The Beginning Of Wonderful
The Beginning Of Wonderful
A/N: First, a thank you to all of my readers and reviewers. It’s been an amazingly fun ride. And, quite honestly, I could cry because it’s over. I know you all aren’t anywhere near as attached to this story as me, but thank you for your support. Your kind words and silly threats continually spurred me on, and you all suffered through my massive writer’s block with me. 8-) Words alone cannot express my thanks enough.
Alright, now the sentimental stuff is out of the way. This last chapter has more dialogue than any before, and if for any reason it is difficult to read let me know.
As for the wedding: Christian/Western style weddings are immensely popular in Japan. However, some sights that I researched show something strongly resembling the order and all I have used here, while others have something arranged very differently. So, I have no doubts I have taken quite a large amount of… poetic license (I think is the correct phrase) with this. Please forgive any discrepancies. As for the obvious Christian aspects, this is also typically included in a Japanese wedding. Make of it what you will as to whether it is truly religious for them or mostly just for show. If you ask me, it’s all pretty much just a show.
Don’t worry, there will be an epilogue, and a sequel (of a sort). Watch for Obvious Outcomes, a Byakuya and Yachiru fic. (Futurefic, for anyone uncomfortable with the idea.) As a bonus, it’s already half written. It needs some major tweaking, but, it’ll get there soon. Also, I will be posting another HitsuMatsu fic, called One Night, One Lifetime. It is another take on their relationship, detailing from a ‘one night stand’ throughout the resulting pregnancy. It was in the works long before the Life’s Questions fic introduced that particular concept, haha.
If you would like, send me a PM or review and tell me, but I will happily let you know when the ByaChiru fic starts going up. Or any of my planned fics. After the epilogue is posted, I intend to finish up Guys and Dolls, I think maybe three chapters more for that one.
Again, thank you all, and a special thanks to kyokoaurora. Without her, I would have been horribly lost on many of my major decisions. 8-)
-Rachel Noelle 3
I promised myself I wouldn’t cry, but I always (okay, only at my sis’s) cry at weddings!
The week to October 11 passed in a whirl of paperwork and a never-ending blur of meetings. Despite his nerves, Hitsugaya was excited to have a break from the menial tasks of office work. Of course, when Ishida began his measurements on the prodigy, he almost decided he’d rather have the paperwork. Who knew there was so much involved in making clothing fit properly?
Hitsugaya stood on a chair, trying to be patient as Ishida measured everything once, then twice, then three times. Matsumoto let out a low wolf whistle, embarrassing Hitsugaya just enough to make him scowl. He was dressed in the unhemmed suit, or tux, or whatever the damn thing was called, and Matsumoto thoroughly enjoyed the view. (1) Hitsugaya found it a mite unfair, as he’d been forbidden to see her in her dress. Something about bad karma.
Ishida worked quickly, though, and before any real time had passed Hitsugaya was being shoved in the restroom and told to undress carefully. No matter how he tried he still managed to stick himself fourteen times. Stupid pins. Hitsugaya cursed to himself as the dragon, finally deeming it okay to be present for time other than in battle, roared with laughter.
Haven’t heard from you much lately. And when you make your grand entrance you decide to laugh at me? Hitsugaya huffed.
‘Ah, apologies, Master,’ Hyourinmaru responded, not sounding at all sorry. ‘Though it seems you’ve found something to occupy your time while I’ve been away.’ The dragon smirked and Hitsugaya wanted to hurt him.
I don’t see where it’s any of your business what I do with my free time. Now that you and Haineko have done whatever it is you do, you ought to leave me alone about things, Hitsugaya grumped, not happy at all with the recent conversation.
‘Perhaps. But, while I’m here, I wanted to mention that you have made Rangiku one very happy woman, according to Haineko. She’s very proud of you, even more so after last week,’ Hyourinmaru chortled with glee as Hitsugaya’s mouth dropped open.
Just how much do you know about our love life?
‘Only as much as everyone else knows. We try to refrain from the… gory details. The others don’t care to know exactly how everything goes with you two between the sheets. Or on them, or the sofa, wherever.’
Hitsugaya stood fuming in the bathroom, trying his best to calm down as the dragon disappeared once again, leaving behind only the soft sound of a hum as the reminder that he existed.
Splashing a bit of cool water on his face, Hitsugaya took a couple of deep breaths then decided to face the crowd. Well, it wasn’t much of a crowd, just Ishida and Matsumoto.
