Bleach Fan Fiction ❯ A Continuing Threat ❯ chapter 6 ( Chapter 6 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: halfdemonfan81 
Anime/Manga: Bleach Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Action / Romance | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 01.21.2011 | Pages: 7 | Words: 6.6K | Visits: 165 | Status: Completed
Anime/Manga: Bleach Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Action / Romance | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 01.21.2011 | Pages: 7 | Words: 6.6K | Visits: 165 | Status: Completed
Orihime didn't stop running until she was safely behind the door to her apartment. Tears continued to run down her face as she slumped to the floor. How could they? How could they do that to me? To us?
She held herself in the same postiton crying for what felt like hours. It hurt so bad to see the people she had counted as friends show up after so long because Kurosaki-kun had gotten his reiatsu back. So many times she had wanted to see them, wanted to make sure they were okay, but no matter how much she wanted to she wasn't able to.
Once, she had asked Urahara-san if he could open a gate to Soul Society for her but he refused to do so. He had explained to her that even if she was a friend of Soul Society, an unauthorized portal opening set off an alarm that would cause her to be attacked. It's better to attack and ask questions later he said.
So she had accepted the fact she wouldn't see any of them again, until her death that is. But now...
Now they were back and acting as if nothing had changed. When Kurosaki-kun defeated Aizen, there had been no time for tearful reunions. She had barely had enough time to glance around and see that everyone was indeed alive but wounded before they all started heading back for Soul Society. Kuchiki-san had been the only one to come back and forth, checking on Kurosaki-kun's condition and to see when he would awaken.
Orihime picked herself up from the floor, groaning as she worked out the stiff muscles she had developed from laying in that position for so long. She made herself some tea and went to the couch.
She was hoping she would have cried all her tears by now, but as she sat drinking her tea, she could fell them spilling down her cheeks again.
Well, at least Kurosaki-kun was happy.
That thought made her chest clench bringing with it a whole new wave of pain.
Yes, she wanted him to be happy. She would do anything to try and make his frown a little lighter and for the light to be in his eyes again; but that didn't mean it didn't hurt her.
When she saw him sitting beside Kuchiki-san, smiling and laughing, her heart nearly tore into. She placed her teacup on the table as she began crying so hard her body was shaking.
Rukia was important to him. Orihime knew this but the jealousy eating at her made her feel so bad. She liked Kuchiki-san, counted her as one of her best friends, but she couldn't stop the heavy on-slaught of anger, jealousy, and pain she felt at seeing them together.
She was a horrible person. She just knew her brother would be ashamed of her. Her eyes closed as she cried harder at that thought.
Orihime didn't even know she fell asleep until she woke up on her couch. Pain raced across her face as she yawned and she went to wash her face in her bathroom. She cringed at her own reflection.
Her eyes were horribly swollen and red from her hours of crying. Small indentions littered her bottom lip where she had sunk her teeth into them to try and stiffle her cries. Her normally, smooth red hair was a tangled mess. She took a moment to try and wash away the evidence of her sadness but it did not do much good.
Her doorball rang before she could work on her hair.
Her footsteps towards the door were slow, because her two visitors did not try to hide their reiatsu. She had her hand on the doorknob but could not make herself open it.
"Please Orihime-chan. Open the door and talk to us." the voice of Rangiku-san came through.
"Please Inoue. We can explain." Kuchiki-san said.
Orihime let her head fall against the door as she warred with herself. She had never been so rude in her life! She had never left her friends standing on her doorstep, or said something so mean like she had earlier that day; but then again, she had never felt so betrayed before.
Rangiku-san's voice came through again but this time Orihime could hear the tears in it. "Orihime-chan. Please, please let me talk to you. Please don't turn me away."
That broke through her anger. She couldn't stand that she had cause such sadness and pain in Rangiku-san.
Rangiku didn't bother to wipe her tears away when she saw Orihime's door opening. She also held down the urge to fly into Orihime's arms. She knew they had all hurt the gentle woman and now, it didn't matter if she had to crawl on her hands and knees, she would win her forgiveness.
She held the bag of 'peace offerings' she had bought to her chest and walked into Orihime's apartment.
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Toshiro walked down the road, watching as the streetlamps lit one by one in the fading light. He was glad he hadn't bothered to get a gigai from Urahara so he wouldn't be subjected to glances from strangers. Too bad that didn't also apply to the Kurosaki family.
When Karin returned home she had found her brother brooding in the kitchen over a late dinner. Her father shook his head at her and led Yuzu out the door on some silly excuse. She was about to ask why when a shinigami she had never met walked into the kitchen.
"Oi, Ichigo. You gonna keep ignoring us or can we start talking about these damn Arrancars?"
Karin studied the man that was speaking to her brother. He had the brightest red hair she had ever seen. Even more shocking were the tattos that ran along along his forehead. She could see the tops of some on his chest and back as well.
"We're not discussing anything until Inoue is with us so you'd better hope Matsumoto and Rukia can apologize properly. And what about Chado and Ishida? Have any of you even bothered to talk to them?"
"Ikkaku and Yumichika went to talk to them." Toshiro said as he entered the kitchen. "We will all meet up as soon as Inoue Orihime is ready to do so."
"Toshiro?" Ichigo heard his sister say. He looked over to find her walking towards the captain with a shocked look on her face.
She couldn't have been more shocked than he was. How in the seven hells did Karin know him?
"Karin? When did you....How do you know Toshiro?" Ichigo asked.
"Hitsugaya-taicho." Toshiro supplied for the hundreth time. Though he knew the young vizard would never comply with his request.
"Long story Ichi-nii." she answered without bothering to look at him. "Toshiro how have you been? It's been a long time."
"I'm fine."
"That's good." she replied with a smile and walked straight up to the captain. Before he could ask what she was doing she punched him right in the face.
He had not been expecting it so he was thrown back a few steps before catching his balance. "What the hell was that for?"
"That was for disappearing and never bothering to show your face again! Do you know what you put Orihime-nee through! She has been so worried about all of you! And what the hell are you doing here anyway? I haven't seen you around when the hollows have been attacking! What? Don't look at me like that! Why bother to show up now? Oh wait, Ichi-nii has his powers back so all the sudden you all show up like nothing has changed? Screw that! You should go over to Orihime-nee's and beg her, on your knees, to forgive you! She puts you up whenever you come to this world, she feeds you, heals you, goes to hell, literally, for you and you bastards just disappear! I ought to beat every. single. one. of. your. asses."
By them time she was finished with that statement, she had pushed Toshiro into the wall and was glaring at him in such a way the captain didn't even dare to say anything back.
Renji had sat down at the table and kept his mouth shut while she ranted. At first he was about to laugh when she punched Hitsugaya-taicho. Hell, he was already imaging re-telling it to all his buddies back home; but then, she started pushing him backwards. He knew the look on her face. It reminded him of Rukia whenever she was pissed beyond reasoning. He didn't care that she was a human girl. He wasn't taking any chances with a female Kurosaki that had a high enough reiatsu to see them.
Ichigo hadn't bothered to say anything as well. He was still stunned over the fact that Karin knew Toshiro. When she punched him he nearly ran in front of her to protect her from the always angry little captain. He was surprised when Toshiro didn't retailate but that was nothing compared to when she referred to Inoue as Orihime-nee. Since when had the two of them gotten so close?
