Here is the UPDATED VERSION of chapter 2. More details have been added to Orihime's background. I have changed a few things and have tried to add more context compared to the original draft! I hope the writing style is more refined and I hope you guys are enjoying the revamped version of this story! More updated chapters will be replaced so please re-read for a full context and understanding of changes in plot and characters!

The sun's rays were bright and had cast an orange glow in the dreary, worn down room. The flimsy, torn curtains doing nothing to block out any of the light and bothering the sleeping girl. She tossed and turned trying hard to avoid the harsh beams of light and her tick mattress creaked from the strain. The straw had provided some comfort on the otherwise hard, cold floorboards of her small room and the wool blankets blocking some of the cold air that seeped into the room during the early morning. She had been restless since a few days ago when she had been brave enough to respond to the ads littering the streets near her living quarters.

The ads had requested the need for maids in the Kurosaki household. From what little she remembered, the Kurosaki family had been a very prominent and wealthy family of aristocrats, dating back than before her birth. Her brother, Sora had mentioned them in passing when he had been alive and was working on a local farm and used to deliver what little goods he could sell in town as a farmer and merchant. He had told her that the lady of the household, Masaki Kurosaki, was a beauty and she had the heart of a goddess; kind and loving. He said that illness took her but other rumours had speculated that she had died by accident with her carriage being crashed during a storm and that her sudden death had caused a rift to enter the Kurosaki family, things had never been the same. Their family had actually provided much wealth into the town that she lived in with her brother during the time, and the sudden death of Masaki had somehow wilted the wealth that was being poured into town. Some had gossiped that Masaki was the one who was donating wealth into town and that her death had put a pause on donations, others whispered that the Kurosaki family didn't care for the poor and that it was only Masaki who truly cared. They were only rumours and gossip, so nothing was ever confirmed regarding the truth behind her death, however Orihime had always remembered how happy and prosperous the town was before Lady Masaki's death. Orihime had been truly happy living with her brother during that time and despite how hard it was to live being so poor, she still enjoyed the pure joy the townsfolk had.

A small smile of reminiscence crept on her face as she recalled her brother and the fun times she had with him when they would go into town and would try to sell his trade to townsfolk; the smell of honey coated and lemon bread always was pleasing and the chatter of town was chipper as people pushed their way through the open stalls to buy and trade. Orihime shook her head out of her musing and sat up on the hard, stiff matt, her sunset orange hair cascading down her shoulders and some strands had escaped from her loose braid. She got up leisurely and went to her dresser where her small, broken mirror sat pathetically along with some of her old belongings. She sat on her rickety wooden chair and grabbed her comb to rearrange her tousled hair. The letter of her acceptance for work sat open on her dresser from last night and she stared down at it. The red wax and swirling cursive letters only standing out in comparison to the worn out shade of wood and pale walls of her room.

She swiftly got ready, tying her long, luscious hair into a tight fitting, neat bun and changed into her simple worn, washed out, yellow dress. The bottom of her dress forever stained a light brown from the layers of mud that caked her dress after having to walk through muddy fields day after day; no matter how much she tried to wash it. She put on her favourite, brown boots on, the worn out leather comfortable and the heals not high and low enough for her walk around in, not like the fancy dress shoes and heels on some custom made shoes she saw the ladies in town wear.

Her luggage and leather bags sat by her door neatly. She had packed the night before in haste and excitement at the prospect of new employment. She had been working at the local bakery for years and although the people there had been very kind and generous, the pay was very little, some days she remembered that she only had earned 1 shilling and 3 pence a month which was barely enough for living and food expenses. She had seen the advertisement for new employment as life saving. She had mustered enough courage to request a letter be written in terms of employment and had gotten a call from the house steward Charles and he had asked her for her credentials and her past work experience and had requested that she could come to work as soon as possible. She had made sure that she didn't write the letter herself, seeing as how people frowned down upon servants reading or writing. Luckily she had learned how to read and write from her brother when she was young. She remembered how he would force her to write scroll after scroll, letters and foreign words both in English and French. Her hands were sore and pages of printing paper were full of ink. Sora would watch her progress as he worked on the small vegetable garden out back, uprooting plants and Orihime would sit on her favourite tree stump as she hunched over the papers in her lap and would write; the harsh sun's rays beating on both their backs and coated her back with sweat. Sora had told her that being able to read and write was a privilege and having the skill would come in handy someday, but that she had to keep her skill a secret until the time was right.

