Pre-Author's Note:

In case the title of this chapter wasn't enough, if you don't like sad stories, you probably shouldn't read this. Just thought I'd give you a head's up.

"Young Master, please don't frown so. One might think you didn't want to meet your future bride today."

Crossing his arms and scowling even more ferociously than before, twelve year old Ichigo Kurosaki huffed, "Well, I don't want to meet her, that's for sure."

After getting a rather firm cuff on the back of the head, Ichigo whirled around to demand, "What was that for, Kisuke?!"

Looking over the top of his fan at his young charge, Kisuke replied, "Well, I was hoping to knock a bit of sense into that thick skull of yours, Young Master. Did it work?"

Stepping in front of Ichigo, fourteen year old Rukia said in a bossy tone, "Would you quit messing around already? We're nearly there and I'm ready to sit down and relax in the shade while I rest my aching feet, so quit your moping and start walking!"

Fortunately, rather than choosing to try and fight with Rukia (this time at least), Ichigo stormed off down the path and called over his shoulder, "I am not messing around and I'm definitely not moping!"

The small entourage began walking again, making sure to keep their young charge well within sight. The entourage consisted of the best bodyguards, Yoruichi and Byakuya, from the Kurosaki Clan as well as Kisuke, who was sent in the stead of Isshin Kurosaki to help arrange all the details of Ichigo's betrothal and eventual marriage to the future leader of the Inoue Clan. Rukia had been allowed to come along as well 'to give Ichigo moral support' as Isshin had termed it because she was one of his oldest friends and Isshin was well aware how much his son did not wish to think about marriage at his age.

For nearly five hundred years, the Kurosaki and Inoue clans had been locked together in a bloody and devastating feud. In recent years, the bitter feud had begun spilling over and causing casualties amongst the common populace, so the Emperor had decreed that both clans were to reach a peaceful resolution through the marriage of the Kurosaki and Inoue successors. After so much bloodshed over the years, both Kisuke and Isshin were doubtful that one marriage would allow both the clans to live together in peace, but at least it would be a place to start.

"But we won't get a chance to find out if Ichigo doesn't go along with the marriage," said Kisuke under his breath.

"What'd you say?" asked Yoruichi, who was walking just slightly behind Kisuke.

Turning back to grin at her, Kisuke said cheerily, "I was just saying that I hope the Young Master is able to find as much happiness in his wife as I have in mine."

Giving Kisuke a brief, wry smile, Yoruichi's gaze turned once again on Ichigo's young figure as she said slowly, "He'll have to grow up and learn to make the best of it. He's too young to know about hate and grudges and feuds."

Letting out a long sigh, Yoruichi went on, "However, I can't say that I blame him for being upset about it. I mean, they did brutally murder his mother and sisters."

Shaking his head, Kisuke added, "And they paralyzed Master Isshin as well. I don't know how the Young Master could feel any differently with all the hardships he's gone through so far."

Feeling a little bad about scolding Ichigo earlier, Rukia jogged until she caught up with him and then walked alongside him for a bit before she broke the silence by asking, "Ichigo, are you all right?"

There was silence for a while before Ichigo said, "I don't know."

Another lengthy pause stretched between them before Ichigo went on, "I don't understand why I have to do this. Why do I have to be the one who gets married to someone from…from that clan?"

Clenching and unclenching his fists, Ichigo said, "I always knew growing up that one day I'd take over the Kurosaki Clan and that all my training and learning was to prepare me for that day. My training was also to help me protect the Kurosaki Clan from everyone who attacked us…especially that clan. Everything made sense until now."

Ichigo's voice cracked with emotion as he said, "Now, everything has changed. The Kurosaki Clan is being forced to make peace with that other clan-"

"The Inoue Clan," Rukia interrupted.

"What?" asked Ichigo in confusion as he looked over at Rukia.

Returning Ichigo's look, Rukia said seriously, "They are called the Inoue Clan. Might as well get used to using their name, no matter how distasteful it might be to you."

His eyes hardening, Ichigo all but spat out, "That name is more than just distasteful, it's…it's…"

Reaching out to firmly grasp Ichigo's shoulder, Rukia added more steel into her tone as she said, "Doesn't matter how much you may hate the Inoue Clan. Whether you like it or not-"

Ichigo interrupted Rukia this time, exclaiming, "But that's exactly it! This is all happening whether I like it or not! The Emperor couldn't just make the…the…the Inoue Clan," Rukia's heart went out to Ichigo as he choked on the name, "and my father sign some sort of peace treaty and leave it at that."