He exited the bathroom and promptly returned the unfinished garment to Ishida. Ishida took the clothing and headed off for his room, making sure to instruct Hitsugaya to stay put for a while as he put in a few seams.
“I have a complaint to make about your infuriating zanpakuto, Rangiku,” Hitsugaya declared as he sat on the sofa next to Matsumoto.
“What did Haineko do now?” Matsumoto looked alarmed. Just as she was the queen of the gossip chain among the shinigami, her zanpakuto filled in that role quite nicely among the zanpakuto spirits.
Hitsugaya refused to speak further on the subject and only cheered up when Matsumoto offered him a backrub. Maybe this once he’d let it slide.
The group making up Hitsugaya and Matsumoto’s wedding party arrived around the noon hour. The males were fitted first, then Matsumoto shooed all but Ishida out of the tiny apartment. Hitsugaya took a break to make reservations and such as necessary for their upcoming trip. Ichigo declared that his plans sounded as good as anything, and the two cities they were going to visit were definitely worth the time.
While the males were out, Matsumoto was finally being fitted for her gown. Orihime squeezed her hard, their boobs making it difficult for either to catch a proper breath, and squealed about how pretty the dress was. Matsumoto returned the gesture fully when Rukia, Orihime, and Nanao were dressed in their own dresses.
After all of the measurements and initial changes to the garments had been made, the group took a late lunch. Ichigo and Rukia declined the invitation, anxiety over leaving Chouko behind clearly settling in.
“Nii-sama takes excellent care of her, but he’s been put in charge of Nel, too, and it’s really wearing him out easily. Not to mention he planned to have Yachiru-chan over for tea today,” Rukia was explaining. She shook her head in an awed sort of fashion. “I have no idea why he’s suddenly being so… hospitable.”
oOoOo
Matsumoto approached Hitsugaya in the evening, with quite a problem.
“Toshiro, I’ve been thinking,” Matsumoto began. That was never good. Whenever Matsumoto got an idea in her head, you couldn’t pry it out.
“About what?" Oh, no. Hitsugaya didn’t know what to expect, but he knew it couldn’t be good.
“Well, I’m already on my last set of pills, and, I was thinking that maybe I shouldn’t refill them. I mean, unless you really don’t want me to quit taking them yet?” Matsumoto worried her lip.
Hitsugaya swallowed nervously. Matsumoto allowed him ample time to make his decision. She knew he was still concerned about the whole idea, but she was actually quite anxious, especially since Chouko’s birth. Though it promised to be a tough ride, she wanted a little baby of her own. After all, that was the idea behind her dating and marrying Hitsugaya.
“I… I suppose that’s okay. It’s what you want, right?” Hitsugaya finally managed. Matsumoto nodded softly. “Well, then, stop taking them.” He offered a weak, though happy, smile.
Hitsugaya mumbled something under his breath, and Matsumoto giggled. “Don’t worry, Toshiro. We can use some other protection in the meantime. Besides, what’s a couple of weeks?” Matsumoto teased. Anything to see Hitsugaya blush. He didn’t fail her
oOoOo-RN-oOoOo
The decorations in the little makeshift chapel were resplendent. Matsumoto was nearly moved to tears when she got a good look at the room. The SWA, and Yumichika, had put so much effort into the decorating. Matsumoto hugged every one of the women, thanking them again and again for the help. Soifon even returned her hug, telling Matsumoto that whenever Ukitake decided to propose she better return the favor and help decorate.
Matsumoto laughed and offered to drop a few hints to Ukitake the next time they met.
Matsumoto certainly couldn’t afford extremely elaborate gifts for everyone, but she managed to find something small for all of the SWA members, and even Yumichika. Candy always did the heart some good, and even Hitsugaya managed to eat some of the massive amount Ukitake gifted him.
After the little chapel was decorated, the SWA hosted a small party for Matsumoto. Hitsugaya and any interested males (relevant to the wedding, of course) were also invited to attend. Or, in Hitsugaya’s case, forced.
The SWA served sweets, ranging from cake and ice cream to three different kinds of fruit salad, as well as any drink (non-alcoholic) Matsumoto could have named.
Matsumoto finally gave in to a few of the tears as she hugged everyone present, even bestowing a kiss on the cheek of some of the men. Renji grinned foolishly, as did Kyoraku. Apart from the men in the wedding party, only Ikkaku, Kira, and Hisagi hadn’t come up with a good enough reason to miss the event.
