Author's Note: Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Bleach, the property of Tite Kubo

Warning: Spoiler through Bleach Manga Chapter 422

If I Were the Rain – Redux

By Songsparrw1

Chapter Twelve: Karakura

After Party

Tatsuki waved good-bye, and Uruyuu and Chad stood on either side of her. Yuzu and Karin cried on each other's shoulders, overcome by emotion. "I wish Dad were here," Yuzu sniffed, "making inappropriate jokes about the likelihood of grandchildren."

Chad spoke to Tatsuki. "Do we need to clean up?"

"No, I hired a crew of teenagers to do it for us. We are going to breakfast. That is, if you all agree to go."

"Oh Yay! I'm starved," said Yuzu, temporarily forgetting her angst. "I seldom get to go to breakfast out. What a treat!"

Keigo and Mizuiro and their respective girlfriends chimed in, and soon the group was seated in various cars, slipping off elegant shoes and trading stories about their friends. Tatsuki and Uryuu sat in silence. "A lot to take in, isn't it?" asked Uryuu.

"No, I knew this day was coming – but I never expected to see Kurosaki sama pursued by armed soul reapers from - the Royal Guard?"

"I was surprised to find hat he's successfully evaded them for such a long time," said Uryuu bitterly. Soul Society has ways of finding those they mean to capture." His expression was dark.

Tatsuki took his hand. He turned to her, and pulled her suddenly into his arms. He kissed her passionately, and said, "I love you."

"I love you, Quincy Archer."

"The wedding was beautiful, wasn't it?" he said.

"Ichigo seemed happy, for once."

"Agreed. Orihime, too."

The car pulled up to a popular all-night spot, and they trickled out slowly, stretching and gathering themselves for the extended evening. Tatsuki and Uryuu strolled in, arm-in-arm, relaxed and happy to be together. The group collected around a large booth, and they all slid around the table together, laughing at the awkwardness of having to slide seat-first around the crescent- shaped table. Finally, each settled with a menu, and each silently pondered the extensive and colorful menu, while J-pop tunes rocked the dining area.

"I know what I want," asserted Tatsuki, abruptly closing her menu and flopping it on the table first.

"Me too, " followed Chad.

"I can't decide between the pancakes and the French toast," said Mizuiro's date.

"Get the pancakes and I'll get French toast, and we'll share" he said.

"Oh good idea, " she smiled winningly and ogled him from behind her menu.

The others debated omelets, biscuits, bacon, sausage, soup, and various other items, and coffee and juices were ordered.

'Wow, I can't believe we have to go home tomorrow" said Yuzu. "We haven't heard anything from Dad. How can we just…leave? " she whispered to Chad and Karin.

"Your father will be fine," said Chad. "You shouldn't worry about him. He is stronger than you know. Kisuke will keep us in touch. "

Karin put her arm around Yuzu, and said "Dad is much stronger than we ever imagined, according to Urahara-san. Dad, Ichigo and Urahara-san determined the outcome at the final battle. Urahara-san said Soul Society was indebted to them for their assistance. That is why they came to the wedding, Urahara-san warned them that the Guard might come for Dad. The box has the Royal crest on the lid, and he saw it when Orhime was transferring her things to the hall. Apparently, the Spirit King's spies have been watching for Mom's kimono to surface. There are still enough people with the gift of 'sight' to leak information about him. He thinks someone must have foreseen Dad giving the kimono to Orihime at the clinic in Karakura. If one of them should inadvertently reveal his exact location …" she trailed off.

"Kurosaki-san has nakama." said Uryuu quietly. "We will all assist him."

"Thank you," the sisters said. They smiled sadly at each other. Tatsuki squeezed Uryuu's hand, and smiled at him.

The group ate, and enjoyed long quiet conversations, updated each other's cellphones, exchanged e-mail addresses, and promised to get in touch more often. At length, they drifted out to their cars and departed for home and hotel, for a nap before traveling. It had been an eventful reunion, one that started off with a hijacking, and ended with a wedding and the unfolding of a very old, and very long, story.

