One thing I must say. I'm happy for the Naruhina and Sakusura shippers. As a shipper it is frustrating waiting for your ships to become canon. Trust me I have been a bleach fan since 2006, and I fell madly in love with Ichiruki from the first time I watched Bleach so I know its hard.

I'm not a huge Naruto fan but apparently, people think this will some how affect the pairings in bleach…..How so? I mean lets be honest if Tite Kubo makes Ichihime canon he would have defeated the whole purpose of Bleach as a manga. I think Ichigo will be single, you'll just have to wonder who he ends up with. But he does live in Japan and from what I know the Japanese fan base are primarly IchiRuki, Ulquihime….etc

Chapter 2

"You know Orihime, when I said I would help I didn't think it involved me wearing an apron" Tatsuki said as she pulled on the black apron tied around her waist. Orihime who was wearing a tan pant suit just smiled at her best friend.

"That's why you're the bestest friend ever." Orihime cheered as she hugged Tatsuki causing Tatsuki to roll her eyes but smile.

A week had come and gone. Right now, Orihime was standing with Tatsuki and many other servers in the kitchen of the Kuchiki Mansion. It had actually been about 10 years since she had been in this house and that was the time Orihime had almost slept with Ichigo.

Orihime decided not to think about that. That was a terrible night for her as well as Ichigo and Rukia.

"Miss Orihime, we need more appetizers" Mihane said as she walked in. Both, Tatsuki and Mihane, were wearing white button up shirts, black pants, a black apron and a purple bowtie. It was uniform for all her servers. Mihane offered to help Orihime with the ball. Tatsuki was begged with puppy dog eyes and many pleas.

"Okay, There are more prepared plates, can you and Tatsuki please help me bring them out." Orihime ordered pointing to two trays. Tatsuki smiled proudly seeing her best friend in charge and confident.

"Okay" Mihane said as she grabbed the tray and waited for Tatsuki to do the same.

Orihime was nervous. The night was going well and the ball seemed to be well attended. Now the food was being given. She had many people she had to impress.

She had barely seen Mr. Kuchiki all day. Although she had been in the kitchen since 7 am, she expected him to at least check on her; this was her first time catering something like this after all.

Orihime decided she needed to be confident. He was a smart man and he believed in her so she had to believe in herself.

Orihime walked around the kitchen. She began helping some of the servers who were preparing the presentation for dinner. All of the servers enjoyed working with Orihime. She was fair and sweet. She worked with her servers to make things amazing and they respected that.

Orihime realized, as a good caterer she had to go out to the ball and actually make sure things were going well. This would be her first time being in the ballroom area since the event started. Orihime took a deep breath, straightened her suit and walked out to the ballroom.

She looked around at how beautiful the place looked. It was so regal, like a palace. People were dressed like celebrities and some of them were. The event was classy but you could tell people were having fun.

She noticed Tatsuki and Mihane walking over to her; the former had a very annoyed look on her face.

"What's wrong?" Orihime asked worried that someone may have complained about the food.

"Its nothing, just not a fan of the guest list" Tatsuki mumbled.

"Is someone bothering you?" Orihime asked with a frown.

"No Orihime, and I'm not telling you why I'm annoyed." Tatsuki said before heading to the kitchen. Orihime was about to call out to her but Mihane spoke up.

"It seems she isn't a fan of Miss Senna Abarai" Orihime's eyes widened but she understood. It had been six months since the drama between Tatsuki and Senna went to an all time high. Orihime wished her friend would let go of Renji. It had been six years and Renji was married to Senna. The chance to be with him was gone.

Speaking of the devil, Senna Abarai walked over wearing a simple but elegant black dress with swoop neckline.

"There you are Orihime!" Senna said happily. Orihime was surprised but smiled and greeted Senna anyway.

"Renji told me you were catering this event and I got so excited. Your food is really good and you proved it even more today" Senna stated. Orihime smiled brightly.

"Thank you Thank you! That means a lot to me Senna" Orihime thanked her.

"Its no problem, I just hope you are free next month to cater my movie release party." Senna said hoping to hear a favorable answer.

"I would love to. But isn't your movie premier in Tokyo?" Orihime asked.