For her bridesmaids and Hitsugaya’s groomsmen, Matsumoto and Hitsugaya purchased a box of chocolates, a lingerie set with “Bridesmaid” (or the appropriate term) emblazoned across the garments for the girls, the equivalent for the men, and gifts cards to living world shops for all of them. Apparently the things worked like magic in the living world, and every time she had asked for advice a shop clerk had mentioned gift certificates. It wasn’t very personal, but everyone seemed thrilled. Probably because it meant a chance to shop in the living world.
The next morning Matsumoto was whisked away by very adamant members of the SWA. It was the day before the wedding, and Hitsugaya made Matsumoto promise, with the threat of a never-ending pile of paperwork, not to get sloshed at this silly party. Matsumoto made the promise, so long as Hitsugaya did the same.
Hitsugaya looked at her curiously, declaring he didn’t have plans for a party. And if that stupid tradition she declared important didn’t dictate that she couldn’t see him until the wedding the next day she wouldn’t be attending a party, either.
So, naturally, Kyoraku and Ukitake threatened to use a binding kido on him if he didn’t comply with their wishes for an evening out. Hitsugaya grudgingly consented, grumbling until they forced a shot of sake down his throat. Quickly followed by two more.
After sharing a bottle with Kyoraku and Ukitake, Hitsugaya knew he couldn’t drink anymore, lest he be very not-sober the next day. The others managed to keep their promise to show up sober to the affair, and therefore dressed properly and well-groomed. Hitsugaya fell into his bed when he made it home and slept soundly until Kyoraku and Ukitake knocked on his door the next morning.
At least the sake made it easier to sleep without Matsumoto around.
oOoOo
Meanwhile, on the other side of Seireitei, Matsumoto was having the time of her life watching Nanao being forced to have a few drinks. When the little party broke up, an amazingly so sober Matsumoto escorted a not-so-much Nanao back to her old rooms. There was very little still remaining by way of decorations or similar items, leaving only the nice soft mattress (which she was going to put on Hitsugaya’s bed, whether he liked it or not) and bedding, as well as necessary toiletries and a few nonperishable foodstuffs.
She administered some of the hangover remedy from Fourth Division to Nanao before both women sank into the bed, sleeping soundly the moment their heads touched the pillows.
oOoOo-RN-oOoOo
Hitsugaya fidgeted nervously, tugging and readjusting his tie. First it was too tight, then too loose. Everything else was still in order from the two days before, his tux was fitted nicely, Ichigo, Ukitake, Renji, and Kyoraku were smiling encouragingly, and the crowd seemed to be excited. The crowd also must have been larger than for the Kuchiki-Kurosaki wedding. The entirety of the Tenth Division had turned out for the event, all dressed regally in bright and cheerful kimonos.
Atop the steps stood Kyoraku, and just before him a small table with two taper candles placed on either side of a larger pillar candle. The flames from the small candles danced merrily, celebrating the joy of the union to come.
There was a lull in the soft music. The moment it picked up again Rukia stepped through the doors of the sanctuary, looking refined and beautiful in her dress. No one seemed to think so as much as Ichigo, but Hitsugaya had to agree. When she had almost reached the front of the sanctuary, near the steps at the base of the shrine, Orihime was presented to the crowd.
The coral dresses with black trim looked amazing on Rukia, but Orihime put even her to shame. Somehow she had managed to convince Ulquiorra to tag along, and he looked happy that he had.
Again, when Orihime was nearly to the steps, the next woman appeared in the doorway. Kyoraku was blessed with a preview of Nanao in her gown, yet he still looked ready to pass out from delirium. The soft music continued, and Hitsugaya grew three times as nervous and anxious.
Taking a few deep breaths, he watched as Yachiru and Nel strode down the aisle, each carrying a basket full of flower petals. They had their arms looped together, using their free hands to trail petals about the floor. Hitsugaya noticed that it looked as though Yachiru were still growing and Nel was catching up rapidly.
oOoOo
Matsumoto stood with Hisagi, just outside the doors of the sanctuary. After a morning full of makeup and hair, and then trouble keeping the crying in check, she was finally about to make one of the most finite commitments of her life. She recalled other important days, none as nerve wracking and exciting as this. She smiled at the thought of her graduation from the academy, the day she met Gin and found a home with him, when she was accepted into the Tenth Division, her promotion to fukutaicho of the Tenth, the first time she met Hitsugaya as her Taicho.
