~Bleach is owned by Tite Kubo~
I know, I am working on many other fics, BUT I love multitasking! And I'll get to updating them all this week! Writers block.. hehe..
This is a new story I'm working on, I wanted to stay original but wasn't sure what to write about. Thinking, I was brought back to how our society views things, different aspects. From clothing, to money, to how a woman should 'look'. My school finished recently but one of the projects we had to work on was what our view on society was and if we agreed with everything society does. So I wrote it on how society 'views' woman. From how they bash celebrities to what the 'ideal' woman should look like. What I found online upset me. But anyways, before I go on a rant on feminism (well I kind of am a feminist but not really, its complicated) so yeah, I kind of incorporated that into this story.
In this case I apologize if charactars are OCC, I am trying to keep them original so please point that out if they are. Au, because I love them. And Orihime will stand as the woman society is trying to change. I'm making this a romance (Ichihime ;)) and have many ideas regarding that. Enjoy!
CHP 1
Image
Its cold, the ground slightly damp from the night before.
Feeling the cool cement under me, a few goose bumps rise upon my pale skin.
The sun is nowhere in sight, hidden behind the mist of clouds up in the sky.
The inky green leaves upon the colossal trees are swaying in rhythmic motions, due in appreciation of the wind.
While the breeze knots my auburn hair, I sit on the floor, tense and in tears that refused to stay put, the grip on the frilly end of my dress tightening.
Trembling, I felt a large hand gently caress my shoulder, without needing the act of thought, I relax.
As a smile finds its way on to my face, I think back to that day.
The weather was entirely different.
It was warm, bright, sunny, soothing.
I was not staring at wilting flowers but a white wall, filled with pictures of a young beautiful auburn haired woman smiling, laughing, dancing, posing in her marry way.
She had naturally curly short auburn locks, an attractive thin frame.
Her hair like a bouquet of Orange Cream Dahlias, California Poppies, and Klondike Cosmos. The different shades of gold and burnt auburn crisp standing out in each frame.
Her smile alone could not be compared to a million voltages of light, let alone the sun.
Even with the shutters closed in the large, empty room, the photos stood out as millions of stars in the cool dark night.
As a speck of light made its way through, dawn approached.
It was impossible to move away from the expensively framed photos.
With silvery grey eyes, more captivating than a play storm shaped on broad way, the same mantra roared in my head.
Beautiful, perfect, flawless, a real lady at every angle.
One of her photos alone backed up the saying a picture is worth a thousand words.
After what felt like an eternity, I continued my way.
I participate in the same routine, everyday.
Walking past her photos brings feelings and thoughts to the surface of my mind.
I'm not sure if they're more pleasant or destructive.
My steps bring me closer to the hall, a loving voice echoed from the living room.
I halted as a memory swarmed through the depths of my mind.
"I really loved her," the blonde beauty wiped away a lone tear.
"I know," I mumbled, my face clear of emotion.
"She was amazing perfect, kind, funny, smart… She w-was perfect at everything she did. Loved by everyone," the blonde smirked. "She was a dreamer and followed her dreams." Raising her teary blue eyes, she looked up at me and flashed a sad smile.
"When she found out about you, she was so exited. I remember she wouldn't stop talking about it for days." The taller female stifled a giggle, the tears falling freely.
I didn't respond.
"We were always so close, even with the distance and our lives; we'd talk on the phone for hours! Gin would get so upset, said I was replacing him, my husband, with my baby sister." I couldn't tell if the tears were from laughing or from pain. "I-I wish she was there when-," she stopped, choking midsentence.
"She was young, too young," she stuttered out breaking apart before me.
Getting up, I slowly walked over to her. Bending down, I pulled her into my arms and rubbed her back.
I felt the collar of my shirt grow damp with her tears, I said nothing.
I tried to shelter her, from the memories, they were bringing her pain.
From the pictures on the wall.
The white wall with hundreds of photos of the beautiful girl.
Framed photos, memories, of the auburn haired beauty who had brought a smile to so many people faces.
The auburn haired young woman who had impacted so many lives, made so many people happy.
The one female in the world who's face alone defined perfection.
I didn't say a word the rest of the day.
"Oh Gin! The premier last night was wonderful!" The blonde beauty walked up to her husband, a dangerous glint in her eyes.
"Thanks Doll, ya know I try," the tall silver haired man grabbed his wife around her waist, pulling her close.
"Gross," a young boy with matching silver hair commented walking past them.