What in the hell had he missed in the past year? Had he truly been so absorbed in his own world that he had missed so much changing around him?
By the end of Karin's rant he felt just as bad as the shinigami did. Hell, it looked like Inoue had another miniature Tatsuki running around defending her.
All three men in the room jumped slightly when Karin spoke again. She had moved back from Toshiro but continued to glare at him. "Now, you are going to march straight over to Orihime's house and beg for her forgiveness."
"But Matsumoto and Ruk...."
"I don't care who else is there!" Karin screamed. "You have to apologize to her personally. Do I make myself clear?" with her hands fisted on her hips and her fierce glare directed at the white haired man, Ichigo began to feel slightly bad for him.
"Yeah, yeah." he replied. As Karin moved away from him Ichigo and Renji could hear him muttering under his breath. "Freaking women.....psycho.....hormonal....that's why I love Momo."
Renji chuckled a little but unfortunately it brought Karin's attention to him. "You. I don't know you but I'm betting you're a friend of Orihime's too aren't you?"
Renji cut a worried glance to Ichigo who merely shrugged. He was glad he was too tall for the girl to hit him in the face but that didn't mean she couldn't land a couple hits to his stomach. "Umm...yeah I guess so, but I never stayed at her house or anything like the taicho did."
Karin nearly chuckled at the panicked expression on his face. Who needs an Arrancar to scare the boys a bit? A pissed off woman could do it in no time. She somehow managed to keep the glare on her face. "Doesn't matter. You'd better be working on that apology you owe her. You can wait 'til Toshiro finishes."
"Yes ma'am." Renji muttered under his breath.
Ichigo couldn't stop the laughter that came up with that. Until he saw Karin look at him with more anger than she had directed at Toshiro.
"Go ahead and laugh it up Ichi-nii. You've been the worst of them all." she left the kitchen after that biting remark leaving three confused, and slightly scared men in her wake.
Toshiro rubbed his jaw where Karin had punched him as he came to Orihime's door. He knew he had, at least on some level, deserved the punch but he was still embarrassed over the fact he had let a human girl lay into him like he had. Good thing she had turned it onto Renji and Kurosaki as well.
He did not even have time to knock before Matsumoto had opened the door of Orihime's apartment and pulled him inside.
"Taicho! I'm surprised you came to join us." she exclaimed as she crushed him into her massive chest.
He wiggled away from her and looked at the women seated on the couch. He could tell all of them had been crying, but Orihime looked far worse. Her eyes were still red and swollen, small wet spots adorned the collar of her shirt from crying, and her hair was tangled. When she met his eyes she managed a small smile and he felt even more like an ass than when Karin had finished with him.
He began to hesitate as her met her steady gaze, "I... umm...I just wanted to come say that.."
"It's okay." she interrupted him. "Rangiku-san and Kuchiki-san have already explained everything to me. "
"Inoue what did I say?"
"I'm sorry, Rukia-chan. I guess I'll have to get used to it. Sounds like you have to as well."
Rukia flushed. "I guess so, Orihime."
They smiled at each other and Toshiro couldn't help but feel relieved. He liked Inoue Orihime. She was a gentle person who went out of her way to help others and to make everyone feel welcome. Even him. He enjoyed his privacy and didn't fit into a crowd as well as others did. She seemed to understand this and gave him his space but also did little things to make him feel welcome. He was glad she was smiling again but he made sure none of that showed on his face.
"I'm glad you're okay and I'm very glad to see you Hitsugaya-taicho."
He looked at her shocked as she approached him. She had never used his formal title before. Was she still mad at him as well. He took a hesitant step back, remembering how Karin had smiled just before she punched him.
As Orihime launched herself onto Toshiro and hugged him, laughing and crying at the same time, he realized he had been set up. Somehow, he had known she would never strike him, but he hadn't expected her to hug him either. She had always respected his personal boundries.
As he looked down to her form huddled around his, he gave an almost undetectable smile. He could let this one slip. She looked so happy he couldn't make himself pull away from her.
"I'm so glad to see you Toshiro-kun." she mumbled against his chest.
He slowly patted her back and whispered to her too, "I'm glad to see you too Orihime."
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Everyone around the room was laughing and enjoying each others company and it made Orihime smile even wider.
After she, Rangiku-san, Rukia-chan, and Toshiro-kun had finished talking he called the others and told them to come to her apartment. She hadn't been expecting Sado-kun and Ishida-kun to show up as well but seeing everyone together again filled her with such happiness she had started crying again.
They had yet to talk about the situtation with the Arrancars but everyone was having such a good time reminicing that it didn't matter. Besides, tomorrow was Saturday and she could sleep in. As long as she was up in time to get ready for the festival she didn't care.
Ichigo glanced over at Inoue for what seemed like the hundreth time that night but he couldn't stop himself. He hated to see the redness enveloping her eyes, knowing she had been crying all day. Everything was fine now but he wished he hadn't let her run out of the house alone earlier.
Karin had done a good job of making him feel more like an ass than he already had. He realized that even though the shinigami had all apologized for their actions he had not. To make it worse, they had a reason they couldn't return but he had nothing. What was he supposed to say? Sorry for basicaly ignoring you for over a year Inoue. I don't really have a reason besides the fact that I'm a selfish, ungrateful bastard.
"Hey, if the truth works go with it."
"No one's talking to you asshole."
He tuned out his hollow and returned his attention to the group in front of him.
"Alright, we need to discuss this new problem." Toshiro said, stopping the conversations around him.
"Yes, you're right Hitsugaya-san. Unfortunately the only one who has interracted with them is Inoue-san." Ishida remarked.
All eyes focused on her.
"Can you tell us what happened Orihime?" Renji asked.
"Sure. I was walking home to meet Karin-chan for our tutoring session..."
Ichigo interrupted her. "Wait, when did you start tutoring Karin?"
"It's been about a year since we started Kurosaki-kun." she answered before continuing. "When I came around the corner I saw an Arrancar standing over her so I called up my shield and rushed to her. She was obviously injured badly so I began to heal her and while I was the Arrancar began to speak with me."
"Yeah, and since when did Karin meet your fairy things? She acted like she knew them when they were healing you." he interrupted once again.
"Only a few months ago Kurosaki-kun. So anyway, the Arrancar said his name was Ildefonso and that he was surprised we had left the rest of them alone after Aizen's defeat." Everyone in the room visiably tensed at the mention of Aizen's name. "He said there were several lower ranking Arrancar left in Hueco Mundo and he had been sent to 'scout' out the place as he put it. He and I fought...."
"Yeah, tell me about this fight Inoue. Karin said you were and I quote 'wailing on him'. Since when did you know karate?" Ichigo asked.
"Kurosaki....do you think you could hold off your questions until she has finished her explainations so that we might be done before next week?" Toshiro asked with his normal gruff manner.
Ichigo flushed a little at the repremand. He had not had time to ask Inoue all the questions he had wanted to clear up after she healed. Hearing her explain that day only brought more unanswered questions to light and he couldn't stop himself before he had been interrupting her.
