Hello, everyone! This is my first time to write a story about any Bleach characters, so forgive me if it is terrible. Please read and comment! Thank you so much, and I hope that you enjoy it.
(I don't own any Bleach characters, Tite Kubo does. I merely write these stories.)
She woke up, stretching her hands above her head before turning over to the newly opened window. The sun danced across her face, slowly begging her to wake up and enjoy her new day.
"Milady, it is time to wake up. Breakfast shall be served in the dining room soon. We need to get you ready for the day, if you don't mind."
Slowly, Orihime forced herself to sit up in her bed. The girl had been lucky in being adopted into a wealthy family; although, her biological family had been just as wealthy beforehand. However, the death of her parents—and shortly afterwards, her brother—causing her to become the sole inheritor of her family fortune but too young to be on her own.
The solution was simple: she would be adopted by her aunt and uncle. The solution had turned out to be far less than 'beneficial' for Orihime though. Her aunt and uncle slowly made it clear that they were not truly fans of her parents. Her uncle was denied full inheritance because her father was the oldest child, so he was also denied the titles and estates of the family, forcing him to make his own way with less support from Orihime's grandfather.
Tensions had only grown as Orihime and her cousin had neared the age of being presented to the public. Fortunately, her cousin—a young girl named Rangiku—didn't share the same feelings as her parents. Instead, they had become very close, almost like best friends.
Orihime stood up, looking at the girl that was slowly pulling away the curtains and opening the windows of her room. The young servant girl had followed her from her earlier home to her uncle's estate, and she had always made sure to take care of Orihime. Compared to many girls of her age, that made her relatively low maintenance.
"Momo, I really appreciate you being so kind every morning. You know how terrible I am at getting around."
The girl in a simple maid outfit that extended to the ground and covered her modestly seemed to blush at the words before gathering her countenance.
"It is no problem, milady. I am simply doing my job," She walked over towards the dress closet and pulled out a beautiful blue dress and all its accessories, "but we need to get you dressed for the day before you miss your meal."
A slight giggle escaped from both girls' mouths before Orihime begrudgingly stood up and walked over to be dressed. The rather large, Victorian dress was beautiful, embroidered with slightly white designs on top of the light blue fabric. The process also took a while, and Orihime was restless. As best she tried, she was still a child at heart and sitting in a chair or standing for long amounts of time seemed like the hardest trial in her life.
The small talk between Momo and Orihime always made the time pass by faster, and she was done before too long. A slight knock came at the door as a frail voice could be heard on the other side.
"Orihime, are you ready to go down for breakfast?"
Momo only smiled before stepping back, finishing Orihime's makeup and final preparations.
"Yes, Rangiku."
As graceful as she could, the young orange-haired girl answered the door to be met with what could easily be mistaken for her older sister. Despite the fact that they were so close in age—only three years separated them, making Rangiku older than Orihime—they looked as if they were closer to the same age, sometimes leading to people mistaking them for twins or sisters.
Rangiku was as beautiful as Orihime wished she could be some day. Her long, orange-blonde hair always framed her face beautifully, making her blue eyes stand out to everyone that met her. Orihime had always been jealous of her features, her grey eyes always seeming so flat to her compared to the fawning over Rangiku's beautiful blue eyes.
"Rangiku, you look beautiful today."
"Thank you, Orihime, but I wish I looked half as beautiful as you do."
Orihime couldn't hide her blush. She always appreciated the kind compliments that Rangiku had for her. As they slowly made their way into the large dining hall, only two places were set at the table.
"Where are Aunt and Uncle?" Orihime was partially confused by the lack of attendance from her two 'step-parents'. It went against everything that they had typically dictated in being on time and present. They never went anywhere, so it was slightly concerning to Orihime.
"They have left to return to town. Mother's sister has fallen ill, and they have traveled to be with her and her children for the moment. Should she not recover, they are going to stay there for a while, helping to take care of the estate. You know how difficult that must be when you have a rather large family and large household. I don't envy them whatsoever."
Rangiku seemed to carelessly throw out the information, but Orihime guessed why she was left out of the conversation about their leaving—they still didn't consider her family. Although Rangiku was the exception, her aunt and uncle had preferred that Orihime be left out of all business for the family and anyone else within it. They didn't care for her involvement, and they were simply biding their time with her life.
She should have had a rather large party to celebrate her 'entering' of society about six months ago, but she was denied that. Her uncle had made it clear that they had spent too much money introducing Rangiku into society a year beforehand, and they weren't going to carelessly spend money during a time like this.