More recent memories encompassed the day she burst into their office with her preposterous proclamation, the time later that evening he accepted, her Valentine’s dinner, the day he proposed, their first kiss, their first night together. All of it nearly bringing her to tears before the thing seriously worth crying over even began for her.
“Rangiku-san, can you loosen your grip? You’ve made my fingers go numb,” Hisagi whispered laughingly.
“Oh, sorry,” Matsumoto murmured. She slackened the hold she had on Hisagi’s arm as much as she dared. She remained clutching to him for support, afraid she might faint otherwise.
She watched Rukia disappear through the doors, followed shortly by Orihime. Nanao left next, then trailed Yachiru and Nel. Matsumoto remained in a daze. It all seemed so surreal, as if she would wake up in just a moment’s time to find it all a dream.
Hisagi leaned closer to her. “It’s time. Are you ready?” he grinned happily, equally excited as everyone else for his friend. She nodded and he gave her a quick peck on the cheek for good luck.
The final time the doors opened Hitsugaya lost all train of thought that didn’t focus on Matsumoto. Gorgeous, beautiful, lovely. They all seemed to pale in comparison to the woman gracefully walking down the aisle, her dress scattering the small petals about as she and Hisagi made their way to the front of the sanctuary. They paused when they reached the first row of seating.
Kyoraku began the ceremony, earning a newfound respect from Hitsugaya. “Dear friends and family, with great affection for Hitsugaya Toshiro and Matsumoto Rangiku we have gathered together to witness and bless their union in marriage. To this sacred moment they bring the fullness of their hearts as a treasure and a gift from God to share with one another. They bring the dreams which bind them together in an eternal commitment. They bring their gifts and talents, their unique personalities and spirits, which God will unite together into one being as they build their life together. We rejoice with them in thankfulness to the Lord for creating this union of hearts, built on friendship, respect and love.”
Continuing on, Kyoraku led the congregation in a prayer. “Heavenly Father, Hitsugaya Toshiro and Matsumoto Rangiku are now about to vow their unending loyalty to each other. We ask you to bless the shared treasure of their life together, which they now create. Grant them everything they need, that they may use Your gifts to increase their blessings throughout their life together. In the name of Jesus. Amen.”
Kyoraku announce to the congregation to be seated. A swift moment passed and he carried on with the next of the ceremony. Hitsugaya stepped down from his position next to the steps to join Matsumoto and Hisagi. This was the first of the ceremony with Hitsugaya and Matsumoto together. They later debated who was more nervous. Hitsugaya won.
“Doubly blessed is the couple which comes to the marriage altar with the approval and blessings of their families and friends. Who has the honor of presenting this woman to be married to this man?”
Hisagi looked proud to be in the place of honor. “I do,” he spoke. Hisagi grinned and placed the hand he held into Hitsugaya’s. Matsumoto blinked back a few tears, trying to maintain her composure.
Matsumoto grasped onto Hitsugaya’s hand tightly. In lieu of a Hymn, Kyoraku recited the passage of I Corinthians 13.
“Ai wa kanyo de ari, ai wa shinsetsu desu.
Mata, hito o neta-mi-masen.
Ai wa jiman sezu, gohman ni narimasen.
Reigi ni, han suru koto o sezu jibun no ri-eki o,
motomezu, ikarazu, hito no shita aku o, omowazu
fusei-o yoroko-bazu ni, shinri-o yoroko-bimasu.
Subete-o gaman shi, subete-o shinji
subete-o kitai shi, subete-o tae-shinobi-masu.
Ai wa keshite, ta-eru koto ga arimasen.”(2)
Hitsugaya and Matsumoto stepped side by side and hand in hand to the stage. Kyoraku smiled happily to them both as he waited for Yachiru and Nel to be seated. He recited the Charge, still smiling happily.
“Hand in Hand you enter marriage. Hand in hand you step out in faith. The hand you freely give to each other is both the strongest and the most tender part of your body. In the years ahead you will need both strength and tenderness. Be firm in your commitment. Don't let your grip become weak. And yet, be flexible as you go through change. Don't let your hold become intolerable. Strength and tenderness, firm commitment and flexibility, of such is a marriage made, hand in hand.
