~The Blossom of Lost Desire~

By - ByaRukifan

Timeline:Zanpakutou Filler Arc (Episodes 230-)

Pairing(s): Byakuya/Rukia, Senbonzakura/Sode no Shirayuki

~Chapter Sixteen~

The Zanpakutou Rebellion ended soon after Muramasa's defeat and the Zanpakutou's returned to their wielders. Yamamoto and Ryujin Jakka had been freed from their imprisoned state and returned to the 's focus shifted from their battles to fixing and repairing whatever had been destroyed by Muramasa and the other Zanpakutou.

Things had also been going well for Byakuya and Rukia, they were finally able to relax after the fighting had ceased. The first thing they had decided to do after Muramasa's demise was to report back to the Fourth Division, hand-in-hand, to get whatever injuries remained treated and to make sure everything was alright.

"Everything is fine." Unohana said with a smile on her face as Byakuya, Rukia, and her sat inside her office.

Byakuya and Rukia were relieved to hear that, before they could say anything though;, Ukitake walked in.

"Glad to hear that you two are alright." Ukitake said happily.

Rukia nodded, "We feel the same way." She said, giving a soft smile.

"You two have become fairly close during this rebellion," Ukitake said, "Sorry if I'm jumping to any conclusions but..."

"You're assumption would be correct, Ukitake." Byakuya said, answering Ukitake's question before he could answer.

Ukitake and Unohana's response was a happy smile, which slightly surprised both Byakuya and Rukia. They had expected to be bombarded with questions before anything else.

"I believe a congratulations is in order then," Unohana said after a short moment of silence, "It's a good thing that you've both found happiness with each other."

Rukia couldn't help but smile at Unohana's words, "Thank you, Unohana-taicho."

"It's nothing, it's nice to see that you two are happy together." Ukitake said.

"How about Renji and Ichigo? I know that they saw us together." Rukia asked, her smile faltering slightly.

"They're fine, just recovering from injuries that they received during their own fights. I'm sure they're happy you're happy."

"I hope so." Rukia said, letting her smile reappear. It was then that she felt Byakuya take her hand and squeeze it slightly, making her smile grow even bigger before giving a slight almost inaudible giggle.

–

Two weeks passed and the Kuchiki Mansion was now fully repaired, which by then Byakuya had decided it was time to inform the elders about Rukia and him. Unohana, Ukitake, Ichigo, and Renji were still the only ones that knew of their relationship and it both Byakuya and Ruki had to admit, it was becoming troublesome to keep it secret. Which is why Byakuya felt slightly relieved when it was time for the elders to come for the meeting he had arranged.

"I hope everything turns out okay..." Rukia said as she and Byakuya walked hand-in-hand down one of the mansions halls, on their way to the room where a couple of the elders were waiting.

"I hope so too, but I'm sure everything will be." Byakuya replied, giving Rukia's hand a soft squeeze to reassure her as they entered the room where the elders were awaiting them.

"I've called you here to discuss a matter of great importance." Byakuya said as he walked into the room, with Rukia following behind him, and sat down in the seat facing the two elders. "Let me speak and explain everything first before you speak or jump to any conclusions."

"Alright, Byakuya. Please explain." The male elder, Yoshinori, said.

The two elders sat straight up in their seats and waited on Byakuya to start speaking.

"Many things have changed since the recent rebellion. One thing specifically is something I feel you all need to know about." Byakuya said, waiting until one of the elders nodded before he continued, "Rukia and I grew closer, much closer. Certain events led to others. I protected her and she watched and protected me as well as she could. We both went through a lot during that time and our bonds only became stronger for one another; and before Muramasa's defeat I asked her to become my wife."

Byakuya finished talking then and looked down at Rukia, who surprisingly, was looking up at him with a soft smile instead of gazing at the ground and nervously toying with her hands as she usually did when the elders were around.

The elders waited a moment before they turned slightly to talk with one another, whispering quietly so Byakuya and Rukia were unable to hear what they were talking about. It was then that Rukia started to get nervous and Byakuya could tell because Rukia had clutched his hand under the table they were sitting at. 'What if I get kicked out..?' Rukia thought nervously, she knew Byakuya would never allow that and even if he didn't have control in that decision she knew he'd end up going with her.

The elders turned back to them about six minutes later, when they turned towards them Byakuya felt Rukia clutch his hand even tighter than she already was. He didn't show it, but he was nervous too. He didn't want anything bad happening Rukia. He knew that one of the risks of having this meeting was to throw Rukia out of the family where he couldn't keep watch over her. He would never allow that to happen though, he wouldn't let anything bad happen to her; no matter what.

"This may raise eyebrows and cause arguments. There's also the chance you will both be constantly talked down to or spoken about behind your backs, you're both well aware of that we're sure..." The female elder, Noriko, said in an almost emotionless but questioning tone.

Rukia wasn't liking where they were going with this, she could feel her heart sink with every word they spoke.

"But..." Noriko added, making Rukia look up. "Byakuya, you shown the both of us over the years that you will not back down from what you say or intend to do, which has made us come the decision that we will allow the marriage between the two of you."

Rukia felt herself smile immediately, she couldn't' help it. She felt instant relief and happiness was over her and also Byakuya's hand tighten around her own, letting her know he was just as relieved and happy as she was.