That story continued to unfold in a mountain resort only two days later.

The Onsen

Ichigo and Orihime took one last walk on the beach before leaving for the train. The sky and the sea met and ran together in a misty line, blurred by silvery lavender clouds and a sunrise-stained glade. The waves washed away their footprints and the hearts and names they wrote in the sand, but the memories they took away from the seaside would be enough to last five lifetimes. Riding the shuttle away from the sea, they looked back at the water one last time, and smiled at each other, knowing they would never forget these halcyon days, or this special place.

They boarded the train and Ichigo and his bride sat looking out the window at the changing trees, horizon, and skies. They passed through fields and villages, and came at last to a vast forest. The train wound round a twisted trail to the mountain lakeside village to an ancient inn that was their destination.

The beautiful inn was not as crowded as the beach hotel, but it was populated by various travelers, including some couples on honeymoon such as themselves. They took pictures of the trees and the skyline, the imposing peaks, and the beautiful springs and lake. Everywhere there were birds, small animals, and souvenir stands. They selected some postcards and wrote them out to their friends.

"Thinking of Karin and Yuzu?" she asked, noticing his pensive expression.

"Yes, I've been meaning to call them. I've been putting it off."

He suddenly raked his hair back with his fingers, and shook his head, as if trying to clear away a troubling thought.

"Ichigo, even if you still had your powers, what exactly would you being doing right now? I'm sure your father doesn't expect you to try to do anything. Don't you think he's better off, just doing what he is doing?"

"He sighed, "I know. I'm sorry, Orihime. I don't mean to drag you into this."

"Don't say that, Ichigo. You know I don't feel that way about it. If something worries you, I want to know about it. You've always helped me."

He suddenly put his arm around her waist and hugged her close, putting his chin on the top of her head. "You do help me. Just knowing that you love me and want to be with me is all I need."

She twisted around to see his face, and he smiled his crooked smile down at her. Satisfied that he was telling her what was in his heart, she put her arms around his waist and rested her head on his chest, breathing in his warm, familiar smell. She had waited a lifetime to have someone to love only her, and to need her. To know she was wanted that way, and by someone she truly loved, was more wonderful than anything she'd ever known. She finally had a sense that she was home, in the truest sense. The ghosts of her past life were fading away, and she had closure at last. Her thoughts were no longer filled with daydreams and hopeful wishes, but actions to take and plans involving her new family and old friends, re-affirmed.

After mailing their sizeable stack of cards, they walked along the row of shops to the inn, and Ichigo rented a motorbike to go exploring. They also bought a couple of bento and bottles of water in a tiny cooler. The bike was noisy and she was unnerved at first. She clung to his back as he took off up the side of the mountain, trying not to look down at the sheer drop. They were laughing so hard they were breathless. The view was fantastic, and the air was fresh. It was a perfect, clear day, and the sun was high in the sky. They drove for miles, with the wind blowing through their hair. Eventually they came upon a small nature trail featured on a map that looked like a good spot for a picnic. Ichigo coasted to a stop under a large tree. They sat down on a convenient rock and balanced their lunches nearby. Opening a water bottle, Ichigo drank and handed it to Orihime. "Drink?" he asked, eyebrows raised.

A figure stepped out of the shadows.

"Dad?" exclaimed Ichigo.

"Well, how are our newlyweds doing? Come and give me a hug!" his arms stretched wide, and he looked like an enormous bear, if bears could grin.

"Kurosaki-san!" Orihime cried, jumping up immediately and hugging his massive chest.

"It's DAD to you, my beauty, and soon, I want it to be Grandpa, OK?" he winked down at her, and squeezed her tightly in his arms, saying in a weird baby-like voice "Awww, it's so good to see you two together! He released Orihime, stepped back, and said seriously, "I'm sorry I didn't get to see you two off."

"-but how did-?" Ichigo choked out.

"Kisuke."

