Exiled

Orihime smiled as she looked at her friends. The battle with Aizen was now over, the Captains who followed Ichigo into Heuco Mundo opened a garganta to the Soul Society, allowing everyone to step through. The humans along with Rukia and Renji were the first to go through. Once they arrived in the Soul Society, they were given the shock of seeing their town there. It didn't take them long to make their way into Karakura Town where they found Rangiku grieving over Gin and their other school friends.

"Tatsuki!" Orihime called running to her friend and embraced her quickly in a tight hug.

"Orihime!" The girl cried in tears of relief.

Once the two moved away, Orihime turned towards Rangiku. She was grateful for the friends she had. Ichigo, Chad and Uryu had risked their lives to rescue her from Heuco Mundo and even defeated Aizen, however there were causalities. One of the casualties was Gin Ichimaru. With Karakura Town still in the Soul Society, Orihime was reunited with her school friends, Chizuru, Keigo, Tatsuki and Mizuiro. She was extremely happy to see them and knowing they could see the Soul Reapers, made her even happier. She no longer had to hide her powers from them.

Her happiness was short lived though as she saw Rangiku grieving over Gin's fallen body. Orihime felt bad for the woman. She knew how she felt. Gin wasn't a friend by any means but he did promise to protect her and told her the truth about his true intentions to Aizen.

Moving away from her friends, she looked at Rangiku. "Rangiku…"

The grieving woman looked to the teen. "I know," she said as tears continued to fall. "He was our enemy. But until he defected, he was my friend."

Orihime's friends and Don Kanonji watched with silence.

"I can help him," she replied, hearing a gasp from her friends.

Rangiku blinked. "You can?"

Orihime nodded with a small grunt.

Chizuru looked at her friend. "You bring back the dead?"

Keigo looked at the lesbian girl. "The things I've seen in the past month, you'd be surprised."

Uryu pushed up his glasses. "She can heal," he replied.

"Her powers are amazing," Rukia replied.

Rangiku was quick to grasp Orihime's hand, bringing it to Gin's pale face, which was losing its warmth, as the body was dead. "Please," she pleaded. "Please, save my friend."

Orihime lightly choked on her breath. "I'll try."

Rangiku stepped back, giving the young human some room to get closer to the fallen man. Tears were in her eyes as she stood back with Orihime's friends as they watched. For Orihime though, her thoughts were on the last few moments she actually spoke with the man. He had promised to protect her and Rangiku with his life. She just had to help him. She was still a bit weakened from healing Uryu while in Heuco Mundo.

"Soten Kisshun," she quietly called out. "I reject."

Her friends watched in surprise as suddenly the flower pieces in her hair pins sprang out of her hair and formed into two little, what appeared to be fairies and suddenly create a dome over top of Gin's body.

"Oh gosh!" Tatsuki breathed. "What is she…"

"Doing?" finished Keigo.

"It's a power she has," Rukia answered, looking at Rangiku who was a mess with emotions. "She can revert injuries."

"Including bringing the dead back to life?" asked Kanonji.

Rukia didn't know how to answer. She had no idea Orihime already once brought a dead person back to life. Even though that one person happened to be an Arrancar who beat the crap out of her before Grimmjow took Orihime away so she could heal Ichigo.

In the dome shield, everyone watched as Gin's large gash up his torso began to gradually close and blood dripping from his lips slowly vanished as well. However, Orihime's breathing became labored as more wounds on Gin continued to close.

Everyone held their breaths the very second Gin's chest rose and then fell, giving indication his lungs were filling with air once again. Sweat poured down Orihime's face as her concentration started to waver. She knew she couldn't deal with this much longer.

"Orihime?" blinked Tatsuki. She wasn't the only one who noticed the teen was trembling. All those witnessing the miracle take place could see Orihime's spirit energy was just about depleted.

"Orihime you have to stop!" cried Uryu as he stepped forward.

Gin's eyes soon opened, revealing icy blue orbs. The first thing his eyes fell upon was Rangiku giving a huge smile before it quickly faded.

"Orihime!" Rukia shouted

Gin looked down in time to bare witness the beautiful teen collapse against his chest. He winced in pain, as his hands were quick to reach up gripping her shoulders to help less then weight. A light grunt escaped his lips.

"She did it…" Kanonji whispered as he watched the busty woman rushed to the former dead man's side.

"Gin!" Rangiku called.

Gin looked up as he struggled to pull Orihime off his still wounded side. Orihime was able to heal much of his fatal wounds but she couldn't get all of them. "Rangiku…" His eyes darted around. "Wasn't I just killed?"

