, heavily embroidered kimono made it impossible to walk quickly. "Ichigo!" she finally protested, exasperated and giving up on trying to match his speed.

He turned to look at her. "What?" he frowned impatiently as he found her a couple of steps behind. He was intent on urgently getting them off to somewhere more private, at the same time keenly on the look out for his 'tormentors', and he could not understand why she was lagging behind.

Rukia glared at him. "Could you try to walk less fast, Baka!"

"Why can't YOU walk more quickly, Midget?"

She stopped walking, creasing her eyelids halfway to glare even more ferociously at him. "In case you haven't noticed, I'm wearing 'this'!" she growled as she pointed to kimono.

Ichigo immediately looked contrite. "Ok, I'll try to match your pace," he offered as compromise while waiting for her to resume walking. "But do try to hurry!" he urged.

"Who want to meet me?" Rukia repeated her earlier question, "and why are they such in a hurry?" She could only assumed that whoever wanted to meet her were in a hurry, seeing the urgency of Ichigo.

"Huh?" Ichigo asked absentmindedly, as they got inside the Kuchiki Manor. He quickly scanned the area. It was definitely less crowded in here; hopefully he would be able to find somewhere a bit secluded.

"Ichigo?" Rukia persisted.

Ichigo was about to reply to her, when he heard the loud voice of Isshin somewhere in the house, with Byakuya calmer tones replying. The voices were definitely coming in their direction!

Not pausing to think, Ichigo grabbed Rukia's hand and pulled her towards the closest door he could see. Unlike all the other doors, this one was not the paper sliding style; it was a conventional, solid wood, hinged door. He yanked it open – luckily for him it was unlocked- pushed Rukia inside before following her, and swiftly closed it behind them. The room was in pitch black darkness.

"The switch is right behind you," came Rukia's dry voice in the darkness.

Ichigo immediately found it, and the next instant, bright yellow light illuminated the 'room'.

"Now, maybe you can explain what are we doing in the brooms' store?" Rukia drawled, dainty eyebrow raised questioningly as she looked up at him.

Ichigo looked around to find that they were indeed in a tiny room, loaded with old fashioned, wooden handled brooms.

"Oh…" He scratched the back of his head, feeling awkward and not knowing what to say.

He suddenly realized that he was still holding her hand. But he did not release her. A short silence fell in the tiny room, as Rukia looked at him expectantly.

"Ahh…Well.…Phew, that was close, we made it," he finally said, thinking of the close escape from his Dad and Byakuya.

Rukia looked surprised at that. "Yeah, just on the nick of time," she slowly agreed, a pink hue mounting her cheeks. "But you almost messed up, didn't you? Waiting for all this time," she continued, almost haughtily.

"Huh?" Ichigo frowned. "Waiting..? What are you talking about exactly?"

"About…us? The wedding?" Rukia said, mystified. "What were you talking about?"

"About avoiding my Dad and your brother just now," he specified, "but hey! You were the one who almost messed up about us, not having faith in me, giving in to that petty blackmail so easily!" he argued, indignant.

"Baka, why did you wait so long anyway?" she argued back. "I mean, why it took you so long to… c-confess?" she stuttered, suddenly shy, but trying to hide it by looking even more belligerently at him.

"How could I say anything? You never gave me an indication about how you felt!"

"Shouldn't the boy be the one to take the first step?"

"That concept is so outdated! It was during stone age!" His eyes flashed indignantly at her while they were practically nose to nose. "But yeah, I forgot that you do live in the Stone Age, Midget," he taunted.

"Aaahh! Baka!" She tried to lift her foot for a kick, but the tight hemline of the kimono hampered her movement.

Hazel eyes shone gleefully. "Ha! For once, the Midget can't kick!" he exclaimed triumphantly.

Her violet orbs glowered warningly at him, "I can punch!"

But Ichigo had caught hold of her second hand even before she could start to rise it, pulling her closer to him at the same time.

"Oh no, you don't," he smirked, looking into her glowering eyes.

A warm, seductive glint suddenly crept into his eyes as he stared down at the beautiful, exquisite face looking up at him. She stilled, her own violet orbs widening in response and her breathing starting to accelerate.

"This color does suit you," he said softly. He watched, almost in fascination, as a deep blush infused her cheeks.

"Ichigo…" she whispered, breathlessly.

Not being able to hold himself any longer, he swept his head down to find her lips for the kiss that he had been dearly longing for. Rukia more than willingly responded. A soft whimper escaped her as her lips parted eagerly for him, allowing him access to explore her mouth, while she set out for some exploration of her own.

Both of them were totally lost to the sense of time as they kissed hungrily, a frenzy catching hold of them as excitement mounted, and heartbeats escalated as the atmosphere frizzled with passion.

"How do we get this damn thing off?" Ichigo muttered in frustration a long while later, breathing hard and fast, fumbling and tugging at what seemed to suddenly be thousands layers of brocaded silk separating them. Rukia's beautiful wedding kimono now seemed a hideous barrier between them.

"Do you think it's a good idea…with Nii-sama anywhere around?" croaked Rukia, her breathing as hectic as his.

That immediately had a douching effect on Ichigo. The image of them being walked in by Byakuya in such a compromising situation floated in his mind. He gulped. No, he definitely did want to do anything in that direction with his icy brother in law anywhere this close in the area.

"You are right…this will have to wait," he groaned.

Holding her tightly, he leaned his forehead against hers. He took some deep breaths, trying to calm down his clamoring senses, while closing his eyes in bliss as he inhaled her sweet, intoxicating scent.

"Love you, Mrs Kurosaki Rukia," he said softly, tenderly.

Violet eyes flared. "Love you too, Ichigo," she whispered fervently, raising her face slightly to plant a soft kiss on his lips.

XOXOX

Outside, in the party, Isshin was agitated.

"Karin, my poor, sweet innocent baby!" he wailed, "How could you have let yourself be corrupted by the vile of sake? You are not of age for that yet!'

Karin, who had unknowingly taken a deep, long swig at the strongly spiked punch which Rangiku and associates had sneakily prepared for Ichigo, swayed on her feet. Being the first time that she had ever had alcohol, it had only taken a full swallow and the effect had been almost immediate.

She hiccupped, and grinned happily. "Dad, hic…I'm 17. I got my Bankai and Ichi-nii got married today, hic… I want to celebrate! Party time! hic…"

She giggled as Isshin swung her up in his arms. "Time to leave now!" Isshin said. A giggling Karin was certainly not something to be taken lightly.

"Soul Society…Royal Guards…hic…" Leaning her head against Isshin arm, she looked up at the brightly starred night of Sereitei. "Hope that I don't have to go through all this for him!" she slurred, and sighed wistfully.

Eyebrows raised, intrigued, Isshin stared down at his daughter, who looked stunning in the red and black kimono in which she had changed into for the reception.

Oh Masaki, our children are growing up so rapidly. And they sure know how to add on to my white hair! he thought ruefully.

A few steps away, camouflaged by some foliage, a white set of eyebrows were set in a frown, teal eyes having a puzzled look in them.

What did she meant by that? the prodigy child genius of the Gotei 13 thought.

THE END