"Sorry Inoue. Please continue."
"It's okay Kurosaki-kun." a light blush came to her face. "Anyway, I was able to kill him but I had been horribly injured in the process."
Everyone noticed her voice had dropped at this statement and her mannerisms became somewhat shy, nervous acting. "Karin-chan called her father to come to my house and Kurosaki-kun followed him. My powers spoke to me constantly to keep me semi-conscious so they could try to heal me. Unfortunately they had to pull from Kurosaki-kun's reiatsu to do so. He was forced to stay with me under my Soten Kisshun and that is what healed his soul and restored his powers."
"The Arrancar didn't give any further indication as to what their plans were Inoue-san?" Ishida asked.
"No he didn't, I'm sorry. Though the way he spoke and held himself, I'm guessing there are a lot more Arrancars we aren't aware of. He did make a referrence to you Kurosaki-kun. I believe he said he had been looking for you."
"Fine by me. If they'd just come after me directly instead of hunting around and trying to attack others that be best."
Ichigo noticed Orihime's expression sadden at his statement.
"Don't be so hasty Kurosaki." Toshiro said. "We have no idea how many of them there are nor what kind of powers they possess."
"Yeah, but at least we know they aren't as strong as Aizen or his Espada." he replied.
"That doesn't matter."
Everyone turned to the whispered statement that came from Orihime.
"It doesn't matter that they aren't as strong as him. Even the lower rank Arrancar that came with Grimmjow that time hurt everyone badly."
No one had anything to say to that. They also knew that, unfortunately, she was the one who had had the most contact with any Arrancar.
"That's true Ichigo. " Sado said. "I also fought with an Arrancar in Hueco Mundo who had been demoted from Espada but he was still very powerful."
"Same for me." Ishida said.
"Yeah I know. I did too. Sorry Inoue, I was getting too cocky."
Orihime smiled at his apology and sat back to let the group begin discussing strategies. It felt good to be together with everyone again, even if it was because of the enemies once again. Hopefully, they could take care of the Arrancar without anyone being seriously injured and then they could just enjoy some time with one another.
She had spoken for a long time with Rangiku-san and Rukia-chan. They told her how the Captain Commander had prohibited anyone from coming in contact with their group because he felt they needed to return to their normal lives.
She was still hurt by their abscense but she knew now that they had been missing her just as much. Rukia-chan had insisted Orihime call her by her name because they were friends and she had thrown herself onto the petite woman and cried again. She had told her to do the same and she was sure she could see tears gathering in the woman's eyes.
Orihime looked over her group of friends and again felt the need to cry but when her gaze landed on Kurosaki-kun that stopped.
He was reaching over her table, trying to swing at Renji for some comment he had made and she had a perfect view of his toned chest beneath his black shinigami outfit. She didn't need to see much of his wonderful upper body before she could instantly recall every inch of it due to how many times she had to heal him in the past. During so many battles, the top half of his outfit would get destroyed and she would watch him as she healed him.
She remembered how his beautiful bronze skin looked as he would lay there while she healed him. His tight, corded arms lying still beside him. On numerous occassions she had to rip her gaze away from his perfectly sculpted abdomen. Lucky her, the bottom of his outfit rode low on his hips giving her a small view of the tantalizing skin.
She would be right beside him as she healed him and his unique scent would fill her head causing her nearly pass out from the feelings it evoked in her. More than once she caught herself thinking about running her hands over every inch of his taut, sweaty skin. She always felt bad for oogling him but she couldn't stop herself. Sweet Kami, she could feel herself nearly faint from the image that presented. She would definetly love to run her hands down the small strip of light orange hair she had seen that went from just below his belly button down to his.....
"Orihime-chan, do you hear me?"
Orihime nearly shreiked when she snapped herself out of her little fantasy to find Rangiku-san right in her face. "I-I'm sorry Rangiku-san. What were you saying?"
"Are you okay Orihime? You kinda zoned out on us but then your face got really red."
Orihime couldn't believe she had been thinking about.....that with everyone in the room. She got even more embarrassed! How could she think about him like that? She was such a...tart. She couldn't even make herself think the other word she would have used.
"No, I'm okay Rangiku-san. I just didn't feel well for a moment. I've not been sleeping well." It wasn't a lie exactly, her stomach was still doing little flips at the thought of Kurosaki-kun....stop it Orihime!
She couldn't even make herself look at him right then. She mentally counted to 10 to calm down before she re-focused on the conversation.
"Unfortunately you're right Ishida-san." Toshiro said. "We are simply going to have to wait until they show themselves again before we can discover what they want. Remember everyone, if you find yourself facing one of the Arrancar try your best not to kill them but merely incapcitate them so we can interrogate them."
"Oh, does that mean you and Rangiku-san will be staying with me again?" Orihime asked excitedly.
Rangiku enveloped her in a hug that would have strangled most people, "Yes, Orihime-chan! It's going to be so wonderful! We can stay up late talking and I can't wait to eat your cooking again!"
Everyone cringed at the thought of eating Orihime's food. "How do you deal with eating that stuff Toshiro?" Ichigo asked him.
He narrowed his eyes at Ichigo, "She can cook normally you know. She realizes that most people hate the things she likes so she makes the food then adds her own ingredients after serving the plates."
"Oh." Ichigo turned towards her and was glad to see her brillant smile once again on her face.
Orihime turned from the door after seeing the others off. Rangiku-san and Toshiro-kun were laying their things out for the night. Ichigo had stayed behind to speak with Toshiro about some things.
She was tired but very happy at the moment. She sat on the couch, smiling to herself, as she prepared a mental list of groceries she would need to pick up the next day.
The doorbell drew her out of her musings.
Ichigo came into the room with his normal scowl in place. "Who would that be this late? Were you expecting someone Inoue?"
"No. I don't get visitors this late, well, I don't get a lot of visitors period." she walked towards the door and glanced through the peep-hole.
Ichigo heard her gasp as she looked out the door and was preparing to draw Zangetsu when she spoke. "Kurosaki-kun you need to hide."
"Huh? Why would I hide?" he was confused.
"Because that's your father and Yuzu-chan at the door."
"What? What in the hell would they be doing here?"
"I don't know but I'm being rude! I need to open the door and you can't let Yuzu-chan see you like...oh...she can't see you in shinigami form can she?" she giggled. "Sorry, I was being silly again." she was suddenly glad he had come in this form. She had questioned him earlier about it and he said he left Kon in his body so Karin wouldn't be at home alone. Kon had been staying with Urahara the past year and Ichigo had not sounded too happy about him being back in his room.
"Yuzu-chan, Kurosaki-san come in please. I'm sorry I took so long. What brings you here?" Orihime smiled as she let them in.
"Sorry about this Orihime-san but we were walking back from the store and I saw your light on and I just have to talk to you! It's really important." Yuzu's voice was pleading with Orihime to speak with her.
"Of course, Yuzu-chan. You can speak to me anytime you need to. Don't worry about the time." Orihime watched as the girl sat on the couch and stared expectantly at her father.
"I told you this was going to be a private conversation oto-san. Please wait for me outside. It shouldn't take long."