Shaking her head, Rukia said with a sigh, "Obviously you need to brush up on your history a bit more. Don't you remember how many times people have tried to make peace treaties between our two clans?"

Scratching the back of his head, Ichigo grumbled, "Four."

"That's right, four," said Rukia in her usual bossy tone, "And the record for the longest standing treaty was almost exactly a month and that was simply because that was a particularly bitter and snowy winter and the two clans couldn't get at each other very easily."

Walking a bit faster, Ichigo said in irritation, "All right, all right! So maybe a peace treaty hasn't worked before, but there has got to be a better way than this marriage!"

Voice softening in sympathy, Rukia asked gently, "And don't you think that if there was any other way that your father would have done it?"

Replacing her hand gently on Ichigo's shoulder, Rukia said, "I'm not saying that I know exactly how you feel right now, but just think about this, will you? You said yourself that you have been trained all your life to do what is best for the Kurosaki Clan and that it is your duty to protect them. Like it or not, this is what has been decided is best for both clans, so think of this wedding as a way to keep the Inoue's from hurting the people you care about ever again."

When Ichigo turned to look at Rukia, she finished with, "The peace treaty works both ways, you know. We can't attack them, but they also cannot hurt us."

Scratching his head and then rubbing the back of his neck, Ichigo relented, "I guess you're right."

Trying to suppress a giggle, Rukia said in her bossiest voice, "Of course I'm right," to which Ichigo only answered by rolling his eyes and letting out a deep sigh.

Eventually, the Inoue settlement came into sight and the small party was escorted inside. Despite everyone's best efforts to convince him to do otherwise, Ichigo persisted in scowling murderously at everyone who approached him. While some of the guards returned Ichigo's scowl willingly, most people would hastily retreat away from the boy.

From behind his fan, Kisuke said in his usual breezy tone, but with a slight hint of annoyance, "Young Master, would you please refrain from scaring these good people? You do realize that we are rather outnumbered in this place and that our purpose here is to happily arrange your future nuptials?"

"Ah, so our guests have arrived at last," said a low, deep voice from behind the small group.

Turning around, Kisuke lowered his fan slightly as he bowed deeply and said in his most cheery tone, "Well, if it isn't Sosuke Aizen come to greet us weary travelers."

Returning Kisuke's bow with one of his own, the tall man's grin did not quite reach his deep brown eyes as he chuckled, "I can imagine you would all be quite tired after your long journey here. Please, follow me."

As he led them deeper into the compound, Aizen walked next to Kisuke while the others followed behind. The two men made small talk as they walked until they finally reached the room where there were already rugs and small tables set out for refreshments. Kisuke and Aizen sat in the center of the arrangement while all the Kurosaki and Inoue members sat on the side of their designated spokesperson.

Knowing his place was next to Kisuke, Ichigo sat down with Yoruichi sitting on his other side followed by Byakuya and then Rukia at the end of the Kurosaki line. Out of the corner of his eye, Ichigo saw Rukia trying to get his attention and discreetly pantomime that he should quit scowling and start smiling. His only concession was to relax the muscles of his eyebrows only slightly so that it only looked like he was about ready to punch someone into next week rather than about to send them six feet under.

He was so focused on trying to keep his fury from boiling over that Ichigo was not paying attention to any conversation or sounds going on around him, so it was rather a surprise when a tray was set down in front of him. Automatically he raised his gaze and found himself staring straight into a pair of huge, sparkling and full of the joy of life gray eyes. Even though the next instant his own face relaxed in shock at the overwhelming force of those eyes, it was quite apparent that the eyes looking at Ichigo had seen the hate-filled look in his own eyes because they widened even more and Ichigo could see a hint of fear starting to creep up in their depths. However, just as quickly as the fear came, it was gone and the eyes were smiling once again. Ichigo felt his mouth open to say something, but the owner of the eyes got up and left his field of vision.

Feeling an elbow in his side, Ichigo jumped slightly and turned to meet Yoruichi's golden eyes as she asked softly, "Are you all right, Young Master?"

Blinking a few times, Ichigo looked down at the tray of refreshments as he mumbled, "Yeah, I'm fine," before starting to eat.

When everyone was finished eating, Ichigo was just beginning to resign himself to having to sit and quietly listen to the adults begin to talk for forever when he heard Aizen say, "Well, if you are in agreement, Kisuke, I don't think Master Kurosaki or his young companion need to stay longer. As you can see, our young mistress is not in attendance since I did not feel that one of her tender years was needed to sit through such tedious proceedings."

Taking a sip of tea, Kisuke nodded and said, "I'm sure the Young Master would be most grateful for the chance to relax outside in this beautiful weather rather than being cooped up here listening to the adults. Wouldn't you, Young Master?"