She was nervous about having to uproot and leave her small little hut. She liked where she was living in Karakura town. It was a small little farming town, full of merchants and being a primarily fishing community since the town was surrounded by water. The town always had a lingering smell of the sea and fish that penetrated the air. She held so many memories here and having to leave a part of herself here was harder on her now that the realization of uprooting was coming far sooner than she thought. She was lucky enough that her neighbours had agreed to look after the small garden in the back of her house and keep a look out for any trouble that could occur when she was away. The old couple had known Sora and her when she was young and they always helped out whenever they could out of the loving paternal like relationship they had with her.

A soft knock echoed throughout the house and brought her out of her musing and she knew it was time to leave. She stood by her door, baggage in hand and turned one last time to look around and really take in her surroundings as she tried to burn the memory of her home into her mind. She smiled tenderly and with no regrets turned around left. She walked towards her front door the floorboards creaking under her weight, the small cracks in the walls and worn out, yellow wallpaper peeling off in certain spots. Every corner of the house holding some characteristic that was a quirk that she had come to love over the years. She stood before her front door, last minute nerves making her pause and twitch in nervousness. With a burst of courage she pulled the front door open with force and the chilly air and warm sun washed over her skin. In front of her stood a tall, lanky older man with grey hair and soft eyes. Her was wearing a neat fitting, tailored butler suit. She could tell from the condition of the clothing and the pristine buttons and edging to the material that this man belonged to a very wealthy household.

"Good Morning Miss Inoue. I'm Charles pennington, I'm the House Steward to the Kurosaki household. It's a pleasure to meet you." Charles introduced in a soft tone. He bowed elegantly and his movements were like liquid. He oozed poise and grace in his demeanour showing his upbringing and years of servitude.

"Oh you're the gentleman that spoke to me on the phone a few days ago. I'm Orihime Inoue. Thank you so much for allowing me this chance to work along side of you." She chirped in excitement. She bowed low in respect to show her sincerity and plastered a wide smile on her face.

"The carriage is waiting for you Miss Inoue." Charles chimed in. He directed her attention to the carriage that was behind him. The coachman waited patiently and the door already open waiting for her to step inside.

"Yes thank you." She quickly grabbed the last of her belongings and luggage, then with a skip in her step, followed Charles; his strides were long and with purpose. She had to jog to keep up with him.

"Is that everything?" Charles asked as he squinted at the small leather bag in her hands.

"Yes." Her voice trembled at his pitiful expression. She suddenly felt embarrassed and she fiddled with the handle of her bag and squirmed under his scrutiny. She turned around to take one more last look at the home in which she had known all her life and felt a sudden feeling of sadness fill her heart. Goodbye.

Charles took her bag from her hand and helped her inside the carriage. She thanked him as she stepped in. How luxurious. She thought. The carriage began to move and she knew it was time to move on. The carriage steadily made its way through the busy streets. So I'm going to work for a Nobleman. I wonder what's he like. I wonder if—he's handsome. The carriage made a slight thump as one of the wheels must have caught in a bump or hole in the cobble stones of the streets and Orihime was shaken from her thoughts. She felt her face burn in embarrassment at her lascivious thoughts and she shook hear head to clear her mind. I'm a little bit nervous. The carriage turned and suddenly the familiar streets of Karakura had disappeared. Only to show a new area which she was unfamiliar with. She had never had the luxury to travel far from town, only Sora did whenever he would go out of town to trade and sell goods. She was always left alone whenever he travelled, and she always felt empty being stuck in the house alone; the rooms always felt colder, the house felt darker and dreary whenever he left. All the warmth and comfort in the house left along with him and she hated the time they were apart. Her attention was diverted to the window and outside to the busy streets.