Fresh tears came to the surface once again. "Yes… Aizen did it but now…"

He looked around suddenly. "Wait. Where is Aizen?" He no longer needed to refer to the man by a title.

"Ichigo forced him away from here," Rangiku replied. "He defeated Aizen. The war is over and Orihime just healed you."

"Orihime?" His gaze fell upon the teen against his side. She used her regenerative power on him, bringing him back. He lifted a hand to touch the unconscious girl, wondering if this was reality or just some sick dream his tortured mind was playing on him. "She brought me back? Why?"

Rangiku opened her mouth to speak just as a commotion drew near from behind. She swiftly turned to see Captain Kurotsuchi approaching them.

"Now that everything is proper again, time to transfer this town back to the World of the Living."

Everyone around blinked, looking at the creepy looking man with black and white paint on his face approach them.

"Captain Kurotsuchi!" Rangiku, Renji and Rukia gasped.

Keigo's knees shook. "Oh great! This guy looks really creepy!" he squeaked.

"You don't know the half of it," Uryu replied calmly.

Gin looked. "Crazy as ever I see."

Mayuri snapped around. "You're still alive!?" He looked shocked.

Gin nodded. "But still wounded it would seem," he added with a grunt of pain.

"That foolish girl for bringing you back!" Mayuri snapped. "She should have left you for dead you traitor. Then again," he paused fingering his chin with his one long blue nail. "The Head Captain could give me permission to use you for a new test subject since all the ones in Heuco Mundo are dead."

The humans around weren't sure what to make of the man before them.

"You probably could go ahead and try," Gin shot back with a calm voice, working on grinning, showing he wasn't phased by the words. "However, right now there are pressing matters to attend to, like these humans."

Mayuri blinked finally seeing the humans for the first time. "Meddlesome humans."

"What was that?" Tatsuki blurted. "If we're that ugly to you then don't look at us."

"You dare talk back to me human?" Mayuri questioned, quickly lessening the distance between himself and her to stand directly in front of her. He raised his hand as if he was about to strike.

Tatsuki braced herself for the impact. She was a little scared to see how quickly he moved to stand in front of her.

A hand suddenly darted out, restraining Mayuri's arm from moving. His eyes darted to the left, finding his wrist ceased by… "What the hell…"

"It's not nice to strike a woman," a voice replied. "A true man never lays a hand on a woman."

To everyone's surprise Ichigo's father stood behind Mayuri, restraining the crazy man's hand. But the strangest part was he was wearing a black uniform like the others around the humans.

"I don't believe it…" Uryu gasped. "Ichigo was born half Soul Reaper…"

"I never thought that was possible," replied Chad in a calm quiet voice.

Rukia and Renji were completely at a loss for words. They always thought Ichigo's powers came from Rukia.

"Mr. Kurosaki?" blinked Tatsuki, shocked by this. No wonder Ichigo was a Soul Reaper his father was one too.

"Kuro-saki eh?" Mayuri grinned. "That's a far cry from…"

Isshin tightened his hold on the man. "I think that's enough for now. Don't you agree Mayuri Kurotsuchi?"

Mayuri opened his mouth about to fume but then closed it again, narrowing his eyes. "You always were a pest."

Isshin smiled, loosening his grip, which then Mayuri snapped his wrist free. He turned away, looking at the buildings of the real town. "Now to get this town back to where it belongs." He snorted. "Damn! I didn't bring that transmitter! Nemu!" He then stormed away.

Isshin shook his head. "Never changes." He then turned to the group before him. "Well I guess the cats out of the bag now, isn't it?"

Rangiku stared at the man, shocked. This was the first time seeing him in many years. "C-Ca-Captain…"

"Captain?" questioned all of Ichigo's friends.

Isshin turned, eyes wide. His eyes then averted downward seeing how her breasts were nearly popping out of her clothes. "Brea…" He shook his head. "Rangiku?!"

Rangiku rolled her eyes, crossing her arms, which more pronounced her busty chest. "Always the same, aren't you, Captain?"

Isshin cleared his throat. "I'm not Captain anymore. Toshiro Hitsugaya is your Captain. I'm just plain Isshin Kurosaki now."

Rangiku blinked, nearly losing her footing. That was something she wasn't expecting. She gasped, remembering her Captain. "Oh god! He's still in the fake Karakura Town." She then looked to Gin.