"It is, but I'll pay for your flight. I can have servers hired right in Tokyo to help you that night. Plus Trapnest the band will be playing at my party, imagine the celebrity clientele you could gain" Senna said trying to convince her.

"I would be honored to cater," Orihime pulled out her card, "Please call me and we can talk details."

Senna nodded and smiled. "Thanks Orihime, looks like we found a friendship in the mist of all our past drama"

Orihime nodded and waved. She was so excited; Things were going so well for her.

"You know she was being extra nice because she saw me standing by the kitchen door" Tatsuki said scaring Mihane and Orihime.

"Tatsuki, don't scare me like that" Orihime said laughing nervously. "And I know you two don't get along but it is going to help my business."

"I didn't say you have to reject her offer. By all means take the witch's money but I still don't like her. Don't ask for my help at her movie party" Tatsuki stated. Orihime nodded and thanked her friend.

"I think I'll take her up on her offer" Orihime said turning to both Mihane and Tatsuki. "Being successful sometimes involves taking risks." Tatsuki nodded and smiled. Her best friend really was stronger than anyone gave her credit for.

"HIME! TATS!" A loud female voice yelled. Orihime and Tatsuki turned knowing that Rangiku Hisagi was the one calling out to them.

Rangiku quickly pulled the two women into a tight hug, which was slightly uncomfortable due to her protruding belly and her big breasts.

Once the girls were free they took deep breaths and greeted the soon to be mother.

"Hey Ran, good to see you too" Tatsuki with a bit of sarcasm.

"Hello Rangiku" Orihime greeted.

"I am so excited to see you guys! Especially all of your great food Orihime." Rangiku stated. Rangiku looked around Orihime to see her maid standing awkwardly.

"Hi there, Mihane, is Orihime putting you to work?" Rangiku asked smirking.

"Oh no, Im happy to help" Mihane answered quickly with a blush.

"Ran, don't tease the girl" Tatsuki warned. Rangiku playfully waved her off.

"So Orihime, are you too much of a big shot to cater another baby shower" Rangiku asked happily.

"You know I would do anything for my friends, just let me know" Orihime answered.

"Perfect!" Rangiku squealed, "I know Senna probably asked you to do her movie release" Orihime quickly nodded, "so I can wait a few weeks after her event to have my baby shower, that's if you're free"

"Like I said I'm always available for my friends" Orihime repeated. Rangiku smiled and hugged Orihime.

"You are the greatest! That Uryu is a lucky man to have such an amazing wife" Rangiku bragged but missed the flash of hurt on Orihime's face. Tatsuki and Mihane however did not miss it.

"Oh! Do you think Uryu will have his baby line ready by the time my kid is born" Rangiku asked out loud.

"I'm not sure really" Orihime said with a fake smile, "I'll ask him." Just as Rangiku wanted to keep going, Tatsuki saved the day, "Orihime, dinner will probably start soon, we should head back to the kitchen."

Orihime looked to Tatsuki and within a second both women understood each other.

"Tatsuki is right" Orihime said apologetically. Rangiku faked a pout then smiled. "Welll find me after dessert so we can talk more, See you guys" Rangiku said before walking over to her husband, Shuhei

Orihime sighed and turned to walk back to the kitchen. Tatsuki and Mihane glanced at each other slightly worried before following their friend to the kitchen.

"Okay everyone" Orihime projected her voice as she entered the kitchen. " Dinner will be served very soon, so we need all the plates to look presentable before serving"

The servers nodded and began following her orders as Mihane and Tatsuki walked in.

"Do you guys mind making sure the plates are perfect and the servers start heading out" Orihime asked as she added some garnish to a few plates. "Mihane knows how everything is supposed to be"

Tatsuki frowned; her best friend wasn't looking her in the face.

"And why can't you do it?" Tatsuki asked. She hated to sound rude but she didn't want her friend running away.

"Tatsuki please" Orihime pleaded as she looked at her best friend with tears trying to spill from her eyes. Tatsuki wanted to say something but Mihane put her hand on Tatsuki's arm. Mihane may have only known Orihime a couple of years compared to Tatsuki's twenty-year friendship but she could tell when Orihime just need a break to herself.

