Mighty Kings, My Two Kings (Bleach Fanfiction)

Chapter 4: Last Dance

Rukia looked down at her newly modified garment again as Orihime made the last stitch from her needle. As a healer, Orihime was always prepared for any sorts of strife so the Shihoin sisters asked her to make use of her needle in order to fix Rukia’s dress. In place of a plain, pale pink gown that flowed straight down was now a stunning and unique asymmetric dress with a pale pink sash, embellished with the string of silver sequin filigrees that was once on Maxima’s gown. 

All three ladies looked her up and down, satisfied with the piece that they had recreated together. Rukia also beamed at her reflection before turning to Maxima. “It’s wonderful. Thank you so much,” she said delighted and Maxima nodded proudly.

“Well, now that we all look ravishing, shall we return to our men? I’m sure they’re all anxious to have the last dance,” Yoruichi said excitedly and the ladies all laughed together before heading back to the ballroom.

It seemed that Renji was no longer able to handle the alcohol that he had consumed and Kisuke, being one of the hosts, decided he would take care of the young man. Grimmjow, Byakuya and Ichigo were left standing together and while the two kings conversed about the apparent feud between their respective Chiefs, Ichigo stood awkwardly unable to contribute to the conversation. He had given himself time to become more sober and was now holding a glass of plain water. He looked around at the other royals and nobles surrounding them, hoping that somewhere he would catch sight of his orange-haired beauty, Orihime.

Ichigo was surprised when someone else ended up catching his eye. The group of four ladies that had abandoned them had returned and he couldn’t take his eyes of the short girl with short black hair, beautifully adorned in a newly designed dress. Although Orihime stood next to her, he was unable to tear his eyes away from Rukia.

Rukia noticed the gaze of the three men as they approached them, taking note of Ichigo’s chocolate eyes staring right at her. She couldn’t help but blush and moved her gaze away to face her older brother instead, searching for approval of her new gown. Despite the fact, that his lips remained indifferent, she could see something in his eyes smiling, however he was not looking at her. She turned to look at the other woman beside her, Maxima, and wondered.

Yoruichi walked over to Byakuya as he continued to blankly stare, nudging him with her shoulder. “Well, say something. We just made her look amazing,” she said with a wink in Rukia’s direction. It seemed that Byakuya had disregarded this however.

“Well, it certainly is a stunning piece. You look lovely,” he said with a monotonous voice, but this was enough for his sister. Although, Yoruichi was not quite convinced he had directed that comment at Rukia, since his eyes were drifting towards Maxima.

Rukia beamed at her older brother and nodded in Maxima’s direction. “Actually brother, it was all thanks to Lady Maxima. She has a very creative mind,” Rukia commended and Maxima laughed modestly.

Grimmjow approached his fiancé proudly and kissed her on the forehead. “You certainly did a fine job,” he said to Maxima with his rough voice and she smiled at him, grateful for his appreciation.

Rukia and Ichigo’s eyes met again but only for a moment and neither of them said a word.

A few hours past and Grimmjow and Maxima had spent most of the night feasting and socializing with the other guests. Apart from meeting new people, Maxima also found herself reuniting with others from the North with whom she was familiar. After having to correct so many people that she and Grimmjow were in fact engaged and not married, Maxima could feel herself getting used to the idea of being Grimmjow’s wife. Although she still felt she wasn’t quite ready, she also felt a surge of excitement at the thought, and it made her feel happier than she had ever been.