"Toshiro! Good morning!" The blonde beauty stepped out of her husbands hold, as the older man frowned, his wife made her way to the little boy.
"Rangiku, you just ruined the moment," the man mumbled.
Stepping from behind the door frame, I felt as if I was intruding.
"Hey there princess," the man's frowned turned in to a grin.
"Morning uncle Gin!" I plaster a smile on my face and approach the silver haired man.
"I hope you're exited, itsa big day for you and Toshiro!" Gin gave his niece a hug.
"I'm nervous and I know Toshiro will do amazing! But congratulations, the premier last night was awesome!" Gin is a movie director, had been in the business even before he met his wife, my aunt Rangiku. His ninth movie premiered last night, already making thousands of dollars.
"Good morning Hime! What would you like for breakfast, you get to pick today!" Aunt Rangiku winked at me.
"I-I'm not that hungry, thank you though!" I saw her frown, but shrugged it off.
"Orihime, you have to eat," she scolded.
"But I have butterflies taking up the space in my tummy," which wasn't a lie.
"Alright, but take a snack with you." Aunt Rangiku instructed, bagging a handful of grapes and grabbing a tangerine from the fridge, she made her way towards me.
"Thank you," I said to her as I grabbed the snack, giving her a hug, she kissed my forehead.
"Good luck honey, they'll love you!"
"Thank you," I whispered, praying they do.
"Toshiro has a soccer game today, championships, I'm sorry we won't be there today! Would you like us to drop by after?" Aunt Rangiku questioned me. I saw she was torn that she had to make this decision, but I refused to let her even think she could miss my little cousins soccer game over a proposal.
It wasn't even a done deal.
"It's completely fine! Toshiro needs you guys," I whispered to her. The smaller boy was only a few feet away and was already glaring at us.
"Morning Shiro and good luck!" I walked over to him, giving the hug of a lifetime.
"O-Ori- Ca-Can't b-bree," he choked out.
"Sorry!" I took a few steps back.
He lifted his gaze and drilled his glare at me, I felt even worse and looked down. Softening his eyes and sighing, Toshiro continued.
"It's alright," he mumbled. But, I still heard. I smiled up at him and in response the frown on his face lightened.
"Good luck to you too, I don't know why you're so nervous, you'll do fine."
"Hopefully!"
Looking at the time is saw my appointment was real soon. "I have to go now you guys see you later!" With one last wave, I made my way out.
Throughout my life time, I had done a few shoots in regards of the modeling agency. I knew the only reason I even had that opportunity was because of my uncle Gin and my mom.
Uncle Gin is known in the movie industry, very well actually. Mother, she's a slightly different story.
Texting my manager once more, I told her I would meet her in the hotel where they were recruiting 'new model faces'. It was only a few streets from my house, but I still had to take a car ride. With my chauffeur waiting in the garage, I lifted up my black hood and hopped into the car. Pulling out, a group of paparazzi bombarded us with pictures. Sighing, I pulled the hood closer. Mother left behind a legacy as uncle Gin and Toshiro already had there own. This was an everyday thing for us and I tried to stay away from the cameras. It was quiet upsetting and I had no privacy at all. But I wouldn't allow that to come in between my dreams.
I've worked for a few small modeling agencies when I was younger, but stopped. For some reason, I had always loved it. It was something I was good at, posing and pretending to be someone else. I had the opportunity to dress in the latest fashions and get paid. The camera would always acknowledge me, it gave me the feeling that I was worth something. I was given the opportunity to build my own legacy, not stand behind my families.
Recently, I wanted to make a comeback.
My dream is to walk down a runway; I want to reach that dream.
Finally nearing the building, I had a smile on my face that caused my cheeks to hurt, but I couldn't stop it no matter how hard I tired. This is my opportunity; I'm going to take hold of it. Just like Uncle Gin did directing, like Aunt Rangiku did with raising a family, like Toshiro did with soccer, like mother did with her life.
I tensed with my last thought, but that didn't stop me. I continued walking, didn't look back once.
Opening the large glass door, I saw my manager waiting for me by the check in.
"Nel!" I ran over to her.
"Orihime, it's so nice to see you!" She gave me a much needed hug.
"You too," I smiled up at her. Nel, also a close family friend, was only a few years older then me. At the age of twenty three, she is one of the most successful women I know. She's an actor and had been a model for more than half her life, when she found out I wanted to follow in those steps (the modeling part), she proposed to be my manager since she knew the system like the back of her hand.
