Disclaimer: I don't own anything that might mentioned or alluded to within this fanfiction. The only thing I do own are my ideas and computer (I think).
A/N: What's up my friends? How is life treating you this wonderful May? It's pretty warm here in Oklahoma, sweltering even. But, that is OK. I tried to get this done in a little over a week so I am pretty proud of myself. Anyways, thanks for all the reviews (I know it doesn't really make a whole lot of sense that she hasn't called Keigo and Tatsuki but that really is how it goes in the K-drama) and the follows and favorites. It cheers me up to get a notification. Please write me more reviews if at all possible. The more reviews I get per chapter the quicker I will update. Moving on, let's get on with this chapter. Oh! And it should be noted that I have never actually been to France this is all speculation. Don't kill me if it's not right.
WARNING: For the sake of the plot characters might be OOC
The next morning, Orihime awoke with an odd mix of emotions. First she was confused before her memory came back like a slap in the face. Then, she was excited before dread grabbed ahold of her. She really wanted to enjoy this vacation but problems were arising left and right.
She sat up from the comfortable bed and picked up her cellphone. She was planning on calling Tatsuki-chan and Keigo to find out what was going on.
The phone rang several times but was never answered. A moment later she hit the red "end call" button and stepped down onto the soft carpeted floor. She padded over to her suitcase that she had haphazardly left on the floor next to the bathroom door.
Orihime unzipped the zipped and pulled it open. She sifted through her various clothes that she had brought finally deciding on her black leggings and a plain grey t-shirt. On her feet were a pair of black and white Nikes.
She strolled over to the bathroom and quickly brushed her teeth and her long waist-length orange tresses. She grabbed her phone and stuffed in into her purse. She was going to make the best of this trip, even if that meant having to walk everywhere!
The auburn-haired author stepped into the hallway closing the door behind her. She made her way over to the elevator and pressed the button. She waited a few more moments before the silver doors opened up for her. Today was her lucky day, there was no one inside.
Her right index finger pressed the circular button labeled "lobby" and the metallic doors rapidly closed. The elevator began to fly down the six floors and stopped on Orihime's desired one. The silver doors opened once more and the writer walked out.
She stopped at the lobby and dug into her purse for her phone. Pulling it out, Orihime scrolled through various sites that she had saved and then plugged them into her phone's GPS. It calculated her route and the time she should arrive.
Satisfied, she strode out the revolving front door and out into the city. Waiting at the curb was a taxi-cab but Orihime decided against using it. She needed to save as much money as she could if she planned on lasting all week.
Turning to walk to the left, Orihime selected the 'walking' choice on Google maps. It determined that she was to arrive at her destination in a little over an hour. Which may seem like a lot of walking, but in all honesty, it could be much worse.
The pumpkin haired woman wanders down the path to The Louvre, she was extremely excited to see some of the paintings. She only hoped that entrance fees and things were not going to be too terribly high. If they ended up being pricier than she had expected, Orihime would still go in but that meant she'd have to change her itinerary the rest of the week.
A smile broke out across her full pink lips and he pace quickened. She was going to enjoy this day and then tomorrow she'd get in touch with Keigo and Tatsuki to find out what went wrong.
Elsewhere in Hotel Le Six, another carrot-top can be seen as he paced his room. His caramel eyes flickered to his phone every ten seconds hoping to feel the vibration and spot a picture of his lovely Rukia. He had wanted her to call him so they could talk, he just couldn't focus properly without hearing her beautiful voice.
A knock on the door jolted Ichigo out of his obsessive phone checking. He whipped his head around and narrowed his eyes on the door. Frowning, he made his way over to it with the intention to politely tell whoever had disturbed him that he was busy.
He threw open the door a clear scowl etched on his chiseled face. However, that emotion dissipates when his eyes land on the person who was standing outside. A smile takes over and he envelopes the being into a large hug. A manly hug.
Pulling away, Ichigo steps to the side to let the visitor inside. The gentleman steps in and Ichigo closes the door behind him.
"Long time no see, Ulquiorra."
"Yeah. I hear you have become quite the movie star. Tell me, are girls throwing themselves at you or do they get one sniff and run for their lives?" The black-haired male teased a small smirk gracing his lips.
"Haha. Funny. No but seriously, how's France been treating you?" Ichigo returned moving to sit on a chair in the living area.