“Also remember that you don't walk this path alone. Don't be afraid to reach out to others when together you face difficulty. Other hands are there: friends, family. To accept an outreached hand is not an admission of failure, but an act of faith. For behind us, underneath us, around us all, are the outstretched arms of the Lord. It is into His hands that, above all else, we commit this union of husband and wife.”
Matsumoto swallowed nervously, excitement filling her. Hitsugaya shared her sentiment, anxiously and happily awaiting the next step. Kyoraku spoke his name, looking to him and silently leading to the next of the ceremony. Hitsugaya and Matsumoto turned to face one another.
“Hitsugaya Toshiro and Matsumoto Rangiku have chosen their vows. Hitsugaya Toshiro, I ask you to recite yours at this time,” Kyoraku announced. Hitsugaya suddenly felt like his mouth was full of cotton.
“Matsumoto Rangiku, I will be your husband. I give you all my love without reservation. We have so many joyful times ahead of us - many decisions and many possibilities. I promise to place our personal growth and the continuous growth of our love above all other considerations. I will be honest with you. I will accept you as an equal and as a unique individual. I will be open with my affection and support. Together I know that we can build a life filled with satisfactions. I am happy we found each other. I love you.”
Hitsugaya could easily describe it as the second happiest moment of his life. Her vows to him took first place. They stared into one another’s eyes, both seeing only the other and no else. Hitsugaya fought just as hard to keep the tears at bay as she, but a few happy ones escaped.
“Matsumoto Rangiku, I ask you to recite your vows at this time,” Kyoraku smiled still, happiness never faltering. Matsumoto grew easily twice as nervous as before.
“I take you, Hitsugaya Toshiro, to be my husband, loving you now and in your growing and becoming. I will love you when we are together and when we are apart; when life is peaceful and when it is in disorder; in times of leisure and in times of work. I will honor your goals and dreams and help you to fulfill them. I will always be honest with you and respect what you are now and what we will become together. From the depth of my being, I will seek to be open and honest with you. I am happy we found each other. I love you.”
Kyoraku made a quiet request for the rings from Nanao and Ukitake. "The wedding ring is a symbol of eternity. It is an outward sign of an inward and spiritual bond which unites two hearts in endless love. And now as a token of your love and of your deep desire to be forever united in heart and soul, you, Hitsugaya Toshiro, may place a ring on the finger of your bride."
Hitsugaya managed to not fumble too much with putting the ring on Matsumoto’s finger. He grinned at her as he slipped it on. "Matsumoto Rangiku, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness to you."
Kyoraku turned now to Matsumoto. "By the same token Matsumoto Rangiku, you may place a ring on the finger of your groom."
Matsumoto expertly maneuvered her fingers and the small ring she held. "Hitsugaya Toshiro, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness to you."
Unable to hold back any longer, she felt a slow trail of tears course down her cheeks. She smiled brightly to Hitsugaya, hoping he wouldn’t cry, else she would surpass simple crying for all out bawling.
Hitsugaya and Matsumoto moved to stand to the sides of the small table holding the candles. Kyoraku spoke as they took their positions.
“The two outside candles have been lighted to represent both your lives in this moment. They are two distinct lights, each capable of going their separate ways. As you join now in marriage, there is a merging of these two lights into one light. From now on your thoughts shall be for each other rather than your individual selves. Your plans shall be mutual, your joys and sorrows shall be shared alike.
“As you each take a candle and together light the center one, you will extinguish your own candles, thus letting the center candle represent the union of your lives into one flesh. As this one light cannot be divided, neither shall your lives be divided but a united testimony of your lives together. May the radiance of this one light be a testimony of your love for one another.”
Simultaneously Hitsugaya and Matsumoto picked up their respective candle and moved together to the center. They touched the wicks of the smaller candles to the larger, allowing the larger to catch flame. When the wick was burning brightly they extinguished the smaller candles with a quick puff of breath then replaced them.
They took their positions again in front of Kyoraku, grasping each others hands again. Hitsugaya caught a glimpse of Nanao sobbing quietly and would have grinned if not for his own nervous excitement.
Kyoraku spoke again. Hitsugaya vaguely wondered just how much he had said so far, and how much there was left to say.
