I don't own Bleach or Pride and prejudice. All rights go to the respective owners.
Her prejudice. His pride. Isn't that what brought them together?
This is a story of him and her. An orphan girl gifted with great beauty and a rich gentleman bestowed with money; a pair who met through flaws.
It was a tradition in London during the 1800's for young singles of a town to gather at certain receptions and parties in order to find their future companion and spouse. Many would flock towards the few events that were blessed with the presence of good-looking and wealthy individuals who also happen to be single. Matsumoto had managed to get her hands on just such an occasion.
Rangiku was the guardian of 5 young girls who had been cursed with living the life of an orphan due to the unfortunate deaths of their parents. One would not be able to find any fault with any of these girls as they were talented in cooking and sewing and had beautiful looks that complimented their lovely manners and charisma. It may be that the only thing these girls had lacked was the wealth many men had come to desire. The eldest was Nemu Kurotsuchi, a 24-year-old black-haired beauty who had superior intellectual skills. Her quiet manner and poise attracted many charming men, but Nemu had already met a young man who caught her eye. This young man was Uryuu Ishida, the son of the man who funded the orphanage the girls lived in. It wasn't until recently did Uryuu and Nemu encounter each other, and both had found an instant liking to each other because of their intellectual similarities and common likes and dislikes.
Following Nemu was the 23-year-old Tatsuki Arisawa, a rebellious but kind-hearted young woman gifted with exceptional physical abilities that could rival even the strongest of men, yet she still had that feminine body many women yearned for. Tatsuki showed no interest in any men as she only cared about her friends' well-being and happiness until they got married. The one who occupied most of Tatsuki's time was her clumsy yet beautiful best friend Orihime Inoue. The 23-year-old redhead had the most striking looks that would make any man fall for her the instant they laid eyes on her. Her gray orbs were enhanced with the 2 bright blue clips that adorned her hair; the final gift her brother gave her before he passed away in a fire.
The last of the 5 were Rukia Kuchiki and Momo Hinamori. Both girls were a year younger to Orihime and Tatsuki but still have the looks that many have come to adore. Her childish ways and her slight baby face made many doubt Momo's capabilities, but her compassionate attitude towards others always won the hearts of those she interacted with. Rukia was quite the opposite to Momo, winning over stubborn men with her maturity and blunt mannerisms despite her small height.
It was for the sake of these girls that Rangiku went through the trouble of finding an invitation to the prestigious ball held every year in honour of the first moon. She strongly believed that one of these girls would find their spouse in this event, and if they didn't, then she would personally make sure they did. Of course, the one she worried for the most was the clumsy and quiet Orihime. Despite her lovely looks and mannerisms, many suitors turned away due to her odd sense of taste , and this time, she would make sure Orihime strikes someone's fancy without turning them away.
"Please avoid discussing your love for red bean paste if possible, I would hate for another great suitor to turn away from you due to your odd taste preferences," Rangiku advised.
"Yes, I understand. This is important not just or me, but for all of us," Orihime replied. She knew Rangiku felt she was burdening the Ishida family by making them pay all the living expenses, without taking a pound from them. Therefore, she decided to quickly marry off the girls to remove the burden from the Ishidas, although they didn't mind spending money at all. Thus, they were at the ball, portraying their best characteristics for someone's eye to catch.
Glasses clinked and the young singles chattered amongst themselves under the supervision of their older chaperones. The hall had gone utterly silent as 3 young men entered the ball, perhaps out of respect. These 3 were not only the richest singles in town but also happened to have the most magnificent looks any woman could lay her eyes on. The one in the centre was the one with the most money and best looks. His fiery orange hair didn't seize to display the striking jawline and broad shoulders. To his right was a redhead with an amusing hairstyle that earned the disapproving nods of many older guests and some raised eyebrows from the younger audience. The one to the left of the orange haired man was a tall foreigner with a silent demeanour. Although he looked different from others, his calming presences and buffed muscles had woman suddenly turning their attention towards him.
Rangiku has taken the opportunity to overhear a few rumours here and there and soon found the names of each; The orange haired man being Ichigo Kurosaki, the redhead being Renji Abarai, and the foreigner being Sado Yasatora or Chad amongst his close friends. She immediately began looking for the girls to convey the wonderful news to them.
Meanwhile, Orihime found it difficult to interact with the men at the ball and silently resorted to the food in an attempt to avoid conversation. She found herself in earshot of a certain orange haired man and his redheaded friend, despite their knowledge.
"How long do you intend on keeping this up, Ichigo?", the redhead questioned.
"These women are lacking many qualities to be my wife. All they seem to do is drool over the looks and money. Pathetic, really!, Ichigo exclaimed.
"Okey, how about the young lady near the food. She seems to be well mannered and if I don't say so myself, she must be the most beautiful girl I have seen all night.", The redhead gestured in Orihime's direction. It was true because Ichigo merely glanced at her but found himself staring at the angelic beauty with the gorgeous Auburn hair for a significantly longer time than required.
"I believe that woman isn't worth my time, she would probably beg on her knees to marry me for my wealth, such women are detestable Renji." Ichigo attempted to hide his embarrassment and flustered face behind harsh words. Unbeknownst to the men, Orihime had heard the entire conversation and quickly left to avoid suspicion of overhearing.