"Fine" Tatsuki reluctantly replied, "Where are you going"

"Just outside"

"Hime.." Tatsuki warned with a concerned frown.

"Its okay Tats. I'm not leaving the party I'm catering. I just need to be sure that the garbage was disposed of in the right places. Paparazzi is here and no one needs garbage as the background scenery as the enter a grand ball." Orihime reasoned.

Tatsuki looked at her best friend, looking for a sign that Orihime may not be okay. Tatsuki shrugged when she didn't find one.

"Just hurry back Hime" Tatsuki said. Orihime nodded, thanked Mihane and preceded to the door the lead to the outside.

Orihime briskly walked out side and stopped when she was far enough to let out a loud sob. Her tears fell quickly but she wiped them just as fast. She didn't want tonight to be about Uryuu and why he was never with her anymore. She didn't want it to be about his fashion line. She didn't want everyone's perfect family waved in her face. Tonight was about her getting her lucky break within the catering business. Tonight she wasn't the fashion designer's wife; she was the caterer of this prestigious event.

Orihime took deep breaths and tried to control herself. She had job to finish up and she couldn't expect Mihane and Tatsuki to run things.

Orihime was ready to walk back into the kitchen when she heard cameras flashing and people yelling out "NEMU! NEMU!

She let her curiosity get the best of her and walked over to the noise, she noticed the people with cameras and a white limo.

Orihime watched from the corner, a women wearing a white V-neck Chiffon Sheath/Column Floor-length Evening Dress. She stepped out as the driver helped her. Orihime soon noticed it was the woman from last week that she saw in Uryuu's studio.

"Nemu! You look stunning!"

"Nemu is looking flawless as always"

"Best dressed women in Corporate Japan!"

Orihime noticed that Nemu wasn't receptive to all the compliments from the paparazzi. She just blushed and gave a small smile.

"Nemu, what designer are you wearing?"

Nemu perked up at the question and smiled slightly bigger. "I am actually wearing a Uryuu Ishida original"

Orihime felt her chest tighten as she heard her husband's name. But Orihime was not surprised. The dress was definitely her husband's work. Flawless!

"An original? He allowed an original piece to worn at an event before it premiers on the runway?"

"Well, he would have like to present it himself but he had a fashion emergency to attend to in Tokyo. " Nemu replied, seeming more receptive. Orihime however just felt an unwanted jealousy. She had barely seen Uryuu all week and when she asked if he was coming he said he was not sure. How is it that Nemu knew more about her husband's whereabouts?

"You seem to be good friends with Mr. Ishida" a woman asked and it made Nemu freeze. Orihime noticed the woman was looking a bit red. Was she blushing about Uryuu?!

"My daughter is vice president of a division within the largest company in Japan" a man said walking over to Nemu. He had blue hair and honey gold eyes wearing a purple tux. "She must look the best at all times, so she keeps a few designer friends"

"Mr. Mayuri Kurotsuchi!" the press started to call out. Orihime noticed Nemu bow her head as the man she guessed to be her father spoke about how great his division is. She felt slightly sorry for the woman. Nemu was living in her father's shadow.

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"Orihime!" a man called out to her. Orihime turned and her heart sped up when she saw Ichigo Kurosaki walking over to her wearing a black tux, looking like a model.

"Uh hi Ichigo" Orihime said hoping she wasn't blushing.

"I haven't seen you all night, I was hoping to see you when dinner was first served." After watching Nemu walk into the ball, Orihime went back to the kitchen and directed the servers for dinner, but did not leave the kitchen so she could get a head start on preparing dessert.

She finally came out in order to check on the clearing of the dinner plates from the guest tables.

"Sorry I have been so busy trying to make sure everything runs smoothly." Orihime replied smiling.

"Its cool, I was just happy when I found you where catering this ball. I mean I hate these events but I have to go because of Rukia but you being able to get your name out as a caterer is great," Ichigo said smiling at her.

One thing Orihime could not deny is after all these years she still loved Ichigo's face when he smiled. Of course she has only seen it when he is with Rukia but she loved it still the same. It meant that the man in front of her was overall a truly happy man.