What time that was, Orihime had no idea; however, Momo and she had hypothesized that there were other reasons. Whomever Orihime married would inherit the place that her father or brother would have taken—money, titles, estates, etc…As long as Orihime maintained her 'single' life outside of society, her uncle's family was able to stay in her family's prior estate as well as access the family funds. She had tried to deny it for a few weeks, but it only became more and more clear to Orihime as various events were held to display Rangiku. Orihime was only asked to stay in the background of the event—usually in not very appealing clothing—or to bide her time by taking a 'vacation' to the family cottage by the lake for the weekend.
It didn't bother her too much. These people had taken her in and given her a family. Orihime couldn't deny them any kindness, and she may have been too forgiving with them, but that was her life. She had always been too upbeat. She just had to keep a smile on her face and look to the bright side.
Footmen and butlers entered in and out of the dining room, bringing breakfast trays and drinks to the girls as they ate and discussed their day in the morning. They were going to visit a young friend who had finally moved back to the estates nearby and had invited them for a visit. They'd be getting ready shortly to leave for tea and lunch at her place before returning that evening. Orihime couldn't contain her excitement—traveling and adventure had always been her favorite parts of the stories she read.
Breakfast wrapped up relatively quickly, both girls being too excited for their trip for the day. Orihime came to her room to grab her shawl and parasol before descending to the front of the home. She was only spurred on by the sounds of the horse-drawn carriage finally making its way towards the front of the estate.
Orihime and Rangiku ran down the stairs as quickly as possible to get to the carriage, and they spent the rest of the trip staring out at the country side, discussing how things must have changed for their young friend. They wondered if she would be the same or if she had changed completely. Questions of whether they would be able to still get along or if they would be completely unable to talk. Somehow, they were excited about just figuring out what had changed, whether it be good or not.
Conversation sped up time until they found themselves driving towards the rather large estate that they had only remembered from their childhood. As they got out, they realized how extravagant and beautiful the large mansion was with its marble pillars and large gardens surrounding the drive and entrance to the estate. It seemed to take their breath away for a moment before a footman finally motioned to lead them toward the door, revealing the friend that they had long-awaited.
Yoruichi Shihoin had once been a tiny girl with deep purple hair, but now she was a very beautiful woman before them. She had maintained the same features—long, purple hair and a dark complexion, accentuated by golden eyes—yet she had grown into a very beautiful and graceful woman. Her light green dress only accentuated these features and made her seem like a woman far older than her true age. However, all of this was lost when they all seemed to rush to each other, excited by their reunification.
Moments were spent exchanging hugs and exclamations before finally stepping into the lavish house. As was typical, the Shihoin family had an extravagantly decorated home. The Shihoin family was lucky to claim a family tie to the Royal Family, lending them to be one of the more powerful and wealthy families in the region. Yoruichi's privilege had always been higher than that of Orihime and Rangiku, but they had never let it get between them. It had never seemed as if it was truly a barrier for them, but they had grown aware of it with time.
"I'm so delighted to see you both! It has been too long, and I had longed to see you again."
Yoruichi led them into a rather large sitting room with beautiful furniture throughout. The two girls took seats, while Yoruichi chose a seat facing them. Servants entered, bringing teas and small snacks for them to have before leaving the room again.
"You have to tell me what has happened since I left. Ten years has been far too long, and too many things happen in girls' lives in even a day. Ten years must be excruciatingly filled with details for all three of us. I'm afraid one day will not be enough to gain the entire story as I would like."
Rangiku seemed to lean forward, ready to tell the story of everything that had happened. However, Orihime had seemed to withdraw into herself. Since Yoruichi had left, Orihime had lost her entire family. Her parents had died of the flu that had taken so many lives one year, and her brother had died in a riding accident, succumbing to the wounds of his horse throwing him one afternoon outing. Orihime had struggled for reasoning behind this, but she had yet to find out. Slowly, she had realized that everything had come to face her, Yoruichi seeming to look into her eyes and wait for a response.
"Orihime? Orihime, what has gone on with you? Why are you and Rangiku in the same home? Rangiku's family used to live elsewhere, why are they with you now? Did something happen?"
The words were caught in her throat for a moment. The cup seemed to shake slightly even though she merely had it sitting on its saucer within her lap.
"W-well…I…M-my…" She could say it in her head a thousand times over.
My parents passed away as well as my brother.