While a part of Ichigo wanted to prove that he was no weakling and almost old enough to be an adult, more of him wanted to be as far away from these proceedings as possible so he got up, bowed and said, "Yes, I would. Thank you for the refreshments," before walking out of the door with Rukia on his heels.

They wandered aimlessly about for a while before Ichigo noticed an open area with a garden, walkway, pond and bridge. He turned his steps in that direction when he noticed a group of kids between his and Rukia's age and maybe a year or two older gathered at the pond's edge.

One boy with bright blue hair and eyes and who looked about thirteen or fourteen said with a laugh, "You should have seen Hime's face when she took that kid his tray! I thought she was going to jump out of her skin there for a minute."

Another boy who was the same age as the first with jet black hair and leaning against a tree with his eyes closed said in a monotone, "I don't understand why we are being forced to serve tea to human trash like them."

Just as Ichigo was about to go charging over and pound the guy's face into the tree, a girl with long auburn hair grabbed the second boy's arm and said in a tone that was trying to scold, "Don't say such things, Ulquiorra! I've told you before that it's not nice to call other people trash!"

Opening his eyes slowly to look fixedly at the girl, Ulquiorra asked, "And what should I call them instead? What description should I use for those who have done nothing but attack us for over five hundred years, killing our people, stealing our livestock and ruining our crops and land?"

Leaning forward slightly, Ulquiorra asked, "What name should I give to those who killed your brother?"

If Ichigo had been any further away, he never would have heard the girl answer, "I don't know, but they are not trash. They are people just like you and me and I'm sure there are lots of nice people over there just like there are over here."

Flopping down behind the girl, the teen with blue hair said, "Keep telling yourself that, Hime. Guess you kind of have to if you're going to make it over there."

Another teen who looked about sixteen or seventeen with longish brown hair and who was lounging on the edge of the pond with his face in the shade so that he could nap, suddenly yawned and said, "If anyone can live successfully in the Kurosaki Clan, Orihime can. If she can't make them like her with her sweet nature than she can kill them off with her cooking."

With a loud cry, the girl turned around and said with a pout, "There is nothing wrong with my cooking! Just yesterday Tia said she had never had dumplings quite like the ones I made."

Beginning to laugh hysterically, the blue-haired boy sat up and said, "That's because no one's ever made dumplings with pork and honey mixed together!"

Suddenly, Ulquiorra said, "You two over there might as well come over and join us rather than eavesdropping. Or are members of the Kurosaki Clan too good to mingle with the likes of us?"

Temper rising again, Ichigo yanked himself away from Rukia's restraining hand and stomped over the bridge until he stood above the teen and ground out, "Say that again to my face."

Looking up at Ichigo with a blank and yet rather icy expression in his deep green eyes, Ulquiorra asked, "And what exactly would you like me to repeat?"

Before Ichigo could say another word, those same gray eyes from earlier jumped in front of Ulquiorra and the girl pleaded, "Please don't be angry with Ulquiorra," then with a small attempt at a smile, she said, "The water's nice and cool if you would like to relax your feet."

From behind him, Ichigo heard Rukia answer, "Thank you very much. I don't mind if I do," and then felt her brush past him, sit down and dip her bared feet into the water.

Returning her soft, gray gaze to Ichigo, the girl asked, "Is there anything I can get you? I know there weren't many refreshments given to you back there, so if you're still hungry…"

Shaking his head, Ichigo answered simply, "No, I'm fine."

With a smile, the girl said politely, "Then please allow me to introduce everyone," pointing a finger towards the sleeping boys under the tree and by the pond, "He's Ulquiorra and he's Starkk," gesturing towards the boy in the grass, "His name is Grimmjow," and finally laying a hand over her heart, "And my name is Orihime."

"I'm Ichigo," he replied before he pointed to Rukia and said, "She's Rukia."

Smiling and bowing first to him and then to Rukia, Orihime said, "It's a pleasure to meet you both."

Rukia returned the smile and said with as much of a bow as she could manage, "Pleased to make your acquaintance."

From behind him, Ichigo heard Grimmjow ask, "So, are you Hime's betrothed?"

Blushing furiously, Orihime stammered, "Grimmjow! Wh-wh-what a thing to ask?"

Sitting up and giving a careless shrug, Grimmjow said, "Well, I can't think of any other reason that he would be here unless he was the guy you're supposed to marry," with an almost evil smirk, he said, "Unless you're betrothed is that other guy with the long hair and fierce blue eyes."