He gave her a genuine smile. He was happy she was safe. "Go. I'll be fine here." He knew once everything was to calm down, he would probably be placed in front of the reorganized Central 46 for sentencing from the crimes he committed.

He looked down once more staring at the burnt orange hair on Orihime's head. He owed her his life. He didn't yet know why he was brought back, but he hoped it wasn't going to be short lived and he knew he had Orihime to thank for it.

With his right hand more buried around Orihime's body, he carefully lifted it into her hair, combing some of the tangles out. He brought his mouth closer to her head. "Thank you, Orihime, from the bottom of my heart."

Isshin looked at the former Captain of Squad 3 and sighed. "Here, let me take her," he offered. "You need more medical attention and I'm sure soon Squad 4 will be arriving to assess the damage."

"Wh-what about us?" asked Chizuru. She never met Ichigo's father before but now that she saw him, she could see the family resemblance.

Isshin looked at his son's friends. "You'll just have to wait here until the town can be transported back to the World of the Living. It's amazing you all were able to handle being awake here. But guess it goes to show you all have high spirit energy."

Gin winced once more as he looked in the distance to see members of Squad 4 approach them. "Squad 4 is always on the ball."

Isshin nodded. "For now, I wish for you kids and you as well Mr. Kanonji to get yourself inside and remain there. There are lots of questions to ask and be answered."

The teens nodded and slowly backed away with Rangiku directing them to a nearby building. She was wounded but her injuries could be ignored for the moment. She was reeling in shock Orihime was able to bring her friend back to life and someone she thought was dead, reappeared. Now that explained a lot in why Ichigo was so strong before. He was born half Soul Reaper. The only ones who remained behind were Rukia, Renji, Chad and Uryu.


After Orihime had awakened from her power drain in reviving Gin, she had reunited with her friends and they went and searched for Ichigo who ended up collapsing. Orihime was extremely worried for her friend. But she was also worried for Gin as well. He was placed under arrest while she was still unconscious but was treated for his wounds as well.

With Ichigo resting at Byakuya's and Karakura Town now back in the World of the Living, Orihime began to go stir crazy. Before the town was sent back to where it belonged, she was given an opportunity to go to her home and get fresh clothes. She was going to stay in the Soul Society until Ichigo woke. She knew she wasn't the only one who had the same idea. Byakuya gave them permission to stay at his house but insisted they didn't get in his way.

Needing some time for herself, Orihime decided to take a walk, leaving the Kuchiki grounds. She found herself struggling deep in her thoughts. She had feelings for Ichigo but couldn't stop thinking about Gin and his conversation he had with her the last time the two spoke while in Heuco Mundo.

Making her way down the street, thinking of Gin, she wondered if she could actually see him. She knew Captain Unohana was able to fully heal his injuries, which left no reason for Orihime to see him. But she wanted to.

"Orihime!"

Orihime stopped, turned to the sound only to find her busty friend running up to her. "Rangiku, hi," she said in a cheery voice. At least she tried to make it sound cheery. "What brings you here?"

Rangiku stopped when she was close enough to the human. "I was visiting Gin and he's asking about you."

Orihime blinked. "He is? Why were you seeing him? I thought no one could visit him."

"He is allowed visitors but only a short time. Gin and I went to the Academy together and Izuru has been visiting him too," Rangiku replied. "But I think we're the only ones."

"And he wishes to see me?"

Rangiku nodded. "I can take you to him, if you'd like. He's held in Squad 4."

Orihime nodded, allowing Rangiku to grab a hold of her and then the two disappeared as Rangiku used flash step to get to Squad 4 faster. When the two reappeared, they walked into the building. From being held in Heuco Mundo, Orihime was able to quickly get used to flash stepping.

"I, Lieutenant Matsumoto, want to speak with the prisoner," Rangiku announced to a blond man sitting at a desk, known as Iemura Yasochika, Third seat of Squad 4.

The man looked up to Rangiku. "Lieutenant, you were just here minutes ago. Why are you back again?"

"Actually, Orihime Inoue wishes to speak with the prisoner and I offered to bring her here."

The man looked at Orihime and immediately remembered her from the day when Aizen first betrayed the Soul Society. She was a Ryoka using a foreign power, healing one of her other Ryoka friends. "As you know Lieutenant, there is only one visitor allowed at a time."

"I know, which is why Orihime will go alone and I will wait here for her." Rangiku looked at Orihime, smiling. "I can't thank you enough for bringing him back."

"I did what I could," Orihime answered.

