Tying the Knot: Part 4

Orihime was worried. Ever since the wedding had ended, it seemed like Ichigo had retreated into himself and merely went through everything mechanically. At least, that was what she sensed. She had to admit, Ichigo looked and acted as though nothing was wrong, but whenever she looked at his eyes…

Mentally shaking herself, Orihime was convinced that if something was bothering Ichigo that he would tell her about it when he was ready. For the time being, she needed to enjoy all her friends celebrating her wedding with her and Ichigo. At least, she needed to try to enjoy her time. Yuzu had put her heart into planning her wedding and all their human and Soul Reaper friends had taken the time to come witness the marriage, so it was the least Orihime could do.

Orihime returned Hinamori's hug and said, "Thank you so much for coming."

Hinamori gave her a small smile in return, "It was a lovely wedding. Thank you for inviting me."

Before Orihime could respond, she heard a voice say, "So Orihime, how does it feel to be married at last?"

Turning to respond, Orihime decided that worrying about Ichigo would not be fair to him or their guests and spent time talking and laughing with others around the reception hall. While she was not vain about her appearance, Orihime couldn't help but bask in the praises of her wedding dress and beautifully coifed hair, which was twisted and curled in a most becoming manner with a string of seed pearls interwoven throughout her silky tresses with two dark pink roses set at the back of her head. The only jewelry she wore were her brother's pins, a bracelet that had been a birthday gift from the Kurosaki family and Ichigo's rings. Pieces representing her past, present and future.

She was so absorbed in her conversation with Rangiku, Rukia and Tatsuki that Orihime didn't sense Ichigo coming up behind her until he put an arm around her shoulders.

Reaching up and clasping his hand, Orihime turned to meet Ichigo's gaze and asked, "How are you?"

Ichigo didn't answer immediately, but raised his free hand to gently stroke her face before he said, "Will you come with me for a minute?"

Orihime nodded, excused herself and allowed Ichigo to lead her from the hall. They walked in silence through the building until Ichigo opened the door for them to go outside. Orihime walked a little ahead of Ichigo in order to inspect a cozy little garden set up to the side of the reception hall. Bending to get a closer look at one of the flowers, she noticed out of the corner of her eye that Ichigo was looking at her as he leaned against the wall of the building.

Still in a crouching position, Orihime looked at Ichigo and gave him a soft smile, "So, how are you? You never answered me earlier."

Ichigo took a deep breath before he answered, "It's a lot to get used to. Did we really…"

Orihime rose to her feet as Ichigo faltered for the words, "What's wrong?"

Ichigo ran a hand through his hair and asked a question of his own, "Why?"

Orihime blinked, "Why what?"

"Why…me?" Ichigo asked almost imperceptibly, "Dr. Keita…the day I was going to propose to you…he said that you saw something in me. Something that no one else sees."

Looking at the sky, he continued, "I love you, Orihime. It took me so long to realize just how much you mean to me. I know you love me too and you waited for me to return your feelings for years. But what…what if I'm not good enough. Not good enough to be-"

Ichigo was cut off as Orihime kissed him. As he had been talking, Orihime had slowly approached him until she was standing in front of him. He returned the kiss and slowly pulled away to see tears glistening in her eyes.

Orihime reached up and cradled Ichigo's face between her hands as she said, "Most people see you as someone who is willing to sacrifice everything, even his life, to save those he cares about or those who ask for his help and that is true. You are a man of high standards when it comes to anything you set your mind to. You are not satisfied until you meet your goals. You are someone who is able to care deeply about someone once you have formed a bond with that person."

Orihime paused for a moment, "However, you are not perfect Ichigo. You can work towards being the best doctor, father, husband, Soul Reaper, and man you can possibly be and I will do my utmost to be the most supporting and understanding wife that I can be for you."

Taking his arm, Orihime led him into the garden, then turned and said lightly, "The fact that you have the most easily identifiable head of hair I have ever beheld certainly helped me single you out from all the other guys."

Ichigo folded his arms, "Oh, making fun of my hair, are we? Well, without this hair getting me into so many scraps as a kid, I probably would have never become as tough as I am now. Besides, it's fortunate your cooking was so bad for the longest time otherwise some other guy might have snatched you up before I had a chance to react."

Orihime's eyes widened, "Was it really that bad? It always tasted fine to me."

"Anyway," Ichigo said as he stepped forward, "I guess I'll have to get used to having you around a lot more frequently."

Orihime smiled, "Would that really be such a bad thing?"

Ichigo lifted her left hand to his lips and said, "Let me see."

Ichigo lowered his lips to Orihime's waiting mouth. The kiss was deep and rich like a piece of chocolate melting over one's tongue.

Pulling away, Ichigo smiled, "Nope. I think I could get used to this."

Laughing, Orihime straightened Ichigo's tie, "Well anyway, you do look nice in a tuxedo, but I really do think you look better in more casual clothes or your Soul Reaper uniform."

Holding Orihime at arms' length, Ichigo said, "Speaking of wedding finery, I never told you just how…" he posed in a thoughtful manner, "…radiant you are tonight."

Twirling in a circle, Orihime smiled, "Do you really think I look nice?"

Ichigo stepped back in mock shock, "Why Orihime, I never knew you were so vain!"

Orihime stopped, looking mortified, "Oh no! I didn't mean it that way!"

Ichigo laughed and pulled her against his chest, "I'm kidding. You couldn't be vain or arrogant even if you tried."

The two remained out in the garden for some time while their well-wishers went forward with a reception without the couple of honor, but no one cared. The couple basked in the moonlight softly illuminating the garden and the other's face. Without realizing what was happening, the bonds of friendship and love were being bound together in what some would call "the bonds of marriage", but if you were to ask Ichigo and Orihime 'bonds' would be an incorrect term to use since it implies restraint and unwillingness. Instead, they might have said that they were creating a new heart and soul together in marriage. Two becoming one.