Seeing Orihime's eyes widen with shock and Rukia about ready to give Grimmjow a piece of her mind over the possible insult given to her precious brother, Ichigo said quickly, "No, I'm the successor for the Kurosaki Clan," with a slight frown, Ichigo asked, "Why'd you ask?"

Lying back in the grass with his hands behind his head, Grimmjow answered, "Just making sure Hime's betrothed isn't a weakling or something. If you were, I'd beat you up and send you back home 'cause we wouldn't want you in our clan."

Turning over onto his back, Starkk cracked open one eye and said with a smirk, "Well, if leaders were chosen based solely on their strength in a fight then we would have had to kick Orihime out of her position long ago."

Before Ichigo could say anything, Orihime stamped her foot in frustration and he heard her close to tears as she said, "I practice every day to improve on my hand-to-hand skills and my sword fighting and my archery and learning about battle tactics and all of it, but it just doesn't come naturally to me like it does for all you guys! I try my best and it just doesn't work!"

After delivering that tirade, Orihime ran across the bridge and into another part of the compound. Without stopping to think, Ichigo took off after her. Eventually, he caught up with her and saw her pressed into a corner of one of the buildings, kneeling on the ground and sobbing her heart out. Coming up behind her, Ichigo just stood there for a while before he cleared his throat to try and get her attention.

When she turned her tear-stained face towards him, Ichigo asked, "You okay?"

Rubbing furiously at her face, Orihime was unsuccessful at making herself more presentable since she continued to cry as she answered, "I'm just fine! I tripped over a rock and fell hard onto the ground, but I'm fine now."

Kneeling down next to her, Ichigo looked at her pointedly as he said, "Tell me the truth."

Hanging her head so that her hair obscured most of her face, Orihime answered in a barely audible tone, "Grimmjow and Starkk are right. When it comes to fighting, I'm worse than useless."

Wrapping her hands around her shoulders, Orihime choked out, "I couldn't even save my brother. He was killed right in front of me and…and…and I could only stand there and watch."

Ichigo's stomach lurched as he asked, "Who killed your brother?"

Shaking her head, Orihime lifted her gaze to look straight at Ichigo as she said, "It doesn't matter."

"Yes it doe-"

With more force in her tone, Orihime interrupted, "No, it doesn't matter," then in her usual, soft voice, Orihime said, "It doesn't matter because our marriage is supposed to bring peace between your clan and mine. Both our clans have been hurt by this feud, so now is the time to put away our sorrows and move into a peaceful future together."

"Is that what you truly think?" asked Ichigo.

Giving Ichigo a bittersweet smile, Orihime said, "Yes. We've been fighting each other for long enough. It's time to move forward and I'll do anything to make sure we do."

Casting his gaze down, Ichigo said slowly, "Before I came here, I was so blinded by hate that I could barely see straight. Thoughts of how my mother and sisters were killed and my father was paralyzed kept flashing before my eyes," hearing Orihime's sharp intake of breath, Ichigo looked up and said forcefully, "I wanted to keep on fighting until my dying day just like we always have."

Seeing Orihime's start to fill up with tears and fear again, Ichigo impulsively reached out to grab her hand and said in a gentler tone, "But what you say makes far more sense. We are the leaders of our clans and everyone is looking to us to give them peace, young and inexperienced as we are."

Squeezing Orihime's hand, Ichigo confessed, "I was mostly angry with this whole thing because no one asked me if it was something I wanted to do. While I don't know how you felt when you heard about the marriage, let me ask you one question."

Leaning forward and taking both Orihime's hands in his, Ichigo asked in a husky tone, "Orihime, will you help me bring peace to both our clans by becoming my wife someday?"

With her eyes shining with happiness and tears, Orihime nodded her head and answered, "Yes…yes I will."

Giving her a small smile in return, Ichigo said, "All right then."

Six years later, Ichigo found himself walking down a road he had only traveled on once before, but remembered as if he had only walked it yesterday. Once again, he was accompanied by Kisuke, Yoruichi, Byakuya and Rukia, but added to their company was his father, who was borne along in a litter, Renji and Shuhei.

Once again scowling ferociously as he walked along, Ichigo ground out, "You'd better behave yourself once we get there, or I might just forget that you're a cripple and send you sailing into the pond."

From his place in the litter, Isshin threw his hands in the air and started wailing, "Why son? Why must you threaten your poor, old father so? What did I ever do to deserve such harsh treatment from you?"

Taking deep breaths in order to keep his temper in check, Ichigo replied, "I don't know. Maybe it's all those times you decided to send Kenpachi into my room before the crack of dawn to try and kill me. Or wait, maybe it's because you constantly make a fool of yourself whenever there's a decent looking woman around. And you're twice the fool when the girl's about my age."