Iemura pushed up his glasses and stood. "Alright Miss Inoue, if you will just follow me." He stepped away from the desk, making his way around, passing Rangiku. "Hmmm, wonder how soft her breasts would feel in my hands," he replied under his breath, not realizing he was heard.

Rangiku scowled. "Oh and before I forget, I just heard that!"

The man stopped, eyes wide and then growled. "Damn it!" he hissed.

"Heard what?" asked Orihime, being ditzy as ever.

Both taller Soul Reapers gawked at her for a moment, surprised she didn't hear the words spoken. Iemura cleared his throat. "This way."

"And keep your opinions to yourself next time," Rangiku called out loudly as the man escorted Orihime down a hall towards a stairwell that led to the basement where Squad 4 had their holding cells.

Soon the two arrived on the lower level of the building. Iemura continued to lead her down a narrow hallway, arriving at a door, which needed special access. Once granted, Iemura opened the door.

"You have ten minutes with the prisoner. Someone will be down when the time is up."

Orihime nodded. "Thank you." She then lightly blushed as she walked by the man, feeling slightly nervous. She had heard what the guy said and knew what he was implying but she hid it from those who heard him.

Nearby in a cell, wearing shackles to prevent him from using his spirit energy, Gin looked up before grinning. He was dressed in a clean white yukata. "Orihime, what a pleasant surprise."

Orihime turned her gaze to the man and smiled. "Rangiku said you've been asking about me. And she brought me here to see you."

"Well that was nice of her," he replied as he stood from his cot, stepping over to the bars of his cell. "I've been curious to know how you've been doing?" He then flashed her his famous grin.

She gave a nervous giggle. "I've been doing good. How are doing?"

He lifted his hands, showing her the shackles better. "Doing well," he replied. "I do have one question," he lowered his arms, "I distinctly recalled dying in front of Aizen. Why am I here?"

She blushed. "I brought you back."

"I know you did, but my question is why? What possessed you to do that?" His grin slightly faded as he stared at her with his usual slit eyes.

"Well-I-you see…"

"Come now Orihime, no need to be bashful in front of me." His grin returned. "You already told me your secret. So don't try and cover it up now. Besides…" he paused a moment. "I'm sure I already know. You have a crush on me."

Orihime gasped, heart racing. Her hands flew up in the air and flapped them really fast, like a chicken. "No, that's not it!" she blurted out really fast as her face heated up. "Rangiku. Rangiku asked me to, I swear!"

Gin shook his head, amused by her sudden reaction. He actually found her to be cute with her being so flustered suddenly and waving her arms like a nut. "I already know Rangiku asked you to, but from what I know of you, you had some sort of specific reason in mind. Especially when I already learnt you brought back one of the Arrancars before and even healed your friends too. You were already nearly drained of spirit energy."

She knew he was right. She was low on power at the time. And she did have a purpose to reviving him. She turned away from him, leaning against the bars. She didn't want him to see her blush again. "Because of what you said before."

"Said before?" he asked, perplexed by this.

"You wanting to protect me and Rangiku," she admitted.

He nodded in understanding though she couldn't see him. He stepped up to the bars again, fingers touching her hair as he leaned down so his face was closer to her ear. "So that's the real reason."

She gasped once more, feeling her hair being touched and his breath close to her ear once again. She lifted one hand up to grip her top, near her heart. She could feel her heart beat fast. Why was she feeling like this? He had been doing that to her since she was Aizen's prisoner.

"And I meant what I said," he replied seriously. "And I did. I did protect you and Rangiku. Though I wasn't expecting this to happen, but I'm grateful, for now. At least until Central 46 decides what to do with me."

"I know…" she whispered. "I was already told for your crimes you will be punished."

"I did offer some valuable information, which may help on my behalf," he added. "What ever my sentence will be, I know I will take it with pride. You have given me new meaning."

She whipped her head around, hair strands falling from his fingers. She stared right into his icy blue eyes. "What if you're put to death?" she gasped.

He shook his head. "That is one thing I know they won't do. They've already decided I won't get the death penalty. They will want me to suffer, probably to make me think I wish I were dead. But I will not allow them that satisfaction."

His eyes then nearly closed once again as he grinned. He stepped back away from the bars. "But you know, you really shouldn't be so jumpy around me. Someone might think you like me."

Stepping away from the bars, she managed to put her hands on her hips and pouted. "That's not nice!" she whined.

He chuckled seeing how cute she looked once again, pouting. But this time he kept quiet. "Thank you for visiting."