The busy markets and bars had been replaced with bakeries and expensive silk stores. People hustled around, everyone trying to get to where they needed to go and sell what they had to. Ladies and gentlemen were crowded around stalls and stores examining all the luxuries that awaited them. The bright colours and expensive clothing made Orihime's eyes burn and she felt out of place. Shortly after, houses of white stone and horses and carriages filled the streets. Noblemen, Aristocrats and wealthy women filled the streets. Oh my…everything looks so—expensive. The carriage made another sharp turn and soon she was being led to a private estate. As the carriage turned, she soon saw a mansion of pure white appear. The size was humongous and she could tell that the house was likely made out of alabaster stone; the white bricks of stone almost shining in the light and the large windows gleaming in the light. The overall structure looked like a mix of Victorian and Greek architecture with the arches and pillars being implemented into the design of the mansion and how there was three levels that towered over tall trees. A beautiful stone path led to the gates followed by a water fountain. As they inched nearer to the mansion it became even larger up close and she was dazed and flabbergasted at the mere size and beauty. Does this—really belong to a Noble-man?

The carriage made an abrupt stop and the coach driver opened the door and helped her out. She stood frozen and astonished by the mansion that she didn't even realize that Charles had already taken her luggage and was striding up the stone steps towards the front door.

"This way please." Charles instructed as he waited by the doors.

She had lost words and only followed him quietly. As soon as the mahogany doors opened she froze with shock. There were at least twelve maids and twelve butlers on each side of the grand entrance bowing in greeting. The floor was made of pure white marble and golden picture frames hung on the white walls.

"Welcome Miss Inoue to the Kurosaki manor." Charles welcomed warmly, his voice echoing through the entry way. The walls were white with portraits of elegant flowers and people dressed in fancy clothes, probably family members and previous lords and ladies of the estate. The floor a clear marble and shinned in brilliance, lush thin red carpet covered the stairs and small flower pots and expensive looking vases decorated the entry way.

"Th-thank you?" She whispered befuddled. Her eyes were wide in confusion and she was utterly amazed.

"Please don't feel that you're a stranger. Here at the Kurosaki manor we try to make all our staff feel as comfortable as possible." Charles informed. "If you would please follow me towards the servant quarters where you will receive your uniform, rules and regulations as well as meeting the staff." He explained calmly.

"Of course!" She replied enthusiastically.

She followed him up the stairs, their footsteps the only thing disrupting the silence between them. The upper floors were just as lavish as the entry way with soft carpets and long hallways that twisted and turned around making anyone unfamiliar with them getting totally lost. The servants spread out to do their chores and she followed silently behind Charles very nervous and shy as some servants observed her and whispered among themselves. As they kept walking she became more curious and amazed at the house and she became even more curious about who her future master was like. He led her into a small office and closed the door behind her. The office itself was small; there was a small wooden desk with pens, ink and paper resting on it along with a small chair, a tiny window was behind the desk and a old clock rested on the desk to tell the time. There was little personal items, no photos or pictures decorated the desk, clearly showing how profession Charles was. A medium sized bookcase was pushed to the far wall and made the room feel even more suffocating than it already was. Charles walked over to his desk and pulled open one of the drawers and took out a small key.

"This key is for you to have for the servants quarters, handle it with care since you will not get another one. You will be sharing a room with two other maids. The servants will instruct you further on your duties as well as the rules of this house. However I will tell you now that Mr. Kurosaki is a very irritable man and that you should try your best to stay on his good side." Charles instructed in a series tone.