Turning to stare pointedly at Isshin, Ichigo asked, "Aren't you the one who arranged my betrothal six years ago?"

Shrugging his shoulders and trying to look innocent, Isshin replied, "Well, no one said you couldn't go chasing after girls while you're still single. It's just not natural for a boy of your age to show absolutely no interest in women."

Opening and closing his mouth several times in utter shock, Ichigo stormed off down the path as he called over his shoulder, "You're the one who's not natural! Trying to force me to be…to be…"

Looking down at his wife of almost a year, Renji said in a surprised whisper, "Don't tell me Ichigo fell in love with that girl after only seeing her once."

Giving her husband a knowing smirk, Rukia replied, "Well, in most cases, I would say such a thing was nearly impossible. Besides, I don't think Ichigo fell head over heels in love with her in that sense, but something happened between them."

Lacing his fingers behind his head, Renji said, "So tell me again what happened."

Looking thoughtfully at the ground in front of her, Rukia replied, "Well, Ichigo and I went outside and met Orihime along with several others. The one named Starkk made a comment about Orihime not being very strong, she started crying and went running off somewhere. Ichigo took off after her and I followed slowly behind, since I didn't want to be left alone with those guys."

Smiling up at Renji, Rukia finished, "I never found them, but managed to make my way back to where Kisuke and the others were talking so I just waited there until they were done. When it came time to leave, Ichigo showed up with Orihime. While I can't be sure, it looked to me as though Orihime was leading Ichigo by the hand and the two of them had a look in their eyes as if they had come to a mutual understanding on their own."

Chuckling, Renji said, "Well, true or not, it certainly puts Ichigo in a new light. So the tough leader of the Kurosaki Clan does have a soft spot after all."

Elbowing Renji in the side, Rukia said playfully, "That's a bit like the pot calling the kettle black."

Giving Rukia a quizzical look, Renji asked, "What's that supposed to mean?"

Shaking her head, Rukia said, "Nothing in particular," pointing in front of her, Rukia said, "We're here."

This time when the entourage stepped through the gateway, there was an official reception waiting for them. Aizen stood in the middle with his usual grin in place and Orihime to his right. She looked highly pleased to see them if the blush on her cheeks, the way she would try to keep her fingers from gripping her clothes and how her eyes were constantly shifting from the ground and back up to look at the arriving guests.

Stepping up to the litter, Aizen bowed and said officiously, "Welcome, Master Kurosaki. I'm glad you felt up to the long journey so that you could be with us to witness this joyous occasion."

Inclining his head politely, Isshin replied, "I wouldn't miss the marriage of my son for anything."

Chuckling, Aizen said, "True, I can imagine you wouldn't."

Holding out his hand, Aizen said, "Since you weren't here six years ago, you were not able to be introduced to your daughter-in-law," grasping Orihime's hand and drawing her towards the litter, Aizen said, "May I introduce you to Orihime Inoue."

Sinking into a deep, courteous bow, Orihime said softly, "Sir, I am honored to meet you."

Reaching out to cup Orihime's chin so that he could look into her eyes, Isshin said sincerely, "And I am honored to meet you, my dear."

With a wink to her that Ichigo could not see, Isshin went on, "I certainly hope my son is able to be responsible enough to take care of you."

Before Ichigo could protest, Orihime smiled at Isshin and Ichigo in turn as she said, "I suppose we shall have to take care of each other from now on."

Turning to give his son a huge grin, Isshin chuckled as he mouthed, "Ooh, I like her already."

Once again Ichigo's protests were cut off as Aizen said, "Well, come inside everyone. The celebration feast will begin shortly."

During the feast, everyone seemed to be in high spirits. According to tradition, the Kurosaki Clan ate on one side of the room while the Inoue Clan sat on the other. While everyone on both sides professed to be willing to follow the peace treaty to the letter, there was always a chance that taking things too quickly would set tempers ablaze.

Sitting close to Renji, Rukia and Shuhei, Ichigo found himself trying to surreptitiously glance over at his future bride. In the six years since he had last seen her, Orihime had certainly matured into an elegant and beautiful young woman. Her hair was even longer, fuller and with more body to the slightly curling tresses. Her figure had also filled out nicely and Ichigo had to admit that even if he wasn't always someone who paid attention to physical beauty, he was highly attracted by Orihime's looks. But more than her physical attributes, Orihime had added to her beauty by the self-confidence, intelligence and kindness that seemed to seep from her every pore.