Isshin frowned but nodded to his daughter. Before he left he caught Ichigo's eye and let him know to make sure everything was okay with his her. Ichigo nodded to him and sat on the floor across from Yuzu. Though he felt like he was invading her privacy, she did sound a little frantic and if something was troubling his sister he needed to know about it. Good thing Yuzu couldn't see or hear shinigami.
Orihime glanced at Ichigo trying to convey her displeasure through her eyes.
"I'm not leaving Inoue. I'm sorry, I don't mean to disrespect her privacy but you heard her. She sounded worried. If something's bothering her I need to know about it."
Orihime sighed. She knew he was right. Yuzu-chan was his sister after all and she didn't have the right to interfere between them. Also, she couldn't exactly say anything to him or Yuzu-chan would think she was talking to the wall.
"Alright, Yuzu-chan. Tell me what happened."
"Oh, Orihime-san it's wonderful but I'm so nervous and I just know I'm going to mess everything up!" she was talking so fast Orihime could hardly keep up with what she was saying.
"Calm down. Now what happened?"
"Jinta-kun asked me out."
"What the hell!" Ichigo screamed as he lept up from his position on the floor. Orihime almost said something to him but forced herself to be quiet so as not to scare Yuzu-chan. She did cut her eyes to him to remind him not to knock anything over or to punch holes in her walls. He seemed to understand her non-spoken request and simply grumbled under his breath and paced back and forth.
"Yuzu-chan that's wonderful! I'm so happy for you!" she pulled the girl into a hug but did not miss the shocked look on Ichigo's face.
"I'm happy too but I'm so scared I'll mess something up and he won't like me anymore." the girl whined into Orihime's chest.
Orihime gently pulled away from her and wiped the few tears that had escaped her eyes. "Listen to me Yuzu-chan. You are going to be fine. It's only natural to feel nervous about going out with someone you like."
"Since when did she like that annoying little shit?"
Orihime decided to ignore that comment altogether. "Just remember, he asked you out because he likes you. So just be yourself. You are a beautiful, kind, amazing girl and he sees that."
"You think so?" she whispered.
"I really do. So tell me? When are you two going out?"
Yuzu's gaze fell to her hands as she answered. "Well, that's the other thing. He asked me to go to the festival with him." her hesitant gaze met her older friend's.
Orihime laughed gently. "Did you really think I would be upset with that? Go with him Yuzu-chan! You've liked him for a while now. So what if we made plans to go to the festival together? You've got a date with the boy you like."
"I can not believe you are encouraging this."
Once again, she ignored that.
"I'll let Tatsuki know why you aren't coming. Oh, do you want me to help you get ready for your date?"
Yuzu clapped her hands in excitement. "Oh would you, please, Orihime-san?"
"Of course, oh you are going to be so adorable when we are finished with you. He won't know what hit him. Oh! You've got to wear that new yellow shirt you bought the other day." Orihime squealed in her own excitement of the girls upcoming date.
"Thank you so much Orihime-san, for everything." Yuzu hugged her again before she could leave.
"Your welcome Yuzu-chan. I'll come over around 5 and help you get ready okay?"
"Okay, good night Orihime-san."
Orihime watched from the door, making sure she met up with her father safely before she closed it. She was hesitant to turn around and meet the furious gaze that awaited her.
Ichigo was sitting on the end of the couch watching her as she slowly made her way back. She sat down lightly, still avoiding his gaze. He had yet to say anything and it was making her nervous.
"I can't believe this."
She looked up to find him watching her. He most certainly didn't look happy.
"Not only did you support her going out with that annoying kid but you're gonna help her get ready? What the hell Inoue!"
"Calm down Kurosaki-kun. She's had a crush on Jinta-kun for a while now. I know he acts immature but if you've ever seen him around her you'd be shocked at the change in him. He's so nice and gentle with her."
Ichigo stood up and started pacing again. "She's too damn young to be out on a date!"
"Kurosaki-kun she's 13 and it's not like they're going to a restaurant or something. They're going to a festival. An open area where they'll be in sight at all times."
"Oh, don't try that Inoue. It's still a date. What the hell? What if he tries something with her?"
Orihime stood up at this point and he came to stand right in front of her. "Did you not just hear me Kurosaki-kun? They'll be in sight at all times! Meaning on the off chance that he tried something with her, which I can tell you he won't do, she could easily call for help."
Neither of them noticed that Toshiro and Rangiku stood in the doorway of the kitchen watching the exchange.
"Oh she won't have to call for help, I'll be the one there to kick his ass."
"Oh no you don't Kurosaki-kun. You are not going to spy on them and ruin her first date." Orhime had her hands fisted on her hips at this point. She could never remember being so frustrated with someone as she was with him right now.
Ichigo raised his eyebrow at her. "I won't? Oh you've got that wrong 'Hime I will most certaintly be there watching every single move that little punk makes, that's if she even goes. The old man doesn't give two shits what I do but I promise he's not gonna let her go out."
Rangiku had to put her hand over her mouth to stop the squeal from slipping out the moment he called her 'hime. The two didn't even seem to notice he said it.
"Oh don't worry about that. I'm gonna talk to Kurosaki-san tomorrow and make sure he doesn't stop this as well."
"Excuse me?"
"Oh come on! This is the most harmless first date in history! Why would you try and stop your sister from being happy?"
"I'm not!" he yelled.
"Yes you are!" she yelled right back.
"Orihime!"
"Ichigo-kun!"
The pair had shouted each other's names at the same time and it was enough to shock the both of them out of their argument.
Both of them blushed when they realized what they had done.
Ichigo came out of his shock first. "Wait a minute. You were yelling at me."
If possible, her blush deepend. "I wasn't...well I was but....it's just that, mou! You were frustrating me."
He chuckled. "I've never heard you yell at anyone."
Orihime sighed and sat down on the couch. "I'm sorry. It's just that I was gettin gupset for Yuzu-chan. I know how disappointed she'll be if you don't let her go out with Jinta-kun."
"Don't be sorry." he sat down beside her. "You're right. I couldn't do that to Yuzu." he saw her smile at him. "I still think she's too young to date but you're right about the festival being harmless. At least that way I can watch out for her."
"Kurosaki-kun!"
"Not that way. I won't spy exactly but I'll be there just to....check up on her. Every once in a while."
Orihime sighed. "I guess that's to be expected of big brothers. Just don't be obvious okay? You'll embarrass her."
"Yeah I know." neither said anything for a moment before he turned his gaze on her once again. "What happened to Ichigo?"
"Huh?" she asked clearly confused.
"I mean, you called me Ichigo before." he was slightly embarrassed to bring it back up but hearing his name come from her was something he wanted to hear again.
"I'm sorry I just so excited and...wait, you called me Orihime."
He averted his gaze and floundered with his words a bit before he gathered his courage to look at her again. "Is it...okay? Can I keep calling you Orihime?"
He almost couldn't draw his next breath because of the beautiful smile she gave him.
"Of course." she whispered breathlessly. "It is okay if I call you Ichigo-kun?"
"Yeah."
Ichigo didn't know why but he had a sudden, almost desperate urge to pull her into his arms. Maybe it was because she was looking at him with those beautiful grey eyes or her full pink lips were spread into a sweet smile, just for him. He watched her slender hand tuck a piece of hair behind her ear and the urge hit him stronger than ever. He got up from the couch before he could act on it.