"Try to refrain from idle gossip and work hard. Stay out of the West wing of the house until allowed to enter there." He continued with a colder tone of voice, his brown eyes seeming more menacing than his usual softer demeanour.

"What's in the west -"

"It is in your best interest to keep your questions to a minimum my dear. You should try to do as you're told and not ask questions." He interrupted in a clipped manner. Orihime felt a sudden chill run down her spine and she looked away from his cold stare and fiddled with the handles of her bag in embarrassment and shame at being reprimanded before even starting her duties.

"Dinner is at seven, lights should be out by ten and you should be awake to carry out your duties by five at the latest. We run a tight schedule and Mr. Kurosaki expects the rules to be followed. He's a very picky man and he does like not his schedule to be fiddled with, so I advise you to remain punctual."

"Yes sir." Orihime croaked at his warning.

"Good, now follow me. I'll direct you to the servants quarters where you will be living." He grunted as he got up from his seat and briskly walked past her and left the room swiftly.

Well he certainly doesn't waste any time does he? She thought to herself. She jogged to catch up to him and followed behind him, his large back and broad shoulders leading her back downstairs. He led her down past the kitchen area where she heard the sounds of pots and pans clanking and people barking orders, rich smells of bread and fresh food making her hungry. They continued on back outside and past the courtyard and lush gardens. The smell of flowers and roses permeating the air and she wished that she had more time to observe the gardens but a small gate blocked off access. Finally she could see a separate building not even half the size of the mansion that resided past the courtyard towards what looked like a very small house. He opened the door and led her through. It looked more familiar to what she was used to and less distinguished than the mansion.

She could see an open area where the kitchen was with benches and chairs littering the area and a vast sink rested where one could wash dishes. He continued upstairs and the ceiling was lower than the mansion's, Charles had to hunch a bit from his height and how low the ceiling was. He led her past the hallways and past a vast number of doors and finally stopped.

"This room to your left is the female sleeping chamber and to your right are the males." He pointed out. "Inside there will be maids that you will become familiar with and live with. They will further instruct you on the rules and what to do." He explained clearly. She was attentive and listened carefully.

"Thank you so much Charles-kun." She thanked and bowed as he smiled kindly. He handed her the key and then turned and swiftly left. Okay! This is my home now! Here goes nothing! Orihime pumped up her arms with excitement and optimism then opened the door. The moment she opened the door, she was pulled in by anxious hands and the door slammed behind her. There was two women in the room, already dressed in uniform and they giggled at Orhime's baffled and shocked state.

"You must be the new maid! It's nice to finally meet you! I'm Nel-chan. I've been hearing how we were going to get some new staff members!" She chirped. She had the most unusual colored hair that she had ever seen. It was blue, long and flowing. She had beautiful eyes and a warm, smile plastered on her round, bright face.

"Oh! It's nice to meet you too. I'm Orihime Inoue; I'll be in your care from now on." She nervously introduced myself. Nel grabbed her hand and smiled.

"No need to be so formal! We'll be working with each other for a long time after all!" Nel giggled.

"Geez, give the girl a little room Nel, can't you see she's nervous?" Another maid chuckled at Nel's excitement. She had purple long hair tied in a pony tail, and yellow cat like eyes that gleamed with mischief and playfulness.

"Nice to meet ya Orihime. My name is Yoruichi shihouin. You can call me anything you want." She winked while firmly shaking Orihime's hand, her grip strong and firm and her hand was warm.

"P-pleasure to meet you too Yoruichi-san." Orihime blushed.

"It's nice to have another girl in this damn place" Yoruichi growled.

"Never mind her foul mouth Inoue-chan." Nel whispered in her ear trying to make sure that Yoruichi didn't over hear her. Orihime giggled quietly to herself and felt slightly less tense. Maybe I'll be fine after all. She thought.

