(A/N): To express my happiness that Ichigo and Orihime made canon, I've decided to make dribbles concerning their love leading up to the ten-year time skip.

Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach, that right goes to Tite Kubo. I am just a grateful fan for the past 15 years.

A Year

A year has passed since the end of the Quincy War.

A year filled with quietness and the occasional hollows.

A year of movie nights with friends and family.

A year of just living. No dangerous enemy to fight, no kidnappings and no leaving behind friends.

The Substitute Shinigami was officially off-duty.


It was weird the first month when nothing too big happened. Everyone waited, anticipated, yet nothing happened.

Rukia and Renji came and visited. Telling them all about the restoration process, and how they were grateful for Orihime's healing abilities. Her face showed absolute determination. She has grown all on her own.

The second month, nobody flinched when Orihime's spiritual pressure disappeared. Although, it was nice to know beforehand she told everyone she was leaving to Soul Society to train. Everyone waited with bated breath for Ichigo's response. All he stated was he'll wait for her return, leaving the auburn haired girl red in the face.

The third month, was the final visit from Rukia and Renji that year in Karakura. Everything was back to normal now, save a few reconstruction. There was no long cried out goodbyes, because it wasn't a goodbye, it was a see you later.

No matter the distances, bonds will forever hold their place.

The fourth month, Chad announced he was leaving to go train with the Fullbringers. He wanted to understand his powers and their origin. But in reality he wanted to become stronger so he could fulfilled his promise to protect his friends. Everyone understood, Ichigo more so than the others. At the end: new promises were made, and new goals started.

The fifth month, Uryu started to open up more to Ichigo. Although they still hated each other, there was a newfound respect for him. Uryu was able to tell Ichigo a little about his Quincy heritage and Ichigo was able to understand himself more. And sometimes, late at night when everyone is asleep, at an abandoned building you can hear the clash of a sword against arrows. And if you listened closely behind all those jabs, there is laughter.

In the sixth month, Tatsuki opened up her dojo. Karakura Dojo had the largest grand opening. Eager students waited in long lines to sign up. All her friends were proud of her, Orihime especially.

The seventh month, Ichigo was accepted to the medical program at Karakura University. Unsurprisingly, on the first day of class Ichigo nearly got into a fight when he saw Uryu in the front seat. However, he was glad to see a friendly face even if that said friend was an ass.

During the eight month, Orihime was promoted to head baker at her bakery job. Her talent in baking unusual concoctions has made the bakery a hit. Every week there was a challenge of who could eat the mystery bread that Orihime made. Most of the time Tessi was the winner of those challenges, and only one time was Ichigo the winner. He vowed never again do the challenges.

The ninth month was quiet since everyone was busy with their own thing. Even Keigo couldn't complain about meeting up, he too, was busy with work.

In the middle of the tenth month, Rangiku came for a visit, actually more like on a mission. The Shinigami Women's Association needed more funds. In order to do so, they needed more "pictures" for their magazine. And what better way to get people to tune into those magazine than a certain auburn haired girl at the beach. Needless to say Ichigo was NOT happy when a copy of that magazine flew into his bedroom. An certain auburn haired girl heard a mouthful that night via phone.

On the 15th of the eleventh month, a hell butterfly was sent to Urahara. Within a hour, Ichigo, Orihime, and Uryu were retrieved; Chad will meet them on the other side. On the other side, Rukia was just promoted to lieutenant. A celebration was in order. The night was filled with laughter, booze and unending friendships.

Rukia and Orihime spent the whole night by each other; talking, reminiscing, crying then laughing.

Renji and Ichigo were locked in a battle, fighting about who can out drink the other. Rangiku not far behind.

Tōshirō and Uryu looked on with disdain.

While Chad and Byakuya quietly sat back and observed.

At the end of the twelfth month, a squeal was heard at Orihime's apartment. Rukia just announced to Orihime that her and Renji were getting married. Orihime was talking a mile a minute to Rukia about the decorations, what color the bridesmaid dresses should be, and what kind of food they should have. Rukia could only smile at the affection.


A year of happiness and bliss.

A year of bonds reforging.

A year to reflect and grow.

A year spent being normal.