Apparently, Ichigo wasn't quite as subtle in his glances as he could have wished as Renji nudged him in the side and said teasingly, "So, checking out your fine looking bride?"

Scowling over at Renji as he stuffed another bite of food in his mouth, Ichigo growled, "I'm not checking her out."

Rolling her eyes, Rukia said, "Oh please Ichigo. We can all see you ogling her."

Glaring at Rukia, Ichigo whispered fiercely, "I am not ogling Orihime."

Speaking up to try and diffuse the explosive argument about to erupt, Shuhei said, "Well, I may not have met her six years ago, but Orihime certainly seems like she'll be a good wife for you," giving Ichigo a encouraging grin, he said, "Like Master Kurosaki said, I hope you'll make her happy."

To himself, Ichigo mumbled, "Yeah, I hope so."

A little while later, Ichigo got up to stretch his legs as the servants had started bringing in sake and he didn't want to be anywhere nearby when his dad started drinking. Breathing in the fresh air, Ichigo yawned and began wandering aimlessly through the seemingly deserted settlement. Eventually, Ichigo somehow managed to end up on the same bridge by the same pond where he had met Orihime.

Leaning against the railing of the bridge, Ichigo allowed his mind to wonder, like it sometimes did, about what had happened that day six years ago. He had come into the Inoue settlement prepared to continue hating everyone inside and yet when he had left, his feelings had been completely opposite. While he wouldn't say that he had begun loving them, much less completely forgiven them for what they had done, Ichigo did feel as though he could view them as humans who deserved a second chance. As those who had been hurt just as badly as his own clan. And that miraculous change had happened because he met the girl he was supposed to marry.

Sensing something, Ichigo turned around to see Orihime walking towards him. From the way she was looking up at the sky and smiling, Ichigo could tell that she had not purposefully followed him, but something within him warmed at the thought that her footsteps had brought her his way. Standing up to his full height, Orihime seemed to notice the movement as her gaze lowered and their eyes connected.

For a time, neither spoke until finally Orihime broke the silence, saying softly, "It's been a long time."

Nodding, Ichigo said simply, "Yes it has."

Another pause and then Orihime said with a smile in her voice, "It's good to see you again."

Trying to fight the blush beginning to creep up his neck, Ichigo cleared his throat and answered, "Yeah. It's good to see you too."

Letting out a soft, musical laugh, Orihime came forward and said, "If it weren't for your hair and eyes, I might not have recognized you."

In answer to Ichigo's confused look, Orihime said, "You've grown much taller," reaching out to take one of his calloused hands between her own, she said, "and it looks like you've gotten even stronger these past six years."

Fingers twitching slightly as he felt her soft, delicate fingers massage the muscles in his hand, Ichigo said, "Yeah, I guess I have," then his fingers closed over hers as he said, "You've grown up too."

Squeezing her fingers gently, Ichigo said, "Even though you've grown up, though, I recognized you right away."

Gently pulling her fingers out of Ichigo's grasp, Orihime walked over to lean against the railing and gaze up at the moon as she said, "May I ask you something?"

"Sure."

There was a slightly pause before Orihime asked slowly, "Do you think it's possible to fall in love with someone you've only met once?"

It was Ichigo's turn to think for a time before he answered, "I'm not entirely sure that it is possible since you don't really know the person."

Seeing Orihime's shoulders begin to droop, Ichigo took a step forward as he went on, "However, I think that the foundation can be laid that the two people can build upon in the future."

Standing directly behind Orihime, Ichigo said, "Love isn't only about being attracted to the other person and being enamored with how they look. It's about respect, honesty, having a common goal and being faithful to the other no matter what comes their way. Caring more about what happens to the person they love then themselves."

Placing his hands gently on Orihime's shoulders, Ichigo said in a husky whisper, "While I won't say 'I love you' just yet, I'd be lying if I said that I haven't thought about you at least once every day these last six years."

Feeling Orihime's hand reach up to cover his, Ichigo finished with, "Before we're married, I want you to understand that I am marrying you because I want to marry you, not because we have to."

Leaning her head back against Ichigo's chest, Orihime said warmly, "I understand," then looking up at Ichigo she said, "I feel the same way."

Unseen by either of them, Aizen stood observing the betrothed couple with a knowing smirk on his lips. Standing next to him was Ulquiorra looking on with his usual emotionless gaze.

Without looking at Ulquiorra, Aizen asked in a low tone, "You remember your orders?"

In an equally soft monotone, Ulquiorra answered, "Yes sir."

Nodding in approval, Aizen turned and began walking back towards the settlement as he said, "Very good then. I'll leave it to you then."