Orihime followed him to the door and he turned to look at her as he went down the stairs.
"Goodnight, Orihime."
"Goodnight, Ichigo-kun."
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She held herself in the same postiton crying for what felt like hours. It hurt so bad to see the people she had counted as friends show up after so long because Kurosaki-kun had gotten his reiatsu back. So many times she had wanted to see them, wanted to make sure they were okay, but no matter how much she wanted to she wasn't able to.
Once, she had asked Urahara-san if he could open a gate to Soul Society for her but he refused to do so. He had explained to her that even if she was a friend of Soul Society, an unauthorized portal opening set off an alarm that would cause her to be attacked. It's better to attack and ask questions later he said.
So she had accepted the fact she wouldn't see any of them again, until her death that is. But now...
Now they were back and acting as if nothing had changed. When Kurosaki-kun defeated Aizen, there had been no time for tearful reunions. She had barely had enough time to glance around and see that everyone was indeed alive but wounded before they all started heading back for Soul Society. Kuchiki-san had been the only one to come back and forth, checking on Kurosaki-kun's condition and to see when he would awaken.
Orihime picked herself up from the floor, groaning as she worked out the stiff muscles she had developed from laying in that position for so long. She made herself some tea and went to the couch.
She was hoping she would have cried all her tears by now, but as she sat drinking her tea, she could fell them spilling down her cheeks again.
Well, at least Kurosaki-kun was happy.
That thought made her chest clench bringing with it a whole new wave of pain.
Yes, she wanted him to be happy. She would do anything to try and make his frown a little lighter and for the light to be in his eyes again; but that didn't mean it didn't hurt her.
When she saw him sitting beside Kuchiki-san, smiling and laughing, her heart nearly tore into. She placed her teacup on the table as she began crying so hard her body was shaking.
Rukia was important to him. Orihime knew this but the jealousy eating at her made her feel so bad. She liked Kuchiki-san, counted her as one of her best friends, but she couldn't stop the heavy on-slaught of anger, jealousy, and pain she felt at seeing them together.
She was a horrible person. She just knew her brother would be ashamed of her. Her eyes closed as she cried harder at that thought.
Orihime didn't even know she fell asleep until she woke up on her couch. Pain raced across her face as she yawned and she went to wash her face in her bathroom. She cringed at her own reflection.
Her eyes were horribly swollen and red from her hours of crying. Small indentions littered her bottom lip where she had sunk her teeth into them to try and stiffle her cries. Her normally, smooth red hair was a tangled mess. She took a moment to try and wash away the evidence of her sadness but it did not do much good.
Her doorball rang before she could work on her hair.
Her footsteps towards the door were slow, because her two visitors did not try to hide their reiatsu. She had her hand on the doorknob but could not make herself open it.
"Please Orihime-chan. Open the door and talk to us." the voice of Rangiku-san came through.
"Please Inoue. We can explain." Kuchiki-san said.
Orihime let her head fall against the door as she warred with herself. She had never been so rude in her life! She had never left her friends standing on her doorstep, or said something so mean like she had earlier that day; but then again, she had never felt so betrayed before.
Rangiku-san's voice came through again but this time Orihime could hear the tears in it. "Orihime-chan. Please, please let me talk to you. Please don't turn me away."
That broke through her anger. She couldn't stand that she had cause such sadness and pain in Rangiku-san.
Rangiku didn't bother to wipe her tears away when she saw Orihime's door opening. She also held down the urge to fly into Orihime's arms. She knew they had all hurt the gentle woman and now, it didn't matter if she had to crawl on her hands and knees, she would win her forgiveness.
She held the bag of 'peace offerings' she had bought to her chest and walked into Orihime's apartment.
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Toshiro walked down the road, watching as the streetlamps lit one by one in the fading light. He was glad he hadn't bothered to get a gigai from Urahara so he wouldn't be subjected to glances from strangers. Too bad that didn't also apply to the Kurosaki family.
When Karin returned home she had found her brother brooding in the kitchen over a late dinner. Her father shook his head at her and led Yuzu out the door on some silly excuse. She was about to ask why when a shinigami she had never met walked into the kitchen.
"Oi, Ichigo. You gonna keep ignoring us or can we start talking about these damn Arrancars?"
Karin studied the man that was speaking to her brother. He had the brightest red hair she had ever seen. Even more shocking were the tattos that ran along along his forehead. She could see the tops of some on his chest and back as well.
"We're not discussing anything until Inoue is with us so you'd better hope Matsumoto and Rukia can apologize properly. And what about Chado and Ishida? Have any of you even bothered to talk to them?"
"Ikkaku and Yumichika went to talk to them." Toshiro said as he entered the kitchen. "We will all meet up as soon as Inoue Orihime is ready to do so."
"Toshiro?" Ichigo heard his sister say. He looked over to find her walking towards the captain with a shocked look on her face.
She couldn't have been more shocked than he was. How in the seven hells did Karin know him?
"Karin? When did you....How do you know Toshiro?" Ichigo asked.
"Hitsugaya-taicho." Toshiro supplied for the hundreth time. Though he knew the young vizard would never comply with his request.
"Long story Ichi-nii." she answered without bothering to look at him. "Toshiro how have you been? It's been a long time."
"I'm fine."
"That's good." she replied with a smile and walked straight up to the captain. Before he could ask what she was doing she punched him right in the face.
He had not been expecting it so he was thrown back a few steps before catching his balance. "What the hell was that for?"
"That was for disappearing and never bothering to show your face again! Do you know what you put Orihime-nee through! She has been so worried about all of you! And what the hell are you doing here anyway? I haven't seen you around when the hollows have been attacking! What? Don't look at me like that! Why bother to show up now? Oh wait, Ichi-nii has his powers back so all the sudden you all show up like nothing has changed? Screw that! You should go over to Orihime-nee's and beg her, on your knees, to forgive you! She puts you up whenever you come to this world, she feeds you, heals you, goes to hell, literally, for you and you bastards just disappear! I ought to beat every. single. one. of. your. asses."
By them time she was finished with that statement, she had pushed Toshiro into the wall and was glaring at him in such a way the captain didn't even dare to say anything back.
Renji had sat down at the table and kept his mouth shut while she ranted. At first he was about to laugh when she punched Hitsugaya-taicho. Hell, he was already imaging re-telling it to all his buddies back home; but then, she started pushing him backwards. He knew the look on her face. It reminded him of Rukia whenever she was pissed beyond reasoning. He didn't care that she was a human girl. He wasn't taking any chances with a female Kurosaki that had a high enough reiatsu to see them.
Ichigo hadn't bothered to say anything as well. He was still stunned over the fact that Karin knew Toshiro. When she punched him he nearly ran in front of her to protect her from the always angry little captain. He was surprised when Toshiro didn't retailate but that was nothing compared to when she referred to Inoue as Orihime-nee. Since when had the two of them gotten so close?
What in the hell had he missed in the past year? Had he truly been so absorbed in his own world that he had missed so much changing around him?