She gave a big grin, eyes sparkling. "It was good to see you again too!" She walked over to the door to the holding cells just as it opened, revealing someone from Squad 4, about to say it was time to go. The person never had a chance to say anything as she Orihime stepped up to them and made her way out, allowing the Soul Reaper to close the door again.

Alone, Gin walked back over to the cot, taking a seat while a pink blush formed on his cheeks. He was happy to see her and seeing her pout and then smile caused many thoughts to form in his mind. One of them, which was the cause of his blush, was the way she said she was happy to see him.


Gin had waited two months after he was fully healed before the day finally came when he was brought before the counsel of the new reappointed Central 46. Since the time Orihime first visited him, she had visited him three more times after that but then suddenly she was gone. There were no more visits from her. He had learnt from Rangiku in one of her visits, all the humans were back in the World of the Living. Knowing Orihime was no longer nearby greatly disappointed Gin. He missed her.

Even though he enjoyed his visits with Izuru and Rangiku, he wished he could see Orihime's sweet face and hear her cheery voice. Often enough, he found himself wondering what Orihime was doing when he was alone. Even though Orihime only spent two days in Heuco Mundo, Gin was sure life for her would never be the same. Her friends knew she had powers and had strong enough spirit energy to see Soul Reapers and Hollows. But was Orihime back in classes like nothing ever happened or did her time in Heuco Mundo really disturb her bad enough to not attend school.

As he was thinking of Orihime for about the millionth time since she left, which he had no idea when that was, Gin did not noticed the door leading to his cell opened, revealing two Soul Reapers from Squad 9. The Squad was known as the security force.

"Time to go, Gin Ichimaru," one of the men called out.

Gin shook his head, forcing his thoughts away. This was it. He gave the two men a wide grin. "Well this is a nice surprise." He knew what they were there for, but he decided to play around one last time. "Two escorts, just for me. You didn't have to go to all this trouble. I feel honoured."

"Quit the funny business Ichimaru," the second guard replied a bit harshly. "You know why we're here."

Gin sighed but his smile never faltered. "You're here to take me to a party?" he offered, again being like his old self.

"Enough!"

The first man who spoke placed a hand on his comrade. "Can't you see he's just trying to piss you off and it's working? You know he's always been the type to trick others." He then turned to Gin as he opened the door to his cell. "But this time will be the last time he gets to play around."

Gin tilted his head as he stood, stepping towards the two men. This time he remained quiet as the first man grabbed his arm and began to walk him towards the exit. There were three others waiting just outside the main holding cell area. Two then began to walk forward with Gin and the holding him in the middle. The other guy, who was still fuming, and the last one waiting brought up the rear.

The six men left the Squad 4 barracks and made their way towards Central 46 Compound. It was extremely odd looking to see five men dressed in standard shihakushos and directly in the middle one dressed in a white yukata. Many people who saw the six walked by them stopped what they were doing to watch Gin make his way to Central 46.

Quiet murmurs were heard as they walked by. Gin was able to pick up some of the words sounding like 'hope he gets what he deserves' and 'why did that human bring him back?'. Their words never bothered him. They were right; he did need to be punished for his crimes.

At the entrance to Central 46 gates, all remaining Captains and Lieutenants, including Momo though she was still in recovery from her wounds during the battle with Aizen, waited. They were required to be present as Gin was brought in. They were his former comrades and were lined up in two single lines as if like an archway to the gates.

As Gin approached them, both Rangiku and Izuru took a deep breath. Izuru felt bad for his former Captain. He knew Gin had to pay for his crimes but he was also a man Izuru once admired as a good Captain. As for Rangiku, she was forced to hold back her emotions as her feelings for Gin ran deeper than Izuru's. Gin and her grew up together and though he graduated from the academy after one year, they were still academy colleagues. Both knew this would be the last time they saw him. Whatever Gin's punishment would be, they would never see Gin again.

No one said a word as Gin walked past the lined up high ranking officers and continued through the gates until reaching the entrance to the Assembly Hall. The group walked down the long-winded stairs until reaching the counsel chambers where Gin was then placed in the direct center.

"Gin Ichimaru, former Captain of Squad 3. We hereby state the list of charges."

"Multiple accounts of murder, including the murders of the former Central 46 members."

"Two accounts of attempted murder of Lieutenant Hinamori and Captain Hitsugaya."

"High treason on the Soul Society, which includes sabotage, double crossing, framing of one of your peers. The list goes on."