As soon as Aizen was out of sight, Ulquiorra strode towards the bridge. As he expected, both Ichigo and Orihime turned to look at him as he approached and immediately they released their hold on the other, trying to look as nonchalant as possible.

Frowning slightly at the interruption (and at being caught), Ichigo asked rather brusquely, "Yes, what is it?"

Not one to mince words, Ulquiorra said bluntly, "I want you to fight me."

The next morning, Orihime slowly opened her eyes and squinted against the early morning light that was causing her aching head to throb painfully. She attempted to push herself up, but her vision went fuzzy and it felt as though the world was spinning, so she lay back down until her head cleared.

When she could see again, Orihime looked about her and several people sitting near her, so she asked in a slightly hoarse voice, "What happened?"

One of the maidservants shifted and asked, "What do you remember, Mistress?"

Closing her eyes, Orihime said slowly, "I remember Ulquiorra challenging Ichigo and then Ichigo refusing. Ulquiorra wouldn't take no for an answer, so I tried to step in and the last thing I remember is stumbling into Ulquiorra and then everything went black."

Opening her eyes again, Orihime repeated, "So what happened?"

The servants exchanged looks as if trying to convince the other to say something, when Aizen's voice rumbled out, "They fought each other and Ichigo broke the peace treaty when he killed Ulquiorra."

Eyes snapping over to meet Aizen's gaze, Orihime protested, "But I just said that it was Ulquiorra who demanded that Ichigo fight in the first place. Ichigo didn't do anything wrong."

Shaking his head, Aizen replied, "It matters little who started the fight, merely that there was a fight at all. Also, because it was a fight to the death, that makes the crime even more heinous."

Looking away, Orihime tried to keep her emotions under control as she asked, "What is to become of Ichigo?"

"Well, since he broke the treaty, his life is forfeit," Orihime did her best to suppress her moan of despair as Aizen went on, "However, the Kurosaki Clan is claiming that because Ulquiorra attacked and seriously wounded Ichigo to begin with that he didn't break the treaty as it was a matter of self-defense."

With those words, Orihime's heart lurched slightly as she asked, "How seriously was Ichigo injured?"

"I'm not sure," replied Aizen, "However, from what I heard, some were amazed that he was able to survive the night."

Struggling to sit up, Orihime fought against the dizziness threatening to overwhelm her as she said, "Please help me up. I need to go and talk with them."

For his part, Ichigo had spent most of the night in and out of consciousness, but all the while feeling a constant barrage of pain. Whether sharp and burning or dull and aching, Ichigo could remember it all. Finally managing to open his eyes and focus on the things around him, images from the previous mind tormented him as the full comprehension of what he had done fell heavily upon his shoulders.

It would have been better if someone, anyone, besides the Inoue's were to blame him for what had happened. They all claimed to understand why he had done what he had done because it was self-defense and they would have done the same, but they just didn't understand. He had ruined everything. The six years of relative peace were now to be overshadowed by more feuding and bloodshed on both sides. They were back to where they had started from.

Suddenly, a voice inquired, "Apologies for the interruption, but our mistress would like to speak with you all. May she come in?"

Struggling to prop himself up, Ichigo called back before anyone could stop him, "Yes, in just a moment," before he whispered furiously at Shuhei and Renji, "Help me sit up," which they reluctantly did.

When Ichigo gave the signal, Orihime and Aizen were ushered inside. To Ichigo's relief, Orihime didn't seem any the worse for wear. She appeared to be highly agitated and slightly unsteady, but all right nevertheless. If the softening of her eyes was any indication, Ichigo would also guess that she was relieved to see him as well.

Then Kisuke spoke up in the most civil tone he could muster, "And what can we do for you?"

Turning her gaze towards Kisuke, Orihime asked in a small voice, "I wanted to see how my husband-to-be was doing. I heard he had been injured, so I came over here to see for myself if there was anything I could do."

In a slightly less frosty tone, Kisuke asked, "You still wish to be married to him?"

Frowning slightly, Orihime nodded and said, "Yes, of course I do. Why wouldn't I?"

Aizen spoke up, "Because he has broken the peace treaty and killed one from our clan."

Snapping his fan shut, Kisuke said slowly, "Only after he was forced into the fight and merely trying to protect himself from his attacker."

With a smirk, Aizen asked smoothly, "Where is your proof of that accusation? Our mistress was incapacitated before the fight began and the only other witness to the fight is lying dead."

His smile widening a little more, Aizen said, "Blood calls for blood."