By the end of Karin's rant he felt just as bad as the shinigami did. Hell, it looked like Inoue had another miniature Tatsuki running around defending her.
All three men in the room jumped slightly when Karin spoke again. She had moved back from Toshiro but continued to glare at him. "Now, you are going to march straight over to Orihime's house and beg for her forgiveness."
"But Matsumoto and Ruk...."
"I don't care who else is there!" Karin screamed. "You have to apologize to her personally. Do I make myself clear?" with her hands fisted on her hips and her fierce glare directed at the white haired man, Ichigo began to feel slightly bad for him.
"Yeah, yeah." he replied. As Karin moved away from him Ichigo and Renji could hear him muttering under his breath. "Freaking women.....psycho.....hormonal....that's why I love Momo."
Renji chuckled a little but unfortunately it brought Karin's attention to him. "You. I don't know you but I'm betting you're a friend of Orihime's too aren't you?"
Renji cut a worried glance to Ichigo who merely shrugged. He was glad he was too tall for the girl to hit him in the face but that didn't mean she couldn't land a couple hits to his stomach. "Umm...yeah I guess so, but I never stayed at her house or anything like the taicho did."
Karin nearly chuckled at the panicked expression on his face. Who needs an Arrancar to scare the boys a bit? A pissed off woman could do it in no time. She somehow managed to keep the glare on her face. "Doesn't matter. You'd better be working on that apology you owe her. You can wait 'til Toshiro finishes."
"Yes ma'am." Renji muttered under his breath.
Ichigo couldn't stop the laughter that came up with that. Until he saw Karin look at him with more anger than she had directed at Toshiro.
"Go ahead and laugh it up Ichi-nii. You've been the worst of them all." she left the kitchen after that biting remark leaving three confused, and slightly scared men in her wake.
Toshiro rubbed his jaw where Karin had punched him as he came to Orihime's door. He knew he had, at least on some level, deserved the punch but he was still embarrassed over the fact he had let a human girl lay into him like he had. Good thing she had turned it onto Renji and Kurosaki as well.
He did not even have time to knock before Matsumoto had opened the door of Orihime's apartment and pulled him inside.
"Taicho! I'm surprised you came to join us." she exclaimed as she crushed him into her massive chest.
He wiggled away from her and looked at the women seated on the couch. He could tell all of them had been crying, but Orihime looked far worse. Her eyes were still red and swollen, small wet spots adorned the collar of her shirt from crying, and her hair was tangled. When she met his eyes she managed a small smile and he felt even more like an ass than when Karin had finished with him.
He began to hesitate as her met her steady gaze, "I... umm...I just wanted to come say that.."
"It's okay." she interrupted him. "Rangiku-san and Kuchiki-san have already explained everything to me. "
"Inoue what did I say?"
"I'm sorry, Rukia-chan. I guess I'll have to get used to it. Sounds like you have to as well."
Rukia flushed. "I guess so, Orihime."
They smiled at each other and Toshiro couldn't help but feel relieved. He liked Inoue Orihime. She was a gentle person who went out of her way to help others and to make everyone feel welcome. Even him. He enjoyed his privacy and didn't fit into a crowd as well as others did. She seemed to understand this and gave him his space but also did little things to make him feel welcome. He was glad she was smiling again but he made sure none of that showed on his face.
"I'm glad you're okay and I'm very glad to see you Hitsugaya-taicho."
He looked at her shocked as she approached him. She had never used his formal title before. Was she still mad at him as well. He took a hesitant step back, remembering how Karin had smiled just before she punched him.
As Orihime launched herself onto Toshiro and hugged him, laughing and crying at the same time, he realized he had been set up. Somehow, he had known she would never strike him, but he hadn't expected her to hug him either. She had always respected his personal boundries.
As he looked down to her form huddled around his, he gave an almost undetectable smile. He could let this one slip. She looked so happy he couldn't make himself pull away from her.
"I'm so glad to see you Toshiro-kun." she mumbled against his chest.
He slowly patted her back and whispered to her too, "I'm glad to see you too Orihime."
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< br>
Everyone around the room was laughing and enjoying each others company and it made Orihime smile even wider.
After she, Rangiku-san, Rukia-chan, and Toshiro-kun had finished talking he called the others and told them to come to her apartment. She hadn't been expecting Sado-kun and Ishida-kun to show up as well but seeing everyone together again filled her with such happiness she had started crying again.
They had yet to talk about the situtation with the Arrancars but everyone was having such a good time reminicing that it didn't matter. Besides, tomorrow was Saturday and she could sleep in. As long as she was up in time to get ready for the festival she didn't care.
Ichigo glanced over at Inoue for what seemed like the hundreth time that night but he couldn't stop himself. He hated to see the redness enveloping her eyes, knowing she had been crying all day. Everything was fine now but he wished he hadn't let her run out of the house alone earlier.
Karin had done a good job of making him feel more like an ass than he already had. He realized that even though the shinigami had all apologized for their actions he had not. To make it worse, they had a reason they couldn't return but he had nothing. What was he supposed to say? Sorry for basicaly ignoring you for over a year Inoue. I don't really have a reason besides the fact that I'm a selfish, ungrateful bastard.
"Hey, if the truth works go with it."
"No one's talking to you asshole."
He tuned out his hollow and returned his attention to the group in front of him.
"Alright, we need to discuss this new problem." Toshiro said, stopping the conversations around him.
"Yes, you're right Hitsugaya-san. Unfortunately the only one who has interracted with them is Inoue-san." Ishida remarked.
All eyes focused on her.
"Can you tell us what happened Orihime?" Renji asked.
"Sure. I was walking home to meet Karin-chan for our tutoring session..."
Ichigo interrupted her. "Wait, when did you start tutoring Karin?"
"It's been about a year since we started Kurosaki-kun." she answered before continuing. "When I came around the corner I saw an Arrancar standing over her so I called up my shield and rushed to her. She was obviously injured badly so I began to heal her and while I was the Arrancar began to speak with me."
"Yeah, and since when did Karin meet your fairy things? She acted like she knew them when they were healing you." he interrupted once again.
"Only a few months ago Kurosaki-kun. So anyway, the Arrancar said his name was Ildefonso and that he was surprised we had left the rest of them alone after Aizen's defeat." Everyone in the room visiably tensed at the mention of Aizen's name. "He said there were several lower ranking Arrancar left in Hueco Mundo and he had been sent to 'scout' out the place as he put it. He and I fought...."
"Yeah, tell me about this fight Inoue. Karin said you were and I quote 'wailing on him'. Since when did you know karate?" Ichigo asked.
"Kurosaki....do you think you could hold off your questions until she has finished her explainations so that we might be done before next week?" Toshiro asked with his normal gruff manner.
Ichigo flushed a little at the repremand. He had not had time to ask Inoue all the questions he had wanted to clear up after she healed. Hearing her explain that day only brought more unanswered questions to light and he couldn't stop himself before he had been interrupting her.
"Sorry Inoue. Please continue."
"It's okay Kurosaki-kun." a light blush came to her face. "Anyway, I was able to kill him but I had been horribly injured in the process."