"Thanks Ichigo, I was nervous but I'm glad people seem to like the food"

"The food is great, you came a long way since your mismatch concoctions back in high school" Ichigo reminded her.

"That's not fair!" Orihime pretended to pout, "You never gave them a chance, plus Rangiku liked it"

"Um Rangiku drinks gallons of alcohol a day, her stomach could handle anything" Ichigo replied rolling his eyes.

"You never had a problem with my cooking when we were dating" Orihime fired back jokingly but regretted it. Ichigo just awkwardly laughed.

"Well you were trained in culinary arts somewhat" Ichigo mentioned, "but Uryuu must really get to eat well." Ichigo realized the way he changed the subject was awkward and not smooth at all.

Orihime was tired of talking about Uryuu but she would not let it show. "Uryuu is just as lucky as everyone else since he is never home" She didn't know why she said but she did and by the look on Ichigo's face, she couldn't hide the sadness in her voice.

"I'll just have to kick his ass and make him stay home" Ichigo said with a smirk which surprised Orihime but she smiled at him.

"Look Orihime, I don't know what's up with you but Rukia is worried and as your friend I am worried too," Ichigo said. Orihime felt slightly disappointed. She figured Rukia told Ichigo about the lunch incident and Ichigo is trying to save the day.

"No need to be worried, I told Rukia the only reason I cancelled was because I was stressed about hiring servers." Orihime said trying to fake her cheeriness.

"Well if you aren't going to talk to Rukia or me, I hope your talking to Tatsuki. I know our friendships will never be back to what we all had in high school but we are willing to try, me and Rukia" Ichigo said as he looked behind him to see his small pregnant wife chatting it up with Miyako Shiba and Senna.

Orihime didn't miss that look Ichigo gave Rukia and realized that she has never really gotten over Ichigo choosing Rukia in the end.

"I appreciate the concern Ichigo, but unless you can undo the past, it may never be okay" Orihime said to him, before Ichigo could say anything she walked away from him heading to the other side of the ball. Orihime could feel Rukia's eyes on her. She was probably hoping Ichigo would "resolve" the problem but she knew Rukia would figure out that wasn't the case.

Orihime walked without a real destination until she saw her high school buddies Ikkaku and Yumichika.

"Hime! You look beautiful as usual" Yumichika said giving her a kiss on the cheek while Ikkaku nodded. By their posture, Orihime could see they were drunk.

"Thank you Yumichika, I hope you guys are enjoying the food"

"Oh yeah, you aren't too bad in the kitchen" Ikkaku stated,.

"Glad to hear that, dessert will be out soon"

"Don't worry" Ikkaku said picking up his cup. " I got this as my dessert"

Orihime just nodded and smiled. "HIME!" Rangiku cheered from behind.

"Dinner was great, that steak was cooked perfectly" Rangiku bragged. Orihime smiled feeling slightly overwhelmed by the smell of alcohol and Rangiku.

"I wish I could drink!" Rangiku pouted looking at the sake.

"Too Bad!" Yumichika teased, "Why don't you have a drink with us Hime?"

"Yes! Drink in place, Hime" Rangiku suggested

"Oh no, I can't I need to make sure everything goes smoothly" she protested.

"Why did you even ask, Uryuu frowns upon getting intoxicated, his wife isn't going to do that?" Ikkaku questioned with annoyance.

Orihime however felt completely annoyed with the fact that Uryuu was topic of conversation when she was around. It's like she will only ever be Ishida's wife.

"Pour me a glass" Orihime said before Yumichika, Ikkaku and Rangiku looked at each other and smiled dangerously.

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Tatsuki frantically left the kitchen in search of her best friend. It had been an hour and a half since Orihime went to check on the end of dinner. Mihane took over by directing the servers.

It was a good thing that Mihane always like to help Orihime so she could take over.

Tatsuki walked over to her friends as she saw them. They all denied seeing Orihime around. She did her best to avoid looking at Renji and Senna. She wanted to find Orihime but she refused to ask for help from Senna while wearing an apron.