For an instant, Ichigo and Orihime met each other's gaze. Everything they had wished and hoped for was beginning to fall apart before their eyes. The words spoken the night before were going to become empty promises unless…

Closing her eyes and thinking quickly, Orihime interjected, "Very well then. Ichigo and I will settle this matter once and for all."

Everyone turned their attention to Orihime as she said with conviction, "Because Ichigo and I are both the leaders of the Kurosaki and Inoue clans, it is only fitting that we settle this dispute ourselves."

Seeing an opportunity as well, Aizen said quickly, "Very well then. The only fair way to settle this is to have a duel to the death. The victor will be the head of both clans and will be able to reinstate the peace treaty over all."

And so, Ichigo and Orihime faced off against the other with both clans looking on in silence. It was all Ichigo could do to remain standing after having lost a lot of blood during his fight with Ulquiorra. His right arm had also been hurt badly enough that he was forced to grip his sword in his left hand.

Looking at the ground, Ichigo went over in his mind what his plan was. As soon as the signal was given, he was going to charge at Orihime and then drop his weapon at the last second so that she would be the victor. While he wanted to go on living, Ichigo also knew that only one of them was going to survive this fight. Not only did he want her to win because he knew that his wounds were too severe for proper treatment, but he also knew that he could trust Orihime to rule wisely over the Kurosaki Clan. It had been her words that had first caused him to think that peace between their clans might be possible.

His mind snapped back to the present as he heard Orihime say something.

"Ichigo, do you remember the promise we made as children?"

Out of the corner of his eye, Ichigo saw the signal banner being raised.

"Yeah, I remember."

The banner seemed to be frozen in mid-air, but Ichigo knew that it was going to be dropped at any second. His attention was once again arrested when Orihime said something that made his heart stop.

"I'm sorry I couldn't bring peace to our clans alongside you, but I will do what I can so that there will be peace."

As he saw the banner drop, Ichigo heard Orihime's final words.

"I love you, Ichigo."

And with that, Ichigo dropped his sword and ran.

Even though Orihime had never been good at sword fighting, there was no way she was going to miss stabbing her own heart. As she crumpled to the ground, Ichigo saw a tear drop from her eye while her face relaxed into her signature smile.

Catching her up in his arms, Ichigo buried his face against her still warm neck and simply rocked back and forth. The tears simply would not come, but inside it felt as though fire, ice and needles were tearing his body apart.

The headlong run had reopened nearly all of Ichigo's wounds, so that he began to bleed out what little blood he had left. The onlookers could only manage to stare as the lifeblood from the young Kurosaki and Inoue leaders mingled together.

Summoning up a surge of energy, Ichigo lifted his head to look at the crowd as he said, "Neither of us asked to get married, but we chose to accept each other. We both wanted to bring peace to our clans, and now we've given our lives for that peace."

Looking back down at Orihime, Ichigo finished with, "Don't let it all be in vain."

Laying Orihime gently on the ground, Ichigo weakly supported himself over her as he brushed a strand of hair away from her face and said, "I'll say it again when I see you," leaning down to place his lips against hers, he whispered, "but I just want to say that I love you too."

Over the spot where Ichigo and Orihime were buried side by side, the first foundation stone was laid where the new settlement for both the Kurosaki and Inoue Clans was built.

Author's Note:

Okay, once again, credit where credit is due. After seeing the prompt 'Ichigo and Orihime dying next to each other', I immediately thought of Gennosuke and Oboro from Basilisk. So, once again, if you have seen or read it before, then you will probably recognize some of the elements from there. It's also something of a Romeo and Juliet story, so if that's what you were thinking of as you read it, then you are pretty close as well.

Anyway, at this point in time, I am extremely tired, so I hope there were no really major issues with this story. Other than the fact that it was tragedy and I didn't fully explain what Aizen's plan was in the end (which, let's face it, we never really know the whole scheme anyways), if there was anything else that really bugged you, let me know and either I'll try to fix it when I'm actually functioning again or will try and explain things better.

Also, I left the ending rather open-ended as to what could have happened after Ichigo and Orihime died up to your interpretation. I had initially wanted to devote a bit of time at the end to explaining what happened, but then my brain started giving out and I just couldn't think anymore so I left it alone. Now, (this is an edit I'm adding the morning after, just fyi) I think that it actually kind of works. It's up to you guys to imagine whether Aizen successfully takes over both clans and rules over both, or if Isshin and Kisuke and other level-headed people like Starkk from the Inoue's create some sort of democracy within the two clans or if you come up with some other ending. It's really up to you and your imagination since all I say is that both clans do end up under the same roof. :)

Despite the sad ending, I do hope you enjoyed my idea for this prompt.