"Right, now you need to change and then you have to meet the master. He will be the one to look at your credentials and working experience. He usually gives the new staff about a week. If you mess up, you're dead meat. "Nel-chan warned.

"A week?" Orihime squeaked. So much for a probation. She thought grimly.

"Yup, if you mess up even once, you'll be sacked." Yoruichi bluntly explained. She gulped with fear and clenched her fists. I can't mess up.

"Well here's the summer and spring uniform." Nel passed them to Orihime. The clothing falling into her hands as she tried to grab them clumsily. "You only get three pairs, so you better take care of them. Plus you have to wash them yourself." She told her in an annoyed tone.

"Listen carefully because I'm only going to tell you once," Yoruichi began, "Maids and butlers are not to have any kind of intimate relationship. It just causes trouble. You will have assigned duties given to you either by Charles, the master or other staff members. Dinner is always at seven sharp. There will be a warning bell for breakfast, lunch and dinner, so pay attention. Hmm… what else, oh ya, there is a private bath for the servants. Every day you have to be awake and ready at five and the master's one mean, spoiled brat so make sure not to anger him." She warned Orihime playfully.

"AH! There's so much to remember." Orihime moaned in exasperation. She felt tired already trying to remember everything, not to mention the early hours. Although she was accustomed to waking early and tending to her garden back home as well as the bakery, she was not accustomed to living with so many other people and working around a strict schedule. A schedule that someone else depended on. She felt nervous about having to work and serve someone else and to fit their needs.

"Don't worry, you've got us and after a while you'll get used to it." Nel reassured her with a smile and a pat on her shoulders.

"Thank you again. I'll try my best!" Orihime chanted with excitement. "Okay, time to get ready!" She chirped. She looked at the uniform bashfully realizing how revealing it was in comparison to some other uniforms she had seen and glared at it in irritation. So he's a lecher then, based on his tastes.

"Well this is... interesting." Orihime grumbled as she picked up the uniform and stretched it out to get a full view of it. The design was fairly simple but the end of the skirt was much more revealing to her tastes. The length of the dress was the not the problem seeing as how the length was long and trailed to her shoes, the apron was more frilly than usual. The cuffs and neckline was lower than she would have liked and her eyes trailed down the frills that covered the cuffs. The gown itself had inverted back pleats to shape the waist, and is meant to be worn over a plain dark linen petticoat. Thread stockings, low-heeled buckled shoes were provided to wear along with a cap to cover her hair modestly.

"It's not that bad! Trust me, you'll look good in anything!" Nel exclaimed in mirth.

"Well it looks like I'm resigned to my fate." Orihime signed in resignation.

"Oh come on! You make it sound like you're fated to die or something." Yoruichi chuckled. Orihime smiled and giggled lightly then started to undress. She folded her dress neatly and placed in on the bed that she was given. Her luggage bag sitting on top as well. She fixed the cuffs and assorted the apron however the corset was restricting over her large bust size and her chest ached from the constriction.

"Oh! You look so dazzling and pretty!" Nel announced. Both Nel and Yoruichi looked at her with alarmed and surprised expressions on their faces.

"W-what? Do l-look funny?" She flustered. She was meant to look modest and simple, not to draw any attention to herself, yet she felt like she was the centre of attraction.

"No—you look so pretty." Nel protested.

"Hmm… way to pretty if you ask me." Yoruichi countered.

"No way! You're just jealous because her uniform shows her curves and her chest!" Nel pouted.

"M-my chest?" She stuttered in shame. She looked at her own appearance and felt her face burn in embarrassment. While it was true that her figure was more curvy than others, she felt that she was relatively plain in comparison to some lady's who would wear luscious ballgowns and evening dresses. She could never even dare to compare herself to a prim and proper lady.

"HAHAHAHA! Don't be shy! You should be proud!" Yoruichi laughed.