Tatsuki finally caught sight of Ikkaku's baldhead. She noticed that he was with Yumichika, Shuhei and Rangiku.

Tatsuki quickly walked over to them to see if they had seen Orihime. As soon as she reached the group she noticed they were all huddled by someone.

"Hey guys, have you seen…" Tatsuki couldn't finish her question because the person she was looking for was slumped in a chair surrounded by her friends. Orihime's face was bright red, her eyes were low and glossy and her posture was very slumped

"WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED TO HER?" Tatsuki demanded, scaring the four of them.

"Tatsuki! Not so loud" Rangiku pleaded.

"Rangiku, what the hell did you do to her?" she asked trying not to yell again.

"She took a couple of shots," Ikkaku answered, "Had no idea she was a lightweight though"

"You idiots, who let her drink" Tatsuki said pushing her way to Orihime and putting her hand on her forehead.

"She is a grown woman, Tats, she chose to drink, don't blame us" Yumichika defended.

"You guys are so immature, we aren't college kids anymore." Tatsuki snapped at him.

"Don't drag me into this" Shuhei spoke up, "I just came because Ran said they needed my help"

Tatsuki snapped her glare at Rangiku. "Why are you even at the bar, you are six months pregnant for fucks sake"

"Hey! I didn't drink, I just watched my champ her take a few shots" Rangiku said patting Orihime's head. Orihime smiled and nodded.

Tatsuki looked back at her friend worried. "Orihime, are you okay?"

"Yes Tats! I feel like jelly…..like wasabi flavored jellllllllllyyyyy" Orihime said a little too loud.

"You assholes better fix this! Orihime hasn't been drunk since high school graduation! She has no tolerance." Tatsuki warned.

"Well no one told her to give up drinking after that ugly situation at Rukia's party" Yumichika mumbled earning a glare from Tatsuki.

She was ready to retort until someone cleared their throat. Everyone turned to see Byakuya Kuchiki looking at all of them with his eyebrows raised.

"What is the meaning of this?" Byakuya asked looking to everyone then his eyes landed on his caterer who was clearly not in her right mind.

"What is wrong with Mrs. Ishida?" Byakuya asked. Tatsuki steeped from Orihime trying to think of what excuse she could make. How would she explain that Orihime got drunk on the job?

As Tatsuki was about to blabber an excuse, Rangiku spoke up. "Mr. Kuchiki, I'm so sorry! I offered Orihime a drink because she needed a small break but I forgot she had has an allergic reaction to one of the ingredients. It makes her sweat and run a fever, sometimes even throw up, so we are just trying to keep her cool."

Ikkaku, Yumichika and Tatsuki looked at Rangiku surprised by her quick lie.

"Now I see how she got away with a year long affair" Ikkaku mumbled before Tatsuki discreetly stomped on his foot.

"Will she need medical attention?" Byakuya asked seeming to believe Rangiku's story.

"She just needs to let it work out her system. If you have a place she could lie down, that would suffice" Rangiku requested smiling.

Byakuya nodded and signaled for two of his house workers. The two men hurried over to him.

"Yes Master Kuchiki" they said in unison.

"Please take Mrs. Ishida up to one of the rooms and have her rest. Do not leave her side due to her sudden illness." Byakuya ordered.

"But sir, our prior assignment?"

"You can find a way to complete both tasks" Byakuya demanded with a small glare. Both men gulped and quickly helped Orihime up. Tatsuki was shocked by how quick they were able to remove her. Ikkaku, Yumichika, Rangiku and Shuhei snuck away while this happened.

"Um, thanks Mr. Kuchiki"

"No thanks necessary, but be sure to take over the last of her duties" Byakuya warned before walking away.

Tatsuki sighed once he was far enough. This night was more eventful than she expected.

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Orihime tossed and turned as the bright light hit her face and the sound of running water woke her up. She didn't want to wake up. Her bed felt so comfortable. Actually too comfortable. Orihime slowly opened her eyes and regretted it. She suddenly felt a headache coming. Orihime grabbed her head in pain. She attempted to open her eyes. She strained until she could see fully.