“Because Hitsugaya Toshiro and Matsumoto Rangiku have desired each other in marriage, and have witnessed this before God and our gathering, affirming their acceptance of the responsibilities of such a union, and have pledged their love and faith to each other, sealing their vows in the giving and receiving of rings, I do proclaim that they are husband and wife in the sight of God and man. Let all people here and everywhere recognize and respect this holy union, now and forever.”
Matsumoto had started to feel at ease, but the moment came and passed more quickly than the flicker of the candle.
Kyoraku recited a final prayer. “The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift up the light of his continence upon you, and give you peace.” There was a murmur of ascent from the congregation, causing Matsumoto to smile anew.
And then, the moment Hitsugaya had waited all this time for. Since the day in the little restaurant in Rukongai he had waited to hear this command. “Hitsugaya Toshiro, you may kiss your bride.”
Hitsugaya dipped Matsumoto, kissing passionately and deeply, though trying to be somewhere in the region of brief. A few whoops and cheers were heard from some of the males, and he was certain that was Shiba Kuukaku yelling. Renji and Ichigo gave a loud wolf whistle, while the rest of those gathered simply clapped in excitement.
When Hitsugaya deemed it okay for Matsumoto to stand again they separated with similar grins on their faces. Foolishly, deliriously happy grins. Hitsugaya barely heard the next words before he was being forced to turn around and face the crowd.
“It is now my privilege to introduce to you for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Hitsugaya,” Kyoraku presented the newlyweds to their audience. Welcomed and congratulated by cheers and clapping Hitsugaya took his new wife by the hand and escorted her down the aisle.(3)
oOoOo
The reception passed more quickly for Hitsugaya than the ceremony. They were congratulated by everyone present at the wedding at least twice. Matsumoto held onto him like super glue, only relinquishing her grip when she tossed the bouquet and he threw the garter.
Kyoraku was the lucky recipient of the garter, and Nanao refused to try for the bouquet, but it somehow managed to find her hands anyhow. She glared at Matsumoto for several minutes, feeling like it had been set up.
At least the gifts of money accumulated to enough to furnish and fully decorate a lovely little nursery.
Two clothing changes later and Hitsugaya found himself in a seat on a train to take them from Karakura to Yokohama. He held tightly to Matsumoto, arms wrapped around her middle and head resting on his shoulder.
It was the official beginning of their life together. He had very few doubts that in about nine or ten months they would be increasing their family to include a child of their own. And really, he was as ready for it as he could be.
Matsumoto watched his facial expressions, wondering what he could be wondering about. She smiled softly and kissed his nose. Her ash cat smiled along with her, delivering her news.
‘No doubt about it, Mistress,’ Haineko purred. ‘When are you going to tell him?’
Matsumoto made a movement akin to a shrug, garnering a glance from Hitsugaya. How about now? she suggested. Haineko purred in excitement, off to share her news with Hyourinmaru. Matsumoto had convinced the cat not to speak of it until they were ready, Hyourinmaru being the only exception.
Never in the history of Soul Society was there ever reported a happier soon-to-be family of five, Cat and Dragon included.
Matsumoto nudged Hitsugaya’s shoulder softly, calling his attention to her. “Guess what,” she smiled. Hitsugaya just shook his head and grinned. It was going to be a long nine months.
Notes:
(1): I’m not entirely sure unhemmed is actually a word. It most certainly is a word that is commonly used, but I can’t find the stupid thing in the dictionary, and my Word program says it’s misspelled. Liars, all of them! 8-) Considering I use it quite frequently anytime I’m sewing, I don’t understand. If the dictionary can include “ain’t” then by god they ought to include unhemmed. Grrr *Growls at her Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary and Thesaurus*
(2): A large part of you are probably familiar with this. The English translation is:
Love is patient, and love is kind,
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude,
it is not self-seeking,
it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects,
always trusts, always hopes,
always perseveres.
Love never fails.
Also, for any interested parties, this is the kanji version:
愛の讃歌 （コリント十三章）
愛は寛容であり、愛は親切です。
また人をねたみません。愛は自慢せず、
高慢になりません。礼儀に反することをせず、
自分の利益を求めず、怒らず、人のした悪を
思わず、不正を喜ばずに真理を喜びます。
すべてをがまんし、すべてを信じ、すべてを期待し、
すべてを耐え忍びます。
愛は決して絶えることがありません。
(3): Hitsugaya and Matsumoto wouldn’t actually be presented as “Mr. and Mrs.” but I can’t find the proper translation of this. If you know, please tell me and I will happily change it. 8-)