"Fine. It took me time to learn the language but now I am practically fluent. I have also established a successful offspring of my publishing company. I am planning to come home within the next couple of weeks." He clarified joining his younger friend.
"Really? Rukia will be happy to see you..." the orange-haired actor mumbled his frown returning.
"How is she?" Ulquiorra inquired not noticing the upset and disappointed emotion radiating off of the star.
Ichigo sighed in defeat. "She's doing fine. She has recently become pretty popular herself with her clothing store and such."
"That's cool. Well, I am happy you're both doing well. I hate to cut this visit short, but I must get going. See you later, Ichigo."
"See ya, Ulquiorra." Ichigo replied locking the door once the ebony-haired male had walked out into the hallway.
Shaking his head, Ichigo pulled out and sifted through his pictures of Rukia and himself and Ulquiorra when they were children. They, he and Rukia, were a nerve-ending circle. He always chased after her but she was always five steps ahead running after Ulquiorra. Ichigo had wished that she would've fallen for him during the other man's absence. However, life had other plans.
Instead of turning to him, the petite Kuchiki threw herself into her work and hardly ever had time for her. That was why he decided he would propose to her. He thought that maybe she'd realize her feelings were always directed towards him when she noticed his true feelings. It sounded cliché, but if it can happen in a movie it can certainly happen in real life!
In the Louvre, Orihime was going crazy. She was trying to contain herself from bouncing off the walls. She loved art, in all its forms. It could be writing, painting, drawing, music, sculpting, theatre, ext. All of them appealed to her, but, none were that of writing.
Her grey-amethyst orbs were practically bulging out of their sockets as she scanned the walls for various art works. Of course she saw all the regulars like the Mona Lisa and St. John the Baptist, but she wanted to make sure see saw everything. She was going to get her money's worth.
Although, it was difficult to maneuver through the hordes of people that seemed to always be in her way. Nonetheless, the auburn-headed beauty was determined and no amount of people will stand in her way!
She spent about four hours there before staring on her journey back to the hotel. She picked up something small to eat, ramen, on her way. There was no way she was going to go hungry regardless of money problems.
Her sneakered feet plodded across the marble halls of the hotel and pressed the "up" button. The doors flew open and she made a move to walk inside only to be stopped by her handsome savior from the evening before.
"O-oh. Hello, again." Orihime stuttered a light blush spreading across the apples of cheeks.
"Hello." The gentleman greeted his jade eyes looking at her.
Orihime's blush deepened and she awkwardly fidgeted in her spot. She hadn't quite come up with anything witty or intelligent to say. To keep from repeating her greeting, the orange-haired woman held out one of her cup ramen's.
"Would you like to join me for dinner?" she mumbled embarrassment flooding her when she realized how stupid she had sounded.
The corner of Ulquiorra's lips turned upward mimicking the ghost of a smile. Shaking his head, he said, "no. I don't want to intrude on your feast. I must be going, anyway. Perhaps we will see each other another time."
With that, the obsidian-haired male took his leave. Much like yesterday, Orihime was left staring after him a smile on her beautiful face. She turned to enter the elevator before it closed and went up to her room to eat her dinner.
When the elevator reached the sixth floor, Orihime walked out and headed in the direction of her hotel room. Her grey eyes scanned the numbers but she got distracted when she spotted someone she didn't think she'd ever see again.
Farther down the hall was the orange-haired man that she had sat next to on the plane. He was in the process of closing his door, most likely to go get something to eat. The author stared at him for a few minutes before rushing into her room when the boy started to turn in her direction and head down the hallway.
Once in room, Orihime placed a pot of water on the stove and brought it to a boil. She sat on the bed and began to think about the carrot-top. Questions plagued her mind as her thoughts became consumed on that one boy. They were questions like, why was he here? When was he leaving? Would he remember her? The most important being, why did she even care?
She had gotten so distracted that she had forgotten her task at hand. It wasn't until the water started to bubble over the pot and onto the stove that her memory flooded back. She quickly jumped up from the bed and dashed to kitchenette.
Her hands yanked the knob effectively turning off the burner. She grabbed her ramen in her right hand and the pot of water in the left. Gingerly, she began pouring the boiling liquid into the cup. Some of the scalding water spilled and got on her hands. She had to fight the scream that threatened to escape.