"Of course Kisuke, I should have known." Ichigo mumbled. Isshin slapped him on the back, and Ichigo winced at the sting. You look great, son! Got a little tan, did you?" He smiled broadly. I heard you went to the beach! Your mother always loved it, you know. The seaside was her favorite vacation spot. "

"Dad, where are you –"

"Oh, I have means, boy. This suits me just fine. I get to fish all I want. Always meant to live out in the sticks someday. Now I have an excuse to do it. Might be kinda hard for you to find me, though. Kisuke can get me anytime; just call him up," he whacked Ichigo on the back and rested his hand on his neck.

"Well, gotta go, kids." He shook Ichigo's shoulder and clasped each of them briefly in an embrace. You two have a good time. Take lots of pictures." He winked again, rose and strode into the trees, disappearing as suddenly as he had appeared.

"What just happened?" asked Ichigo looking at Orhime with a quizzical grin.

"Your father….!" she giggled and shook her head. She studied his face. Oddly, he seemed reassured by this bizarre visit. Isshin would be fine, it seemed. They returned to their lunches, and ate and talked about ordinary things. It felt good to finally relax. They had both been worried about Isshin.

Climbing back on the bike, they took off again, and this time, taking off felt exhilarating. They sped past beautiful trees and shrines, and thoroughly enjoyed the day. Many pictures later, they pulled into the street that led to the Inn. They returned the bike, and then walked back to the Inn for dinner.

Back in the room, they shared a supper of their favorite traditional foods, and a small bottle of warm sake. Orihime giggled after two cups of sake, and they passed an hour sharing stories about their lives since they had parted ways. They had a lot to talk about, and many questions about the missing years.

After dinner they went to relax in the baths. The moon shone over them, and the stars sparkled in an indigo sky. Ichigo stared at his wife in disbelief. Had she always been this beautiful? he asked himself. Her hair deepened in the water, and it trailed down her back like a mermaid, fanning out on the water. Her flawless, faintly pinked skin was like a smooth, unblemished peach. The steaming waters were hot and made their voices sound close and strange in the dark. It was a languid, sensual end to a bright, perfect day. They wrapped in fluffy towels and robes and stole back to the privacy of their room.

They threw off their robes and curled up together on the mat under the covers. Their awkwardness past, they explored each other, with pruney fingers. Whispering together in the dark, they shared even more secret pleasures, each learning to trust in the other's unconditional acceptance and love. She adored his broad chest with all its scars; he loved her perfect breasts and tiny waist. She had felt self-conscious about her body, but Ichigo made her feel beautiful and exotic. His voice was like magic in the dark. When he spoke, she became liquid and pliable. They slept tangled together in a pile under the covers. Neither could remember life before, without the other; it felt so natural to be together this way. In the morning she woke before him and watched him sleep. He seemed to be smiling slightly, face relaxed; the famous scowl was nowhere to be seen. He looked angelic, possessed of an inner light that infused the warm tones of his hair and face.

"I see you watching me," he growled. "I need coffee," he said, rubbing his eyes gently with his long tapered fingers.

"I'll get you some. Too much sake?"

"Yes. I never drink when I have duty, so of course I have the mother of all headaches this morning."

She laughed, and gathering her silken hair to one side of her neck, rolled onto her knees. He watched her cover herself with a robe, and his breath hitched. She was like sculpture: no flaws, perfectly formed, exquisitely proportioned. He smiled at her and caught her wrist with a quick move at the last moment: "Thanks, babe," he smiled from the blankets. His eyes glowed in the morning light.

He rose and went to brush his teeth. Looking in the mirror at himself, he thought he looked better, somehow. Less stressed, perhaps. He smiled to himself. I can't believe she came back to me, that she still loves me, and now we're married. He ran his fingers through his hair and returned to their room, whistling. Headache forgotten, he planned to ensure his second chance didn't go to waste.

Orihime had returned, smiling, with two steaming mugs of coffee. He took both from her, and then proceeded to thank her without using any words. She smiled mischievously and said "You make a quick recovery, Dr. Kurosaki."

Hours later, they emerged into the sunlight for another day trip. "Think we'll run into the old man again?" he asked.

"Maybe!" she chirped.

