~~~~The day was lovely in all aspects. The sun was bright. Birds were happily chirping. And possibly the best thing was that no Hollows had attacked in a couple of entire gang was
enjoying lunch outside under a big tree, which in itself was a rare thing. Ichigo and Uryuu were arguing, as usual, about who was more annoying and and Orihime were watching the
spectacle while giving the occasional giggle or eye roll. Chad was lying against the tree with his eyes closed just enjoying the day. Suddenly Orihime let out a small "oh", which caught
everyone's attention. "Is something wrong?" Ichigo asked frowning. "Oh no! I just remembered that I have a cousin coming to visit me from the States. She's arriving tonight. I can't forget
to meet her at the airport, that's all." She said waving wildly with her hands. "Why is she coming now?" Uryuu asked pushing up his glasses. Orihime gave a smile. "She just got out of a
bad relationship with a guy and wanted some time away to clear her head. We haven't seen each other in quite a few years, but we've been writing letters for as long as I can remember."
Everyone seemed to accept this answer and the boys quickly resumed their argument.
~~~~The day went without incident and Orihime went to get her cousin at the airport. Rukia was kind enough to go with her so she wouldn't be alone. They stood by baggage claim and
looked for the number of the plane her cousin was on. "Oh look. I see the number. She should be here any time. What's her name and what does she look like so if I see her I can get her
attention?" Rukia asked. "Her name is Rianna. After all these years I can't really say for sure what she looks like. That's why I brought this sign!" As Orihime said this she pulled out an
obnoxiously bright sign reading "Rianna". Just as Rukia was about to comment on it there was a yell from a distance. "Orihime! Orihime!" Both of the girls turned to see where the call had
come from.
~~~~Running towards the two was a girl. She was taller than the women around her by a good three inches. Her hair was a mass of layered light brown waves that fell to her mid back with
bangs partially covering the right side of her face. Her skin was light, but still held the golden glow of being kissed by the sun. As she ran it was clear that she was athletic, yet her body
was muscular and curvy, strong and feminine at the same time. She never slowed as she neared, almost taking Orihime off her feet in a exuberant hug. When she pulled away Rukia could
see that she had a pair of extraordinarily bright and beautiful green and gold eyes. The centers began a deep gold and faded out into a vivid olive green surrounded by a ring of hunter on
the edges. They were stunning.
~~~~"It's been entirely too long cousin!" Orihime said jumping excitedly. "I agree! I love writing you letters, but I've sorely missed your company. Life is so dull without your bubbly spirit
around." Rianna said equally as excited. Rukia gave a small cough. Orihime gave a small gasp. "Oh! Rianna, this is Rukia. Rukia, this is my cousin Rianna." Rianna gave a big smile showing
a set of impeccably white teeth. Extending her hand she said, "It's so nice to meet you! 'Hime has told me so much about you. It's nice to finally be able to put a face to the name." Rukia
took her hand and gave it a polite shake. "It's nice to meet you also." The baggage machine began to move and Rianna turned to look at the sign about the conveyer belt. "That's my
flight. Let me just grab my bags and we can get going." Orihime gave a sigh. "It's so great to see her again." Rukia gave a nod and said, "She seems very nice and friendly." Orihime gave
a nod and replied, "Oh, she is. Don't let it give you any false impressions though. She is one of the most capable people that I've ever known." Rukia raised an eyebrow. Just as she was
about to say more about it Rianna came running over. "You girls ready to go? I'm starving. Airplane food is WAY too expensive for the quality."
With that the three got into a cab and left.
~~~~Rukia had them drop her off near Ichigo's place on the way. Once at Orihime's apartment the two girls made a night of movies, junk food, face masks, and pedicures. "Hey Orihime?"
Rianna asked going slightly quiet. Orihime froze in the middle of her attempt to shove a slice of three layer cake in her mouth. "Is something wrong, Rianna?" Rianna looked over at her
cousin and gave a small hopeful smile before replying, " Well, it's just that we planned on me being over here for a few weeks and I don't want to just be sitting around the house all the
time. So, I was wondering if you would mind if I enrolled at your school while I was here?" There was a pause. Suddenly, Orihime jumped across the floor to tackle Rianna in a
bone-crushing hug. "That would be so Wonderful! I could introduce you to my friends and we could hang out more. Also, this way you wouldn't be alone for most the day. I Would Love It!"
Rianna let out a sigh. "I'm so glad you agree, Orihime." She replied. "But if that's the case, we need to get in bed! I really don't want horrible bags under my eyes from Jet Lag." With that
the two turned in to get a semi-decent night of sleep, even though they still stayed up for hours talking and giggling.