When she had filled the cup to the 'fill' line, Orihime rushed to the sink and dumped the pot. She turned on the cold water and stuck her hand underneath the faucet. She had her hand under the running cool water until the three minute steep period was over.
She turned the water off and grasped a towel to dry her hand. Under further inspection, she concluded that it wasn't terrible and it wouldn't blister or scar. She moved to gather her ramen and then plopped down in a chair at a table.
Gripping her notebook, Orihime started jotting down ideas for her story while she slurped down her noodles. Most of the ideas were based off Ulquiorra and have chivalrous he was. She had only met him twice and she already felt she was falling for him.
Her thoughts and ideas halted when she remembered her money problem. She only had $150 dollars left in cash to last another five days. I mean she could always pull some out of her savings account, but that was money that was left to her after Sora died. It was to be used in dire situations only.
Orihime rose from her seat and began calling Tatsuki again. The phone rang repeatedly and once again, she never got a response. She growled out in irritation. This trip seemed like a complete ruse and they were supposed to be her friends! They just blatantly lied to her! When she returned, she was going to tear them limb from limb!
The gorgeous woman seethed in silent anger until she had a brilliant idea. She whipped her head around the room searching for a particular object. Her stormy orbs landed upon the desired object and she arose to get it.
In her hands was the coal-colored shirt that belonged to the man down the hall. He must have quite a bit of money if he was staying in this nice hotel. Maybe if she cleaned up his shirt he'd be gracious and lend her money? It sounded far-fetched but she was willing to try anything.
Orihime was about to head to the laundry area, but stopped herself. She was going to be okay for a couple of days, she will go bother him later this week. Meanwhile, she was going to make the best of this sucky situation. She would spend the majority of the week in her room immersed in words and trying to paint beautiful pictures with them.
And she did just that. Orihime spent at least four days held up in her hotel room. She wrote almost constantly and had over eight chapters written. Of course, they weren't perfect but it was a start. When she returned to Japan she would edit and further develop them.
On Thursday morning, the pumpkin-headed writer went to the one destination she was looking forward to the most, the Eiffel Tower. She made the long trek there on foot and spent the entire day around the tower and the surrounding areas. It was just magical and she was most definitely going to be featuring its enchanting beauty within her novel.
She ate a light lunch and picnicked the closest she could to the Paris staple. Her mind focused on how even though this vacation had been a hellish nightmare the entire time, she was thankful she did get to get away from Karakura Town. It has been good to get the imaginative juices flowing inside her once more. Plus, she got to see some pretty cool sites too.
Orihime left the Eiffel Tower around five PM that evening and was back at the hotel by seven. She rapidly gathered all of her dirty clothes and the black shirt that might just save her. She zoomed to the laundry room and bought the nicest smelling detergent and softener package.
When they were done washing, she tossed them into the dryer and pressed the start button. She was hoping that the particular sheet she chose was going to keep them smelling nice. The author waited for another hour before they were finished.
She rushed up to her hotel room and began her packing. She was to be going home tomorrow and she needed to be prepared for the hectic day.
Once she was finished, Orihime grabbed the shirt and stepped out the hotel room. She sauntered to the man's room and boldly knocked on the door. However, her confidence faltered when he threw open the door and glared at her fiercely.
"What do you want?"
"U-uh. I w-washed your shirt. See? Good as new." She stammered holding out the inky fabric.
"I don't need that." He stated preparing to slam the door in her face.
"WAIT!" Orihime shouted planting her foot in the door.
Ichigo growled warningly. "What? Haven't you bothered me enough? What the hell do you want?!"
"I-I need your help. I am kind of in a bind." She admitted pushing on the door at coming face-to-face with the actor.
The carrot-top looked into her calming eyes and sighed. He let her in the room and shut the door. "You have five minutes. Then, I will toss you out like old garbage."
Orihime breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you." She said sitting down on one of the chairs.
Ichigo stood across from her and gazed as she told her tale.
"My friends told me I had won a trip here and that everything was going to be free. Well, as you can guess, that was a complete lie. Since I thought it was all expenses paid, I didn't think to bring a lot of money. I had only brought $200 in cash total. Now, I am down to 80 because I have had to pay to travel and food. I need your help because I fear that I won't be able to make it home."
"Some friends you have." Ichigo grunted.
"Yeah..." she trailed a frown etching itself on her face. "Anyway, will you help me?"
