It was colonial times and the Inoue family owned many plantations in New Orleans, Louisiana. Her house a majestic white mansion with large white columns (A/N like the one from gone with the wind). Her family had a large area of land by the Bayou and ran a sugar plantation at her house. She was 10 yrs old and children of the other noble family Cirucci and Melanie did not like her. One day Melanie's father came to visit and was having a business meeting with Orihime's father. The two girls went outside and started to bully Orihime.

'You think you're so pretty, don't you?' Cirucci spat at her, before she pulled her hair and called her names.

'Throw her in the pile of horseshit right there. I bet she wouldn't look pretty anymore. She'll look like a shameful peasant.' Melanie taunted. Cirucci nodded and pushed Orihime on the ground.

'Guess you're not so pretty, covered in mud and horseshit, are you little dove?' Melanie continued to taunt the now crying Orihime.

' Leave her alone you ugly wench' said an orange haired boy Orihime's age running towards them. ' or you'll be the next one covered in dirt.' he spat.

Both of girls looked at each other in amusement. ' Aww Orihime needs a slave boy to protect her ass. Isn't that sweet.' Melanie spat as she turned to face the boy now at her side. 'look boy, my father owns a cotton plantation, so you can't touch me.'

Ichigo smirked before speaking, 'Are you deaf or just plain stupid? I didn't ask you anything about your father, Did I? Besides what your father does has nothing to do with you. All I told you to do was to leave the girl alone.' he said anger building in his tone.

'How dare you address me with such insolence! I will not stand for this kind of behavior!' Cirucci shouted outraged at Ichigo.

'I know a lady when I see one and trust me you are no lady you're nothing more than some rude brats' Ichigo spat back at her. Offended and outraged both girls turned around and stomped away from Orihime and Ichigo. 'Are you alright?' Ichigo asked Orihime with his arm outstretched towards her to help her up. ' yes, I'm ok thanks to you. Thank you for saving me.' Orihime replied as she took his hand and he pulled her up.

' May I ask for your name?' she asked shyly with her head bent.

Ichigo looked at her and told her his name. She smiled at him and hugged him tightly. 'Oi! whats the big idea!' he exclaimed trying to wriggle out of the hug. He felt so embarrassed being so close to her. 'Thank you Ichigo' she said and he finally stopped wriggling.

'Lady Orihime!' a man exclaimed. 'what happened? Are you alright?' the man named Sora, her brother inquired.

'yes I'm fine brother' she said then explained the events that just transpired to her brother.

'Thank you for saving my sister, Ichigo. I am grateful for what you have done.' Sora said. Sora then walked with both of the kids back to the mansion. From then on Sora made Ichigo promise to watch over and protect his sister. He then allowed Ichigo to live in the mansion with them and work as the caretaker or handyman of the house.

For the next three years all was well at the Inoue mansion. Their friendship grew strong over time and though they both started to develop feelings for each other. They were now both 13 and Ichigo knew he could not tell her how he felt because it would only complicate things. She was a noble woman and therefore could not be with or marry a commoner. He wished with all his heart that she could be his, but in the end it would just remain a wish and nothing more. She never left the house without him for he was her best friend and her secret crush. They did everything together and went everywhere together, they were almost inseperable. Some nights he would sneak in her room after the household retired for the night because there just weren't enough hours in the day for them to spend time with each other. They would stay up late and talk while looking at the stars and admire the view of the bayou from her balcony.

Tonight was like any other night when she asked him to sneak into her room again. But little did they know that tonight would be the last night like this...

'hey Ichigo' Orihime said as Ichigo quietly entered her room. He looked at her smiling face and admired her beauty which seemed to grow more and more with every passing day. 'What are you smiling about?' he asked her curiously.

'Nothing' she said unable to contain her grin 'its just that the way you're always sneaking in my room... its as if we're a couple or something and you can't be without me.' she continued.

'What!' Ichigo exclaimed blushing a dark crimson color at her remark.

'Relax I'm only teasing you, Ichigo. You're so adorable when you are flustered and start blushing like that.' she said laughing at his reaction.

'If I didn't know any better, I would say you're the one who can't do without me since you're always begging me to see you almost every night.' he teased back.

'but you are such a good boy, being at my beckon call like that.' Orihime teased again and Ichigo grunted in response. ' But Ichigo you are the only guy I completely trust and feel comfortable around. Have you ever thought about me as more than a friend?' she asked turning away from him. She could not look at him and utter those words or bear to hear the rejection she knew was coming, but still she had to ask. She could no longer suppress her feelings within her otherwise she thought she would burst. Ichigo realized that there was a serious shift of tone in the conversation. He wrapped his arms around her waist before speaking.

"I care about you more than you know Orihime,' Ichigo said ' you're my best friend but even if we wanted to we can't be together.'

'Regardless of if we can or cannot. I'm not asking if we can. I'm asking you if you would.' Orihime whispered.

'I would' he whispered into her ear, then turned her around to face him. 'I'm not a noble but at least I can be your first kiss.' he said looking into her eyes as his face inched closer to hers. Her heart pounding so hard it echoed through her ears. He stroked her hair before holding her chin and leaning in to kiss her. They both shared a passionate kiss pulling each other in more and deeper as if there would be no end to it. They finally broke apart after a few minutes of heated passion. She could feel his hot breath on her lips as both of them gasped for air.

'Promise me that no matter what happens that you'll always stay by my side Ichigo.'

Ichigo held her in his arms and said, 'you know I will always stay by your side, I promise.' He kissed her once more before uttering the phrase she always longed to hear from him, 'I love you Orihime.'

"And I love you too Ichigo.' she said.

Later on that night he returned to his room after she fell asleep not knowing that the events that would unfold the next morning would jeopardize their relationship.

To be continued...

(A/N. So this is only my 2nd fanfic. I know its super cheesy but if you have any thoughts on what you would like to see happen next or how I can improve the next chapter let me know :) Hope you enjoyed it