They visited a temple and said prayers for all their loved ones, and enjoyed the peace of the woods. They spent the day taking pictures of each other together and alone, walking to all the beautiful or interesting spots they had passed the day before. They ate rare and savory tidbits from tiny restaurants that the locals favored, shopped for unusual souvenirs, and laughed until their sides hurt at the predicaments that often afflict tourists. Their servers smiled indulgently at them and always gave them little extras. It was as if they could sense how hungry the couple had been to enjoy life together, and wanted to extend their blessings. One restaurant returned their money inside the leftover bag, with a note on a napkin that simply said, "Live Long and Prosper – Peace Out!" Their owner/server, a middle-aged man with a long pony tail bound with a leather thong, had taken their picture next to a particularly beautiful shrine in the window of the tiny café.

Everywhere they went, they talked constantly, about everything, from music to death. That night, they celebrated the one last night alone together before leaving for home, to return to family, friends and work. They ate, walked along the lane under the trees on last time in the moonlight and enjoyed the steaming warmth of the onsen. They exchanged secret glances as they stole quietly to their room, anticipating the joys that lay within. Afterwards, they lay spooned together on the mat, drowsing in and out of a delicious half-sleep.

"Ichigo, I love you."

"Mmm, me too."

"Thank you for planning such a wonderful trip. I'll never forget how beautiful everything was, and how much fun we've had."

"I had help. The guys did all the legwork."

"We owe them, don't we?"

"Biiiiig."

"I think we'll get a chance to repay them pretty soon."

"Mmmm?"

"Tatsuki and Uryuu looked pretty happy together, don't you think?"

"Uh-huh."

A moment passed.

"Did you just say what I thought you said? Is Uryuu about to propose to Tatsuki?"

"Oh, yeah. Any time now, I think."

"Sweet. Another wedding. Tell them to get Nobu to cater it."

"Yeah!"

With that happy thought they drifted off to sleep, and dreamed of toasting their friends' marriage; of Isshin, and of Masaki. Ichigo dreamed of the hospital. He dreamed Orihime brought him bento and ate it with him in the park, dressed in demure pink satin lingerie, while Isshin threw down comments in questionable taste from a tree branch. Orihime dreamed of Lady Liberty, glowing in the night sky, blowing kisses to her plane and waving her torch, shouting Good Luck! Come back and visit someday! We'll miss you!"

Home Again

They boarded the train and rode back to Karakura with mixed feelings. It was the end of their honeymoon, but the beginning of a brand-new life for the two of them. Ichigo would be packing up and moving back to the clinic, but it would be their first home together. His bachelor days were over. He couldn't help but smile to think of coming home to his beautiful wife every evening.

Orihime had a little more to consider. She would contact her friends in America and dispose of her belongings and apartment. She had hoped it would work out that way, and had taken care of some of the arrangements in anticipation of just such an event. She would send for the most significant items only, which had been sorted and listed and set aside. Her luggage had thankfully appeared before the wedding, but she wanted the rest of her clothes and pictures. She always brought Sora with her, of course. He would be happy to know that she was happy at last.

They talked about some minor changes to the apartment, and made plans to stock the refrigerator and cupboards with their favorites, making a grocery list. Orihime couldn't help but smile at her delight in such a mundane chore. They would need a bigger container of laundry detergent, and fruit, milk, and eggs. They both liked chocolate, coffee, and flavored creamer. Yuzu had presented her with a hand-written cookbook of Ichigo's favorites. She was grateful for it and had brought it along to read on the train. You like bread with bean paste, Ichigo? I never knew that."

"Yeah" he grinned. I developed a taste for it awhile back. It made me feel closer to you when I ate it. I remembered watching you eat it at lunch on the roof."

"Really? You did?" she asked, her eyes wide.

"Of course, Orihime. I missed you." He stared at her with serious eyes.

"But why did you never call me?"

"I had no reason to ask you to come back, and nothing to offer you in the US, so I just, didn't call," he shrugged, looking out the window, unable to meet her frank gaze.

"Didn't you know? You were always more than enough, Ichigo, " she said, taking his chin and forcing him to look at her.