"We'll hold the ceremony in a few days time and you should both start preparing." Yoshinori stated.

"We will, there's nothing to worry about." Byakuya assured, giving the elders a nod.

With that, the elders stood, bid them farewell, and left. Rukia was so happy that once she knew for a fact the elders were gone she couldn't help but suddenly wrap her arms around Byakuya's neck in a tight embrace. Byakuya smiled as well and returned her embrace before turning Rukia's head to kiss her softly on the lips.

–

True to their words, the marriage ceremony was to be held two days after the meeting. Though the one free day Byakuya and Rukia had before the wedding Byakuya had been forced to take Rukia to the Fourth Division when she had gotten sick that morning, and wouldn't hear any protests or arguments from Rukia about not needing to go.

They now sat on one of the couches in the Fourth Division, near Unohana's office. Unohana had already examined Rukia and they were now waiting on Unohana to come and tell them if anything was wrong.

After about ten minutes of waiting, Unohana emerged from the examination room with a smile on her face, which slightly confused the both of them.

"Is anything wrong?" Byakuya asked, wanting to know immediately if Rukia was sick or not.

Unohana shook her head, "Everything is fine. They'll both be okay."

Byakuya and Rukia's expression turned to a mixture of confusion and slight surprise at Unohana's statement.

"What do you mean by, 'They'll both?'" Rukia asked in confusion.

Unohana's smile only grew before saying, "I meant that I think congratulations are in order." That told them everything they needed to know.

–

Now, they day after their wedding. Byakuya and Rukia were out in the Kuchiki Gardens. They were lying on the ground's fresh green grass. Rukia was dressed in a dark blue kimono, much like the last one she had been wearing, with a floral design; the difference between the two being the colors on the one she was currently wearing were more vibrant. The obi on this one being a light pink with a small, red ribbon tied directly in the middle and Byakuya wore a blue kimono with no special design on it that was just meant for comfort. Rukia's head was rested on Byakuya's chest while her arm was draped over his waist. Byakuya, who was lying to Rukia's right, had his right arm behind his head for support while his left arm was around Rukia's waist.

"It's a nice day." Rukia said with a soft smile.

Byakuya, who's eyes were closed, smiled, "It is."

Rukia turned over slightly so that she was now practically on top of Byakuya, looking down at him. "So, what do you think?" She asked.

"Think what?"

"The baby. Do you think it will a boy or a girl?"

Byakuya looked thoughtful for a moment before smiling back at her, "I'm not sure, but I wouldn't mind either."

"I wouldn't mind either too." Rukia said, her smile growing a little.

Byakuya carefully turned on his side, causing Rukia to be on her side too with her arms wrapped around his neck. Byakuya rested his head against hers and lowered his right hand, which he had been using as a support for his head earlier, and placed it gently on Rukia's, still flat, stomach.

–

In Senbonzakura's inner world, which Sode no Shirayuki now had the ability to cross into for a conversation from time to time, and vise versa, Senbonzakura was sitting on the ground l, lying back against a sakura tree. His inner world wasn't too fancy or anything, though Sode no Shirayuki often commented on how beautiful it was. It was a plain pure green, grassy field with sakura trees growing all around. He wasn't wearing his mask, since he had grown used to not wearing it over the passed events. He looked up at the clear blue sky with a peaceful expression.

"You look relaxed." Sode no Shirayuki said as she appeared beside him, looking down at him with a smile.

"I am." Senbonzakura said after giving her a smile.

Sode no Shirayuki took a seat next to him before giving a contented sigh.

"You look pretty peaceful yourself." Senbonzakura added.

Her smile grew, "Because I am." She replied.

"Muramasa may have done many terrible things, but he did manage to do some good..."

"Yes, it was because of this rebellion that our wielders found happiness." Sode no Shirayuki agreed, giving a small nod.

Senbonzakura smiled, "Not only did he do that," Senbonzakura added as he turned towards Sode no Shirayuki, lifting his hand to turn Sode no Shirayuki's head to face him before resting his forehead on hers, "he helped us to." He finished.

Sode no Shirayuki could only smile before Senbonzakura's lips landed softly on hers.

The End...

Sorry I couldn't upload this last week. I couldn't get it up because of really bad family problems and I had a lot of school work to do. Please understand! D:

Rukia's kimono in this chapter was from the Fourth Clear Collection, just look it up if you want a visual. Also yeah, I know their wedding seemed a bit rushed, but those elders needed Byakuya married...that's all I can say. Lol, The elders names are something that took a little time to come up with to, here's their meanings:

Yoshinori (義則): Japanese name meaning "correct rule/law."

Noriko (法子 or 典子) : Japanese name meaning "law child" or "exemplar child."

I thought those fit them best since they were from the Kuchiki family. I also must announce the winning title of my next ByaRuki fanfiction coming out on January 31st.

The title of my new fanfiction will be, Lay Me Under the Frozen Moon.

It will be uploaded on January 31st, BUT It will not be regularly updated until Baby Daddy is completed. I have up to chapter six of Lay Me Under the Frozen Moon already written out. I really hope you all will read this next upcoming fic and review on it as much (or even more) than you all did on this one! I'm actually really happy with how it's turning out and stuff.

Please! READ AND REVIEW

Just Remember NO FLAMING!