Everyone noticed her voice had dropped at this statement and her mannerisms became somewhat shy, nervous acting. "Karin-chan called her father to come to my house and Kurosaki-kun followed him. My powers spoke to me constantly to keep me semi-conscious so they could try to heal me. Unfortunately they had to pull from Kurosaki-kun's reiatsu to do so. He was forced to stay with me under my Soten Kisshun and that is what healed his soul and restored his powers."
"The Arrancar didn't give any further indication as to what their plans were Inoue-san?" Ishida asked.
"No he didn't, I'm sorry. Though the way he spoke and held himself, I'm guessing there are a lot more Arrancars we aren't aware of. He did make a referrence to you Kurosaki-kun. I believe he said he had been looking for you."
"Fine by me. If they'd just come after me directly instead of hunting around and trying to attack others that be best."
Ichigo noticed Orihime's expression sadden at his statement.
"Don't be so hasty Kurosaki." Toshiro said. "We have no idea how many of them there are nor what kind of powers they possess."
"Yeah, but at least we know they aren't as strong as Aizen or his Espada." he replied.
"That doesn't matter."
Everyone turned to the whispered statement that came from Orihime.
"It doesn't matter that they aren't as strong as him. Even the lower rank Arrancar that came with Grimmjow that time hurt everyone badly."
No one had anything to say to that. They also knew that, unfortunately, she was the one who had had the most contact with any Arrancar.
"That's true Ichigo. " Sado said. "I also fought with an Arrancar in Hueco Mundo who had been demoted from Espada but he was still very powerful."
"Same for me." Ishida said.
"Yeah I know. I did too. Sorry Inoue, I was getting too cocky."
Orihime smiled at his apology and sat back to let the group begin discussing strategies. It felt good to be together with everyone again, even if it was because of the enemies once again. Hopefully, they could take care of the Arrancar without anyone being seriously injured and then they could just enjoy some time with one another.
She had spoken for a long time with Rangiku-san and Rukia-chan. They told her how the Captain Commander had prohibited anyone from coming in contact with their group because he felt they needed to return to their normal lives.
She was still hurt by their abscense but she knew now that they had been missing her just as much. Rukia-chan had insisted Orihime call her by her name because they were friends and she had thrown herself onto the petite woman and cried again. She had told her to do the same and she was sure she could see tears gathering in the woman's eyes.
Orihime looked over her group of friends and again felt the need to cry but when her gaze landed on Kurosaki-kun that stopped.
He was reaching over her table, trying to swing at Renji for some comment he had made and she had a perfect view of his toned chest beneath his black shinigami outfit. She didn't need to see much of his wonderful upper body before she could instantly recall every inch of it due to how many times she had to heal him in the past. During so many battles, the top half of his outfit would get destroyed and she would watch him as she healed him.
She remembered how his beautiful bronze skin looked as he would lay there while she healed him. His tight, corded arms lying still beside him. On numerous occassions she had to rip her gaze away from his perfectly sculpted abdomen. Lucky her, the bottom of his outfit rode low on his hips giving her a small view of the tantalizing skin.
She would be right beside him as she healed him and his unique scent would fill her head causing her nearly pass out from the feelings it evoked in her. More than once she caught herself thinking about running her hands over every inch of his taut, sweaty skin. She always felt bad for oogling him but she couldn't stop herself. Sweet Kami, she could feel herself nearly faint from the image that presented. She would definetly love to run her hands down the small strip of light orange hair she had seen that went from just below his belly button down to his.....
"Orihime-chan, do you hear me?"
Orihime nearly shreiked when she snapped herself out of her little fantasy to find Rangiku-san right in her face. "I-I'm sorry Rangiku-san. What were you saying?"
"Are you okay Orihime? You kinda zoned out on us but then your face got really red."
Orihime couldn't believe she had been thinking about.....that with everyone in the room. She got even more embarrassed! How could she think about him like that? She was such a...tart. She couldn't even make herself think the other word she would have used.
"No, I'm okay Rangiku-san. I just didn't feel well for a moment. I've not been sleeping well." It wasn't a lie exactly, her stomach was still doing little flips at the thought of Kurosaki-kun....stop it Orihime!
She couldn't even make herself look at him right then. She mentally counted to 10 to calm down before she re-focused on the conversation.
"Unfortunately you're right Ishida-san." Toshiro said. "We are simply going to have to wait until they show themselves again before we can discover what they want. Remember everyone, if you find yourself facing one of the Arrancar try your best not to kill them but merely incapcitate them so we can interrogate them."
"Oh, does that mean you and Rangiku-san will be staying with me again?" Orihime asked excitedly.
Rangiku enveloped her in a hug that would have strangled most people, "Yes, Orihime-chan! It's going to be so wonderful! We can stay up late talking and I can't wait to eat your cooking again!"
Everyone cringed at the thought of eating Orihime's food. "How do you deal with eating that stuff Toshiro?" Ichigo asked him.
He narrowed his eyes at Ichigo, "She can cook normally you know. She realizes that most people hate the things she likes so she makes the food then adds her own ingredients after serving the plates."
"Oh." Ichigo turned towards her and was glad to see her brillant smile once again on her face.
Orihime turned from the door after seeing the others off. Rangiku-san and Toshiro-kun were laying their things out for the night. Ichigo had stayed behind to speak with Toshiro about some things.
She was tired but very happy at the moment. She sat on the couch, smiling to herself, as she prepared a mental list of groceries she would need to pick up the next day.
The doorbell drew her out of her musings.
Ichigo came into the room with his normal scowl in place. "Who would that be this late? Were you expecting someone Inoue?"
"No. I don't get visitors this late, well, I don't get a lot of visitors period." she walked towards the door and glanced through the peep-hole.
Ichigo heard her gasp as she looked out the door and was preparing to draw Zangetsu when she spoke. "Kurosaki-kun you need to hide."
"Huh? Why would I hide?" he was confused.
"Because that's your father and Yuzu-chan at the door."
"What? What in the hell would they be doing here?"
"I don't know but I'm being rude! I need to open the door and you can't let Yuzu-chan see you like...oh...she can't see you in shinigami form can she?" she giggled. "Sorry, I was being silly again." she was suddenly glad he had come in this form. She had questioned him earlier about it and he said he left Kon in his body so Karin wouldn't be at home alone. Kon had been staying with Urahara the past year and Ichigo had not sounded too happy about him being back in his room.
"Yuzu-chan, Kurosaki-san come in please. I'm sorry I took so long. What brings you here?" Orihime smiled as she let them in.
"Sorry about this Orihime-san but we were walking back from the store and I saw your light on and I just have to talk to you! It's really important." Yuzu's voice was pleading with Orihime to speak with her.
"Of course, Yuzu-chan. You can speak to me anytime you need to. Don't worry about the time." Orihime watched as the girl sat on the couch and stared expectantly at her father.
"I told you this was going to be a private conversation oto-san. Please wait for me outside. It shouldn't take long."
Isshin frowned but nodded to his daughter. Before he left he caught Ichigo's eye and let him know to make sure everything was okay with his her. Ichigo nodded to him and sat on the floor across from Yuzu. Though he felt like he was invading her privacy, she did sound a little frantic and if something was troubling his sister he needed to know about it. Good thing Yuzu couldn't see or hear shinigami.