"I guess we'll see," he said wryly.

"Oh, I know what I want – and I have it now! I've already made arrangements to lease my apartment, and all my things are practically packed, " she asserted, as she wound her arms around his waist and squeezed.

He considered the implications of this last. She squeezed him so firmly, and spoke with such conviction and enthusiasm, his momentary anxiety popped like a black balloon.

He chuckled, and said "Well, I guess I underestimated you considerably, Mrs. Kurosaki. You did seem to have a pretty good handle on all those wedding arrangements. Was this something you had thought about before?"

"Yes, I did! I had years to put it all together. You made me wait so long, I even found my favorite dress and bought it. Do you know how rarely a specific designer's dress becomes available at a sample sale? I watched that shops for years. They all knew me. I would phone or e-mail, checking in every week," she laughed at his puzzled frown.

"Well, then, I'm just glad that you did it. You looked incredible, and the wedding was –well, it was just, unbelievable. I didn't deserve any of it. I don't deserve you." He took her hand and squeezed it against his heart.

"I was a jerk to just let you go like that, without telling you how I felt, or even saying good-bye. Thank you for not giving up on me, Orihime."

"I could never just give up on you, Ichigo. I've always loved you, and I always will. " They leaned together on the seat, holding hands, thinking of many things. They murmured about the passing sights, dozed, and passed the peaceful hours dreaming of the things they would do together.

Before long, the train drew into the station, and they stepped onto the platform in Karakura. Tatsuki and Uryuu waved at them, laughing, and took their bags to the car.

"Well, don't you two look happy!" You must have had a wonderful trip," Tatsuki quipped.

"It was perfect. Thank you Uryuu, for helping Ichigo. I couldn't have asked for a better honeymoon."

"You're quite welcome. I'm sure Kurosaki would do the same for me?" he asked, eyebrows raised.

Orihime and Tatsuki exchanged a significant flash of smiles.

"Of course I will. Just let me know, Uryuu…" he finished with a long stare, reading his friend's eyes behind the glasses.

"Oh, I will, when the time comes." He finished, looking at Tatsuki, who was suddenly overtaken by a fit of coughing. Orihime pounded her back in concern.

Tatsuki was indeed hiding a snicker behind her hand. The cough was a cover for a nervous laugh. Orhime saw her friend's smile as she bent in the mock cough, and winked at her. She caught Ichigo's puzzled face and smiled at him. The four made their way to the car. They talked mostly about the trip, but Tatsuki filled in details from the last event of the class reunion.

I hope you're hungry, she said. We have hotpot waiting for us.

"Yay! That will be great, thanks Tatsuki!"

"Smells wonderful, thanks, you two! " said Ichigo, slapping Uryuu on the back, as they entered the apartment.

Hours later, after conversation, good food, and music, Ichigo said, "Wife, we must away."

"Indeed, milord. The hour groweth late," Orihime curtsied and gathered up her purse.

"Thy chariot awaits, milord, milady," said Uryuu bowing and doffing an imaginary hat.

"Methinks thee hast all lost thy wits," said Tatsuki. "Nevertheless, get thee home, whilst I remain in my nunnery."

"Nay nay, fair one; I shall deliver thee from thy lonely fate; for I am not on duty this night, and I shall tarry with thee anon," he said as he waggled his eyebrows on the last word.

The three piled into the car while Tatsuki washed up the few dishes, and giggled helplessly as Uryuu whispered in her ear.

"Okay, Uryuu, you're up, " said Ichigo as Uryuu took the wheel.

"I'm on it," he replied smoothly. I'm waiting for the opportune moment, as they say. I think it might be this weekend."

"Really? Orihime breathed excitedly. Does she have any idea? Oh, this is too perfect! I'm going to cry…"she fanned her eyes with one hand.

"Well, I have been dropping hints, here and there, planting ideas, when the subject arose, and it arose plenty, thanks to your wedding. "

"Well, I for one, can highly recommend it." Ichigo drawled, with a smirk.