"Also, you're being charged with being an accessory to kidnapping of Orihime Inoue, human of the World of the Living. Do you deny these events?"

Gin wanted to quirk a brow. They knew it was true, so why ask him? Then again it was normal procedures to repeat the charges. "No, I do not."

"However, it has been brought to our attention that you were not entirely accountable for your own actions. Do you deny this?"

"No, I do not."

"Explain."

"Sosuke Aizen's Zanpakuto when activated actually caused illusions and messed with the five senses. It allowed Aizen to control what the person saw or even felt. He also was able to make others believes things true though they were false."

"Can you elaborate on this?"

"A recent account, he made everyone believe he had been murdered to make Lieutenant Hinamori hysterical and attack one of her own. Also he could make people believe they were in a meadow of flowers when in reality they were in a swamp with vicious hollows."

"And you broke the control? How and how long did you know how?"

He could have scratched his head if his hands weren't shackled. "Yes I broke the control. All one has to do is touch the blade of the Zanpakuto. I have known how for some time it could be done, however I was trying to come up with my own plan to stop him without him knowing."

The room went silent for several minutes. Gin only could guess the shields blocking each counsel member worked more than just an identity protection. He figured it was also used as a discussion board for everyone to see and share.

"As you already know, the human Orihime Inoue has brought you back from the dead after you took a fatal blow from Sosuke Aizen. She gave us an official statement you actually protected her friends from being killed by Aizen. You also gave some valuable information, which has been a great help. For that you will not be handed down a death sentenced. You will be given the ability to live, however, you will be stripped of your spiritual powers and be exiled to the World of the Living where you will live out the remainder of your life, however long that will be."

Gin's eyes opened, face falling from his traditional grin. He was what! Exiled to live as a mortal? This was not what he expected. He half expected he would be given a similar sentence as Aizen. Although being in the World of the Living, he possibly could bump into Orihime again and be able to at least see daylight.

"You will be escorted to a Senkaimon where you will then be given a permanent gigai, given to you by Kisuke Urahara. There, you will be given freedom to do what you please. But you will never be able to see any of your fellow former Soul Reapers or Hollows."

Suddenly he felt like he couldn't breath. He felt his lungs were trying to collapse. In that instant he knew what was happening. The counsel members were over powering his body by raising their spiritual pressure and with his own spirit energy currently sealed; there was nothing to protect him from the onslaught of power. He tried to hold himself up for as long as possible but after nearly 15 seconds of trying to fight it, his legs buckled, forcing him to the floor.

His breathing became very laboured as if he had the wind knocked out of him. Then again with the spiritual pressure in the room, it basically was just that. Sweat began to pour down his face as his eyes went wide. The icy orbs rolled to the back of his head as his body slumped fully to the floor as blackness took over his consciousness.

The next thing he knew he was waking to a chill in the air and something fluffy falling onto his body. Slowly he opened his eyes only to find himself lying in a pile of snow. Sniffing at his fingers was a little stray dog, giving him an odd look. It then licked his fingers causing Gin to suddenly jerk his hand back. The little dog gave a yelp of surprise, immediately running away.

He looked at his other, flexing his fingers able to feel the power of the gigai moving. It had been a very long time since he was in a gigai and now he was stuck in one for the rest of his life. White snowflakes dropped into his pale hand, immediately melting upon impact on his skin.

Needing to get to his feet, as the chill of being on the ground began to seep into his clothes, he slowly got to his feet and looked around. To his surprise he was in Karakura Town, Orihime's home. He could remember in one of the last conversations he had with her before she disappeared been her telling him where she lived.

With barely visible eyes and a grin once again, he tucked his hands into the pockets of the jacket he wore and made his way down the street towards Orihime's home. All around him, he saw people walking around wearing formal kimonos, bustling around saying things like 'Merry Christmas', whatever that was.

Keeping his eyes peeled, he soon found himself in front of Orihime's door and he could hear she was home and was doing something. Pulling his hand out from his pocket, he knocked on her door and waited.

"Coming!" he heard a muffled call from the other side of the door.

The door soon opened, revealing a cheery teen wearing a strange looking red hat with white lining on the rim and a white ball at the end. Her eyes for the moment were closed with a big grin. "Merry Christmas, Tatsuki. You're a bit…" she stopped as she her eyes opened. The eyes then widened like she was just caught with her hand in the cookie jar.

"Gin…" she breathed.

"Well hello, Orihime," he greeted with a large grin. "It's been awhile."


Edited May 22, 2015