I couldn't say no.
Beaming at the taller woman, she hugged me once more.
"You will do amazing; you don't need it but let's brush some makeup on you and kick you out there!" She grabbed my hand and led me.
"Thanks Nel," I responded.
After sitting in an uncomfortable chair for a few minutes as a thin blonde did my makeup, I ended up changing into a ball dress a few minutes later.
I am to pose and have a few shots taken in front of a camera, nothing new to me. But there are a group of people who will be giving me a number out of ten on how well the shots came and give me the results there. I would find out if I'm worth it today, if I can make it in the business. This was my moment and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous.
Now standing in a line waiting for my name to be called as Nel gave me important pointers, she squeezed my hand.
"I'll be waiting right outside that door for you! And remember just be you, relax. This is not your only opportunity to get your name out there!" She reassured me.
But I knew it was a lie.
Some of the greatest supermodels are in the room, to judge me on how well I am. The greatest photographers, sponsors, and owners of brands, all here to tell me if I could ever make it in the business.
Taking a deep breathe, I looked around at the other models. Some just as nervous, most neutral and calm. Confident, they new they would make it.
I didn't.
They were taller then me, by just a few inches. Skinnier then me for sure, I suddenly became very self-conscious.
"Miss. Inoue?" An older woman called me, clipboard in hand.
Nodding at Nel, I followed her.
"Oh! Wow! It's so nice to meet you; I used to be such a big fan of your mothers!"
Of course you were.
"I-I'm sorry, you must be-" I attempted to stop her kindly half way through her sentence, I'm on the verge of having a breakdown, I didn't feel like talking about my personal life with a stranger minutes before I do so.
"Thank you! I get that a lot," I smiled but it came out more of a grimace. She got the point and wasn't offended. Good. Although I did feel guilty, I'm sure she knew what I was going through right now.
Approaching a door and stopping she wished me good luck before I walked in. Thanking her, I made my way to the stage where I would get my pictures taken in front of a very successful group of individuals. Although I was terrified, I made sure I didn't show it. I was to have five pictures taken, Nel told me which poses to make. With a serious face, I gave it my all. Five snaps later, I made my way to the group sitting by a table, there eyes scanning me, judging.
One lady was kind enough to smile at me, "Hello! What is your name?" She asked looking at the clip board in her hand.
"O-Orihime Inoue," I wasn't supposed to stutter.
Oh no.
"Inoue? Like Naomi Inoue?" She further questioned. Mother. I frowned, I don't want there decision to be weighted by the fact Naomi was my mother. But we were in a professional surrounding, so I knew they would be up front with me.
"Yes," I responded. The woman nodded, a ghost of a smile on her face. From there reactions, the others were not impacted by the statement, bringing a smile back to my face.
"What department are you trying out for?" A male questioned this time.
"The New Models Industry." I said, finally finding my confidence.
"Really, not plus size?" I heard another man mumble, quickly writing something down on his clip board. I tried to not let the comment impact me.
After the group looked over my photos and whispered to each other, I awkwardly stood there.
"Alright Miss. Inoue, we will judge you based on your pictures alone. Not your family ties." She stated. "The models we higher normally are a little taller then you, instead of standing at five foot six, they range from five foot ten and up. On your file it says you weigh 126 pounds, also a little over what we normally higher. There are a few other things we could fix, minor flaws, but we won't worry about that for now. We appreciate your presence, but I would recommend working out and hiring a personal trainer. Your hairs a very unnatural color I see, different from what we normally higher in this department. A tan wouldn't hurt either." The older woman pointed out.
"Thank you for joining us Miss. Inoue, I'm sure there are many other industries interested in your frame," the blonde that questioned me at first stated with a sad smile on her face, looking over at the older lady, she frowned.
I heard someone scoff, but shut that out too.
"Thank you," I managed to say with a stable voice.
Walking away, I went straight to the dressing room and changed. Biting my lip, I refused to cry.
Well here anyway.
Opening the doors and meeting Nel, I flashed a smile at her. I was going to tell her I didn't make it, but I didn't want her to feel bad. If she saw I was happy and okay about it, I knew she wouldn't make it a big deal. Taking another step, cameras began to flash.
Paparazzi, here, now? Boy, is it my day.
"Miss. Inoue, I here you're making a come back in the modeling industry? How did that go?" Was thrown at me numerous times.
Holding my hand, Nel walked past them like a bulldozer.