Uryuu snorted, "Sure you can, with your- what is it now? three,- no five!, whole days of experience as a married man?"

"Hey, that's five days ahead of you, pal."

"Well, I accept your professional recommendation, doctor. I plan to implement the course of treatment forthwith."

Orihime could hardly sit still in the car, wanting to tear open the door and run all the back to her friend's apartment, so they could discuss the latest developments. She settled for surreptitiously texting OMG OMG to Tatsuki, whose reply was MY TURN SOON I THINK BUT NO RING YET

When they arrived at the clinic, the lights were on, and there was a beautiful gift basket by the door. The neighbors came out and hugged them both, and expressed their joy at the return of the auburn-haired child they remembered. They inquired about Isshin, and Ichigo said simply "He's taking a sabbatical; he needed a long vacation. He's earned it." Accepting this, the neighbors smiled and agreed with him.

Ichigo swept Orihime up and carried her into the entryway, and set her down in her new home. "Welcome, wife!" he said, kissing her full on the lips with a loud smack. The house smelled of fresh air which poured in from the open windows. There was a faint scent of cleaning products, and some of the rooms smelled like fresh paint. Noticeably missing was the life-sized poster of Masaki, and the shrine next to it. The wall was bare, and Ichigo felt a tug at his heart at seeing it so.

Looking for cold water bottles, they found fresh goods in the refrigerator, and the hallway that led to Isshin's bedroom was lined with red rose petals. Candles shimmered on every surface in the room, which had been completely emptied of personal effects, except for the bed and dresser. The bath was spotless, and a bouquet of fresh lilies stood on the vast dresser, whose drawers had been emptied and lined with fresh paper. The closet was empty. Ichigo had a strange feeling in the pit of his stomach; it was as if his father had gone for good, leaving no trace of his existence. As much as he had fought with the old man, he hadn't wanted him to disappear from his life so completely.

Sensing his distress Orihime put a hand on his shoulder, and said "Hey! Remember how easily he found us in the forest? He's probably watching us through binoculars right now. Let's give him a show, shall we?" she said, as she began to unbutton his shirt.

He stood a moment longer, and a small smile played on his lips. "You know just how to play me, don't you, babe? Five whole days, and she knows what I'm thinking already,"

he muttered, rolling his eyes. He kissed her, and they forgot about the rest of the world for a time.

They sat on the bed together, and Ichigo said, "What the hell? This is a new mattress! These sheets are new, too, I can tell. He looked at Orihime in wonder. They sat together, speechless, looking at the room, and wondering about the man that once slept there, not so long ago. Before long, they lay in each other's arms, while the radio alarm clock ticked away the moments of their first night together in their new home.

Nearby, the moon outlined the silhouette of a man and his friend as they stood on the crest of a rooftop and watched the lights go out in the clinic. They smiled at each other.

"You did good. They're going to be great together. Now, get going, before Zennosuke makes his rounds. He's harmless, but I'd rather not have to clean up after him."

"Thanks, Kisuke, give Yoruichi my love, and tell Tessai I appreciate everything he's done, too. "

"No problem, Isshin. Think of it as a down payment on what we owe you."

Isshin saluted and disappeared into the night. Kisuke drawled "What a show off. His speed is ridiculous! He makes you look absolutely pokey." A cat rubbed against his legs. "Will he return, Kisuke?" asked the cat.

"No, he won't be back. He disposed of most of his things, tied up all the loose ends of his business, and left for good this time. Ichigo and Orihime will be moving into the clinic now. "

"Don't you just love happy endings? Yet another couple escapes the grip of Soul Society in the quest for Twue Wuv," he joked. He parried a lightning-fast swiping blow from the cat's paw. "Ow! It was a joke, okay?" he protested. Yellow-green eyes glared back at him, and the claws that might have hurt badly retracted in the paw that raked his arm. He gave the cat a conciliatory scratch behind the ears. "I get your point. I do remember how long it took us to get settled once we fled to the world of the living, and you're right, it wasn't funny, at the time." The cat stretched out languidly on his lap, and allowed him to scratch her belly.