She blushed from the attention and compliments and played with the hem of the cotton waist apron. The sound of a bell being rung interrupted the playful atmosphere and Nel and Yoruichi suddenly were alert.

"Looks like the master is calling for you." Nel explained.

They led me out of the servant quarters, through the courtyard and into the mansion. They stood near the entry way and stopped near the bottom of the stairs leading to the second floor.

"Just follow the spiral stair case, up the hallway to the third floor, and the last door on your left is the masters." Nel instructed her. "Good luck Inoue-chan!" She chirped.

She and Yoruichi went down the hall to fulfill their own figures disappearing and their shoes echoing behind them in their wake. Orihime stood at the foot of the spiral stairs, heart pounding, and finally took the first step up. She walked higher and higher and passed elegant floors and hallways with decorations, feeling more nervous and scared with each step. She finally reached the third floor to find red carpets fill the hallways. There were countless number of doors that led to God knows where as she continued her track down the hallway as she finally had reached the last door. Her hand hovered over the door shaking as she tried to mustered the courage to knock on the door. There was a pause then a firm, handsome voice spoke.

"Come in." The voice ordered in a firm, cold tone which sent shivers down her spine by the mere power that resonated from the man behind such a voice.

She grabbed the silver handle and opened the door sheepishly. It seemed to be a study. Elegant furniture filled the room, with a huge book case and fancy books with a warm fireplace off to the side. There in the middle of the room, sitting at his desk was the master of the household. He sat comfortably in his lush chair, his posture oozing power and confidence and his face was blank.

Orihime immediately turned blood red in the face at the sight of him. He had golden, brown eyes, lean features and the oddest colour, untidy hair she had ever seen. It was a bright orange hue, and was a little long for a man; his hair almost touching his neck and the top of his shoulders. It almost reached to his shoulders but stopped a few inches above them. He's so—young. I thought he would be—old.

"So you're the infamous Orihime inoue." He stated blankly.

"Y-yes. It's a pleasure to meet you sir." She squeaked and bowed politely. She was honestly surprised at the harsh tone of his voice.

"I took the liberty to read your past as well as your skill experiences. Based on these positive results on your previous work with other masters, I will assess your work and give you a fair chance to prove your—worth." He proposed in an arrogant tone.

"Hmm… I can see why many other people choose you." He hinted.

"E-excuse me?" She gasped baffled at the bold accusation of his clipped words.

"You have the pretty face, luxurious frame and the uniform tempts me oh so much." He whispered in a low, devilish tone. She stood baffled and slightly offended that he would only judge her by her looks and not her work.

"Not to be rude but, I do have the skills required and feel that you should assess me on my work, not my looks alone." She argued with a slight annoyed tone. Her temper getting the best of her.

"My my, it seems I have a maid with some fight in her." He chuckled darkly. He stood up and walked towards her with the stride like a cat stalking its pray; steady and smooth and stood a few inches in front of her analyzing and examining her. She started to feel her blood boil and felt embarrassed at the close inspection as his chocolate coloured eyes wandered all over her figure.

"You are quite the beauty. However your tongue is quite defiant. Hmm… maybe you can provide me with—other services?" He cooed in my ear in a light, low, suggestive tone.

"W-what?" She croaked in shock. He lifted his hand and started to stroke her face and smiled devilishly.

"Don't tell me—you're taking me seriously?" He giggled playfully. His eyes dancing with mirth and his smirk cold and callous.

Orihime stood in anger and embarrassment. Who does he think he is? Playing with me like that. She felt a slight blush creep onto her cheeks and averted her gaze from his eyes.

"I'm not like other women to be easily swept away by your so called charm." She suddenly blurted out. Oh no! What am I thinking? I mean he needs to drop that smug attitude, but he is the master of this household. I swear he's the devil. He looked shocked that a simple maid like her talked back to him. He smiled with a threatening look in his eyes and spoke in hushed, firm tone.

"I'll take that as a challenge, my pretty ignorant maid."