Ichigo shook his head. "No. I am sorry but you're on your own." He announced. "Now. Your time is up so you need to go."
"Why? Are you that heartless?" Orihime snipped gritting her teeth.
"Heartless?! I definitely won't be helping you now! Get out of my room!" he snarled jabbing his finger to the door.
"Fine. Here I was trying to be nice but you're just a jerk. Taking your freaking shirt." She threw the garment at his face and ran out the door.
Ichigo couldn't believe that woman. First she throws up on him, then she asks for money, then when he politely tells her no she tosses his shirt at him and calls him a jerk. The nerve! He angrily slams the shirt on the ground and howls in frustration.
On the other side of the hall, Orihime is feeling the same way. He was unhelpful and rude to her when she had asked for assistance. She would have paid him back! Some people were just bitter and senile!
'So much for that bright idea.' She thought with a sigh. 'I guess I will just have to make it home with the money she has right now.'
With that in mind. Orihime retired for the night. She was going to have an eight AM flight meaning she wasn't going to get home until late tomorrow night. The thought of being home tomorrow soothed Orihime as she drifted off into sleep.
The next morning, Orihime woke up at six o'clock and gathered all of her things. She did a quick once over of the room to make sure there was nothing left behind.
Her feet touched the hall and she closed the door behind her. She went downstairs and made her way to the front desk. She handed Momo her room key and she replied with a 'thank you'. Orihime nodded and walked out the front door.
Outside was a cab and she decided to take it. She would probably have enough to pay for it. She told the driver her airport and he started the drive.
About half an hour later, Orihime arrived at the airport and speedily checked-in for her flight. She took the seat closest to the tunnel and pulled out the book she was currently reading. She spent the fourty-five minutes that she had left reading until the plane got to the port.
The orange-haired romance writer snatched up her book and her carry-on which had her notebook and pencils, in case she had a brilliant idea for her novel.
Once in the airplane, her feet padded down the aisle her eyes searching for her seat. She spotted it and plopped down instantly making herself comfortable. The only thought, prayer rather, was that she was not going to have to sit next to that man again. He acted like she was the dirt he walked on! It infuriated her to no end and there was no way she could sit through an entire plane ride with him again.
Luck was on her side today, the plane swiftly took off and there wasn't even a person next to her. She had both arm rests to herself and no jerk that was going to insult her. The ride was easy-going and calming.
When the attendant came around asking if there was any food the woman would like, Orihime opted out of eating. She did not want a repeat of the last time. Instead, she settled for a simple bottle of water.
It was late in the evening when Orihime got back to Kakakura Town, the airplane had a little hiccup with the weather so by the time she got home it was nine o'clock. She had planned on going over to Keigo and Tatsuki's apartment to ask why there was so many issues with her vacation. But, she decided against it for tonight.
She spent the last of her cash to pay for a cab and the driver calmly drove her to her beautiful home that she so desperately missed. Orihime could practically here the worn mattress calling her name, begging her to sleep in it. The yearning to be inside "Full House" was almost too much to bear. She was tempted to tell the cab driver she'd pay him another twenty dollars if he sped up just a little bit. That was, until, she remembered she was broke.
Thirty agonizingly long minutes later, Full House became visible and a smile unconsciously broke on the woman's face. Her nightmare was about to end. The yellow taxi stopped in front of the massive gates of her home and she got out taking her luggage. She placed the cash into the waiting palm of the male driver and he drove off.
Turning around, Orihime walked up the stone path to her house. Her joy and excitement deepening with each step. She thrust her key into the hole and unlocked the door, she was only ten more steps away from being on her couch.
She opened the door and flipped the light switch, however, her happiness died instantly. The hand holding her suitcase uncurled itself, the luggage dropping onto the marble floors. Her grey eyes scanned her living room disbelief on her face.
Instead of her over cluttered, or as she liked to call it "organized chaos", living room full of antique and modern furniture alike. There was nothing. It looked like a barren waste land, devoid of all color and expression. From where she was standing, there was absolutely nothing within her Full House.
"WHAT THE FU-?!"
A/N: So? How was it? This chapter was the longest yet and I think it was actually pretty good. I know some parts are rushed but I just wanted to get it out to you. Anyways, thanks again for reading and I hope you liked it. Please leave reviews, I always love some constructive criticism, but please no flames. Also follow and favorite and again thank you. See you later my lovelies.