But the words wouldn't leave her mouth. They stuck to the inside of her mouth, refusing to leave without a fight. Doubtless, it reminded her that she had shed many tears at night thinking about her family.
You're alone.
Orihime found that she was merely staring down into her tea, looking for some sort of answer from it. If she could, she would will it to speak for her. Suddenly, her attention was caught by the sound of Rangiku speaking.
"Her parents were lost to the flu epidemic, and Sora passed away not long afterwards from a riding accident. She was too young to be on her own, so Orihime came to be a guardian of my parents until she finds a potential suitor."
With guilt, Orihime looked up. I should have been able to say that. Why couldn't I just say it? Slowly, she was greeted by soft hands touching hers. Yoruichi kneeled before her with a sympathetic look.
"I understand your pain. I have returned to Pembrooke Estate because I have lost my father finally to his age. I have been left to be in charge of the estate during this time, along with my husband. In fact, that is part of why I wanted to invite you here. My husband and I will be holding a large, welcoming ball for the local estates and townships to attend to celebrate our return. We shall be bringing acquaintances and friends, but I wanted to make sure that I invited you both. It was important to me that you both attend. Please. He will be arriving Wednesday, and we'll host the party on Friday evening. You can meet him, his family and his guests. I don't want you two to be left out of my life any longer."
Rangiku leaned over with excitement before giggling.
"This sounds wonderful! This gives us so much to do before Saturday. Our parents are out-of-town for a while to help my aunt, and we were in need of something to entertain us. Now, we must get a dress from town and get ourselves ready for Friday evening! Orihime, isn't this wonderful?"
Rangiku's excitement was almost infectious. Orihime couldn't contain herself. She radiated a smile that spread to Orihime's face, and before long she was nodding in agreement.
"Yes! It will be splendid. I really can't wait."
The three girls exchanged excited glances before Yoruicihi stood and regained her composure, pouring herself another cup of tea.
"Oh! You must return on Wednesday evening. My husband will be here along with a few friends. We will have a large dinner to celebrate, and I would like you to meet him. I want you both to be familiar with him before the dance."
Orihime felt excited. She had never been exposed to many ceremonies during her life, especially after Yoruichi had left. Although she loved her dearly, Orihime had never been too close to many people outside of Yoruichi and her family members. After Yoruichi had left, Orihime had only replaced the time that she had used to spend with her by reading every book that she found in the library. She had almost become a recluse, spending hours taking in information that was around her. Orihime loved it, and she loved learning. Now, she was excited to be welcomed to this new world that she had missed out on and see what it was like to meet new, exotic people.
"Yes! Of course we are going to be here on Wednesday. We wouldn't miss it for anything, Yoruichi."
Rangiku looked at Orihime with surprise as she belted out the answer. As soon as she had accepted Yoruichi's invitation to dinner, she found herself drifting off into a world she imagined.
Who was she married to? Would he be exotic? Was he cultured? Was he more cultured than Yoruichi?
She couldn't comprehend all of her thoughts as quickly as they poured into her head. Yoruichi seemed so exotic and somewhat tough for a female. She never led anyone to believe that she would be bossed around and controlled like many women their age, yet she was married to someone. Someone had been an equal enough to her to actually convince her to marry and settle down. It was mind-boggling. Orihime imagined all the various guys and relationships she had read about in her stories, trying to figure which 'parts' would align with Yoruichi. It seemed impossible, and she felt the excitement of meeting such a man in person in only a few days.
The girls spent the rest of the evening giggling and discussing stories. They couldn't stop talking, and before long they were interrupted by the main butler excusing himself into the drawing-room.
"Milady. You have other engagements soon to prepare the house. Would you like to cancel them?"
Rangiku began to stand up, aiding Orihime with a hand.
"No, no. You should get your home ready, Yoruichi. We shall go back to the home and begin getting everything ready to attend both your invitations. We are so excited, we can't wait to go home and begin to get everything together. Wednesday shall be here before we know it!"
The girls exchanged their pleasantries and goodbyes before returning outside. As Orihime was escorted into the carriage after Rangiku, she felt like a chapter was opening in her life. Never had so much changed so quickly and so exciting since she had begun living with Rangiku. Her life had seemed so boring; however, it was seeming exciting to imagine meeting these new people and taking part in a lovely dance with a friend she hadn't seen in ages. There would be new, unfamiliar people, and she couldn't wait to see what story would unfold before her. Something interesting had to happen, and she couldn't wait to see what would come next.