She looked at her surroundings and realized she wasn't in her room or her bed. The room was massive. The sheets were pure black silk. The furniture was classy but antique compared to her modern bedroom. She removed the sheets from her and noticed she was wearing a button shirt that did not belong to her, but she did notice it was a Phoenix shirt created by her husband. Orihime attempted to remember her night.

She remember the ball, and catering it, then she remembered drinking. Orihime panicked, did she get drunk and do something stupid at the ball. Did Uryuu have to pick her up?

But then why wasn't she in her own bedroom? And why did her thighs hurt? Orihime was snapped when the sound of running water stopped. She looked to a door that seemed to be letting out steam. Orihime nervously heard footsteps. "Uryuu?" She whispered.

The door opened revealing Byakuya Kuchiki wearing nothing but a towel around his waist and a very well toned body.

"OH MY GOSH!" Orihime screeched. Byakuya stopped and looked at Orihime's shocked expression.

"I see you have finally awoken" Byakuya said to her, "Good Morning"

"Um, good morning, Mr. Kuchiki?" Orihime greeted back. Byakuya got one of his robes and tied it tightly on himself.

"I see you are no longer sick" he said not looking at her as he got his clothes prepared. Orihime bowed her head in shame, he must have seen her drunk in front of all his guests.

"Mr. Kuchiki, I am sorry for my behavior last night" Orihime said bowing, this surprised him.

"Why should you apologize for an allergic reaction?"

Orihime looked at him confused. She wanted to correct him but if he wasn't mad at her why would she even say anything.

Orihime just watched as the man laid his clothes on his bed. He was so handsome for his age and almost 40 but he looked 30.

Orihime started blushing thinking about the fact that she was in his bed and her whole face went red. Byakuya paused to look at the woman in front of him who was as red as a tomato. He would have to clear up any misconceptions the woman may have.

"In the event that you were not sure of what may have transpired last night, I shall tell you" Byakuya started, "My house workers tried to bring you to a room to watch you, on the way you seemed to have vomited" Orihime head slumped hearing such an embarrassing detail. "One of the maids found one of my older shirts and cleaned you up and changed you. The workers then brought you to my room because those incompetent fools tried to clean my bedroom and watch you at the same time."

"I am so sorry, Mr. Kuchiki" Orihime said apologizing with tears in her eyes. "You must think I am the worst"

Byakuya couldn't help but smile at her humble apology. This woman was as pure as Rukia had described.

"Please, Mrs. Ishida, I told you, I do not blame you. How could I say anything negative about the person who catered a meal that all my guest loved" Byakuya said with his smile leaving his face before Orihime looked at him.

"Really?" Orihime asked smiling with her tear stained face. It amazed him how she could go from happy to sad to happy.

"Yes, actually, I gave a few guest your contact information. It seems as if you will be a very busy and successful caterer."

Orihime was so happy that her body flew and hugged Mr. Kuchiki.

Byakuya's face now went bright red. Orihime realized her rash actions and pulled away.

"Sorry Mr. Kuchiki" Orihime said as she scratched her head nervously.

"Its quite alright" Byakuya said straightening his robe. "The maids should have cleaned and dried your clothes, and we have arranged a car to take you home once you are dressed."

"Thank you Mr. Kuchiki for everything" Orihime said smiling happily at Byakuya. Byakuya was surprised by her gratitude.

"No thanks required" Byakuya said turning to go back to the bathroom.

"OH Mr. Kuchiki?" Orihime called out. Byakuya turned to see a blushing Orihime. "Do you know why my thighs are sore?"

Byakuya didn't know why she seemed so nervous asking.

"Its seems you attempted to walk on your own and you fell down in what they call a 'split' position." He answered as he walked into his bathroom to hide the fact that he wanted to laugh.

Orihime smacked herself on her forehead. She could not believe how stupid she got after drinking.

Orihime kept berating herself as she walked out of Byakuya's bedroom and prepared to return to her home.

I cant promise the last two chapters will come out fast but I wll try. I am working full time and I feel like I live at my job but there is a bad blizzard where I am so I had time to update since I'm stuck in my house.

This chapter is rushed and not very good but I wanted to finish this!

Next chapter: Orihime finds a surprise at home; Orihime and Rukia meet up again