Orihime glanced at Ichigo trying to convey her displeasure through her eyes.
"I'm not leaving Inoue. I'm sorry, I don't mean to disrespect her privacy but you heard her. She sounded worried. If something's bothering her I need to know about it."
Orihime sighed. She knew he was right. Yuzu-chan was his sister after all and she didn't have the right to interfere between them. Also, she couldn't exactly say anything to him or Yuzu-chan would think she was talking to the wall.
"Alright, Yuzu-chan. Tell me what happened."
"Oh, Orihime-san it's wonderful but I'm so nervous and I just know I'm going to mess everything up!" she was talking so fast Orihime could hardly keep up with what she was saying.
"Calm down. Now what happened?"
"Jinta-kun asked me out."
"What the hell!" Ichigo screamed as he lept up from his position on the floor. Orihime almost said something to him but forced herself to be quiet so as not to scare Yuzu-chan. She did cut her eyes to him to remind him not to knock anything over or to punch holes in her walls. He seemed to understand her non-spoken request and simply grumbled under his breath and paced back and forth.
"Yuzu-chan that's wonderful! I'm so happy for you!" she pulled the girl into a hug but did not miss the shocked look on Ichigo's face.
"I'm happy too but I'm so scared I'll mess something up and he won't like me anymore." the girl whined into Orihime's chest.
Orihime gently pulled away from her and wiped the few tears that had escaped her eyes. "Listen to me Yuzu-chan. You are going to be fine. It's only natural to feel nervous about going out with someone you like."
"Since when did she like that annoying little shit?"
Orihime decided to ignore that comment altogether. "Just remember, he asked you out because he likes you. So just be yourself. You are a beautiful, kind, amazing girl and he sees that."
"You think so?" she whispered.
"I really do. So tell me? When are you two going out?"
Yuzu's gaze fell to her hands as she answered. "Well, that's the other thing. He asked me to go to the festival with him." her hesitant gaze met her older friend's.
Orihime laughed gently. "Did you really think I would be upset with that? Go with him Yuzu-chan! You've liked him for a while now. So what if we made plans to go to the festival together? You've got a date with the boy you like."
"I can not believe you are encouraging this."
Once again, she ignored that.
"I'll let Tatsuki know why you aren't coming. Oh, do you want me to help you get ready for your date?"
Yuzu clapped her hands in excitement. "Oh would you, please, Orihime-san?"
"Of course, oh you are going to be so adorable when we are finished with you. He won't know what hit him. Oh! You've got to wear that new yellow shirt you bought the other day." Orihime squealed in her own excitement of the girls upcoming date.
"Thank you so much Orihime-san, for everything." Yuzu hugged her again before she could leave.
"Your welcome Yuzu-chan. I'll come over around 5 and help you get ready okay?"
"Okay, good night Orihime-san."
Orihime watched from the door, making sure she met up with her father safely before she closed it. She was hesitant to turn around and meet the furious gaze that awaited her.
Ichigo was sitting on the end of the couch watching her as she slowly made her way back. She sat down lightly, still avoiding his gaze. He had yet to say anything and it was making her nervous.
"I can't believe this."
She looked up to find him watching her. He most certainly didn't look happy.
"Not only did you support her going out with that annoying kid but you're gonna help her get ready? What the hell Inoue!"
"Calm down Kurosaki-kun. She's had a crush on Jinta-kun for a while now. I know he acts immature but if you've ever seen him around her you'd be shocked at the change in him. He's so nice and gentle with her."
Ichigo stood up and started pacing again. "She's too damn young to be out on a date!"
"Kurosaki-kun she's 13 and it's not like they're going to a restaurant or something. They're going to a festival. An open area where they'll be in sight at all times."
"Oh, don't try that Inoue. It's still a date. What the hell? What if he tries something with her?"
Orihime stood up at this point and he came to stand right in front of her. "Did you not just hear me Kurosaki-kun? They'll be in sight at all times! Meaning on the off chance that he tried something with her, which I can tell you he won't do, she could easily call for help."
Neither of them noticed that Toshiro and Rangiku stood in the doorway of the kitchen watching the exchange.
"Oh she won't have to call for help, I'll be the one there to kick his ass."
"Oh no you don't Kurosaki-kun. You are not going to spy on them and ruin her first date." Orhime had her hands fisted on her hips at this point. She could never remember being so frustrated with someone as she was with him right now.
Ichigo raised his eyebrow at her. "I won't? Oh you've got that wrong 'Hime I will most certaintly be there watching every single move that little punk makes, that's if she even goes. The old man doesn't give two shits what I do but I promise he's not gonna let her go out."
Rangiku had to put her hand over her mouth to stop the squeal from slipping out the moment he called her 'hime. The two didn't even seem to notice he said it.
"Oh don't worry about that. I'm gonna talk to Kurosaki-san tomorrow and make sure he doesn't stop this as well."
"Excuse me?"
"Oh come on! This is the most harmless first date in history! Why would you try and stop your sister from being happy?"
"I'm not!" he yelled.
"Yes you are!" she yelled right back.
"Orihime!"
"Ichigo-kun!"
The pair had shouted each other's names at the same time and it was enough to shock the both of them out of their argument.
Both of them blushed when they realized what they had done.
Ichigo came out of his shock first. "Wait a minute. You were yelling at me."
If possible, her blush deepend. "I wasn't...well I was but....it's just that, mou! You were frustrating me."
He chuckled. "I've never heard you yell at anyone."
Orihime sighed and sat down on the couch. "I'm sorry. It's just that I was gettin gupset for Yuzu-chan. I know how disappointed she'll be if you don't let her go out with Jinta-kun."
"Don't be sorry." he sat down beside her. "You're right. I couldn't do that to Yuzu." he saw her smile at him. "I still think she's too young to date but you're right about the festival being harmless. At least that way I can watch out for her."
"Kurosaki-kun!"
"Not that way. I won't spy exactly but I'll be there just to....check up on her. Every once in a while."
Orihime sighed. "I guess that's to be expected of big brothers. Just don't be obvious okay? You'll embarrass her."
"Yeah I know." neither said anything for a moment before he turned his gaze on her once again. "What happened to Ichigo?"
"Huh?" she asked clearly confused.
"I mean, you called me Ichigo before." he was slightly embarrassed to bring it back up but hearing his name come from her was something he wanted to hear again.
"I'm sorry I just so excited and...wait, you called me Orihime."
He averted his gaze and floundered with his words a bit before he gathered his courage to look at her again. "Is it...okay? Can I keep calling you Orihime?"
He almost couldn't draw his next breath because of the beautiful smile she gave him.
"Of course." she whispered breathlessly. "It is okay if I call you Ichigo-kun?"
"Yeah."
Ichigo didn't know why but he had a sudden, almost desperate urge to pull her into his arms. Maybe it was because she was looking at him with those beautiful grey eyes or her full pink lips were spread into a sweet smile, just for him. He watched her slender hand tuck a piece of hair behind her ear and the urge hit him stronger than ever. He got up from the couch before he could act on it.
Orihime followed him to the door and he turned to look at her as he went down the stairs.
"Goodnight, Orihime."
"Goodnight, Ichigo-kun."
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