Finally reaching outside, I hopped into Nel's car.
She didn't even attempt to carefully drive away from the cameras flashing at her wind-shield, she just pressed her gas pedal.
Luckily, nobody was hurt.
"I'm sorry about that Hime, they just came out of no where!" Nel commented finally on the street, "So how'd it go! Tell me everything!" She winked at me.
I took a deep breathe and responded.
"They said no," I said just above a whisper, not what I was aiming for. "But it's alright! There are other chances," I added happier.
"Hime, I'm so sorry," Nel turned to me.
"Its fine and not your fault so don't apologize."
She frowned at me.
"Nel, can I have a rain check on that lunch? Can you please take me home, I'm kind of tired."
"Of course honey."
"Thank you."
The rest of the ride was quiet, which I was very thankful for. Nel understood I didn't want to talk and I knew if I did, I would break down.
Finally reaching my home, I thanked Nel once more and stepped out of her car. Running inside since there were still a few paparazzi taking pictures and asking questions, I locked the door behind me. Taking the tangerine and grapes out of my bag, I stuck it back in our fridge and walked back to my room.
I had been homeschooled all my life and didn't have many friends, but I had a few. Checking my phone, I saw many texts asking how the modeling opportunity went. Passing by the white wall of pictures, I shut my phone off and slid to the ground. Finally allowing the tears to fall, I refused to cry in front of her.
Sloppily picking myself up, I moved to my bedroom and closed the door. Bending on my knees, I kneeled before my bed and pulled out an old box. Inside was a pile of magazines. Reaching for the first one, I began to flip through it and stopped at one page.
It was from an award ceremony I went to a few months ago, Gin invited us all to attend with him.
"A dazzling Mrs. Rangiku Inoue-Ichimaru, wearing Terry Jon in ruby red. Her curves surreal!
And we move on to little Orihime Inoue, has large shoes to fill! We all know beautiful actor Naomi Inoue, RIP, who will always hold a special place in out hearts! Not choosing to follow her mother's footsteps, she stays out of the limelight. We know very little of her, she's very private reports say! Any ways, Naomi's daughter must've got the fathers looks, who's also to this day unknown. This little girls a mystery, but one thing we know is peach is not her color!"
Placing the magazine on her bed, she picked up another one.
"Rumors are escalating that Naomi Inoue's daughter, 'Hime', has gotten plastic surgery! Gasp! And she's only nineteen! We all know the perfect Naomi was only a C cup, the perfect size! And then we look at the daughter, breasts just a LITTLE too big….
…Her waists too tiny…
…Nose too pointy…
…Skins too pale…
...Lips too thin…
…Eyes too big…
…Hips not wide enough…
…Her big teeth…
…Is it just me or is her smile a little too wide?
…Bright colors are a no no for her…
…She wears too little male up! Talk about absurd!
…Talk about her feet, there huge!
…I'm not sure when the last time she got a hair cut was, but she should learn a few things from her mom's pictures!
Naomi is probably shaking her head in disappointment from heaven.
After each word, my tears grew tenfold.
But I wasn't going to let this bring me down!
Too much.
Placing the magazines back in the box and sliding it under my bad, I moved to look at my self in the mirror.
Should I get a hair cut? I asked my self pulling up a strand.
No.
I refuse.
Because this is me.
And I am not my mother.
I frowned and fisted my hands.
I am not my mother, why don't people see that?
Great, now I'm crying harder.
Mother was strong.
And skinny.
And successful.
All the things I'm not.
What did you think, I would love to know! So with one of my other stories I did this type of thing (Forgot what its called) where I asked you guys for help. I have many ideas for this story but literally cant make up my mind, its frustrating. So this is where you wonderful people come in! I would love to know your opinions on how I should introduce Ichigo. And what other pairings I should bring in.
a.) Journalist. Struggling Writer.
b.) Famous Male model. (Should he be spoiled rich kid or kind? Mix of both?)
c.) Photographer, cause photographers are awesome (Famous, not famous?)
d.) Some dude and/or other
I WOULD LOVE TO KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS, THANK YOU!
Pairings!
a.) none, just Ichihime
~Renruki
~Ginran
~Toshiro+Karin or Toshiro+Momo?
~Other
More charactars from bleach which is owned by TITE KUBO will be introduced in later chapters.
I'd love to know what you thought, but remember, I am also human, I have feelings too so please be nice :)
until next time,
loverofliterature_111