Chapter 2

It was the next day at Urahara's house, the sun was rising in the sky which stirred the group to wake up from there miserable dreams ~ although nobody managed to get a decent night's sleep, a few winks certainly helped.

Ichigo was already up and staring out of the window like he had forgotten what the sky looked like.. The fluffy clouds… the orange tint of the sun…clean air…

He inhaled deeply and expelled the air slowly - today wasn't going to be a day to look forward to, but he had to be strong… he had to be strong for Inoue…

Everyone was now mobile and moving around in the room collecting there belongs and straightening there clothing out from the night before, trying not to disturb Ichigo from his makeshift daydream.

" Arr everybody is awake then! That good news!" Urahara entered the room with a tray of steaming hot green tea.

"Morning Urahara, Is there any news on Inoue - can we go and see her? Rukia asked nervously as she took the cup of him.

Urahara passed the green tea around the rest of the group, with gratitude from them for his hospitality, he received the normal head nod from Ichigo.

"Well, Inoue-chan is certainly awake and asking quite a few questions for this early in the morning! You should be ok to see her later on Rukia - let her have some time to herself for a while…"

Before they knew it - Ichigo had stood up and started walking out of the room, not taking a blind bit of notice to what Urahara had just told Rukia. He had just been to hell and back to get this woman back in his life, and he wasn't going to leave it another minute until he could witness with his own eyes that she was ok.

The group decided to leave him to his actions - he was not approachable in this state.

He took a deep breath before placing his hand on the door handle, he slowly turned his wrist clockwise to undo the door - and there in front of his cold eyes was Inoue Orihime.

She sat on the futon with her legs crossed while holding onto the hot cup of green tea like it was her life line. She looked almost… at peace..

No burden on her shoulders like the neglect of her parents - the death of her brother - the emotional torments from Aizen ~ nothing…

She was still dressed in her white espada attire but with a huge dressing gown over the top of the clothing, drowning her curvy frame. A small smile appeared on Ichigo lips seeing her like this - he was… relieved that she was ok, it doesn't matter about memories yet, they will come back after time.

Inoue looked up after seeing the door open - and there stood the upset man from last night. He still looked worn out, heavy bags under his eyes and cuts all over his body, did he not get any sleep? Does he need to see a medic? Inoue wondered to herself…

"Erm…Come in if you like, you're the guy from last night right? She wondered with her head slightly tipped to the side.

"Err, yeh ~ Its me Inoue. I just wanted to see how your were" Ichigo asked as he was looking down nervously.

"Oh, Im fine thank you! Lil bump on the head and few grazes here and there but other than that, im fine!" Smiled Inoue while rubbing the sore part of her head.

"Well I guess im not really sure why I have these minor injuries but I guess you're the guy who saved me huh?

"Well, I wouldn't put it like that Inoue, I mean.. look what mess your in now" Ichigo stated while lowering his tone of voice to almost a mumble

Inoue just looked at him with these big puppy eyes and a side smile.

"It doesn't matter about the present - I believe you're my key to the past and the future, kuro..kuroo..?

"Kurosaki Ichigo"

"RIGHT! Kurosaki, its nice to see you again by the way! But you looked upset last night when I saw you, did something happen to you? Did I upset you? Did I say something I wasn't supposed to of said but then I did and it offended you??"

Wow.. This really is Inoue ~ but the side of her I never get to see - this is more Tatsuki's department than mine, Ichigo thought to himself.

"No you didn't offend me in anyway Inoue , I…I just thought id lost you for a moment…"

"Humm… So… does that mean im important to you Kurosaki?" She asked freely

Ichigo now feeling his face burn up from the intimate question she was asking without a care in the world… So Urahara was right with her early morning questions.. Dam..

"Inoue…..You are…"

"Hay Inoue-chan!! So how are you feeling - Did my green tea help? " blurted out Urahara, who now had a pissed off Ichigo staring at him.

Both now in an awkward stare off…

"Lets get you up and into some proper clothes Inoue" Yoruichi suddenly appeared by the door frame, now heading towards Inoue…

So there you go… Chapter 2 complete - hope you all enjoy and don't forget to review!