Author's Note: Here you go! The much-needed Ichihime love. I hope you'll enjoy it because I enjoyed writing it. The Masquerade Ball is coming to an end probably by the next chapter. Then, we can get into the real story line now that Aizen and several others have/will be introduced. Thank you for those who commented, I appreciate the feedback and it always makes me smile. Please read, review - and most importantly - enjoy!

Disclaimer: All characters belong to Tite Kubo, the creator of Bleach.

Chapter 6 - Young and Weary

The entire party was going seemingly smooth for it being a last minute idea on behalf of Rangiku Matsumoto. Regardless of her planning it months in advance even if Orihime had rejected the idea, the princess was most thankful to her relative for throwing a birthday celebration in Sora's honor. Orihime would have certainly never would have thought of the plan herself. The most important part of the evening had also gone expectantly well for what Orihime thought would be a complete disaster. Her kingdom had warmed up to her rather quickly and she was overwhelmed by the colossal response they had given to her.

All of the noble women were approaching her with motherly smiles and open arms. They would introduce themselves and explain were in the kingdom they came from. Most of the places Orihime had never heard of in her life. However, she didn't want to offend them by showing any sign of discomfort. Instead, she would nod her head and told them how she'd liked to visit them at their respective home sometime soon. Her answer seemed to please the dignified women.

Although, slowly, Princess Inoue was finding it hard to keep up with the women's chatter. She had nothing to contribute to their conversations, even though she wished she did. The seventeen-year-old conspicuously began to look around the area for her aunt. She had run off and didn't get the chance to see where she had scampered away to in the craziness of the royals rejoicing about her first appearance. Thankfully, quickly enough; she spotted Rangiku's strawberry blonde hair through a throng of people. Orihime excused herself from the group and silently walked over to Matsumoto, who wasn't standing very far away from her to begin with. Without much of a thought, the niece poked a finger into her aunt's arm to get her attention. Rangiku turned away from the two women she was talking to and found Orihime noticeably paler than before.

"What's wrong, dearie? How is everything going?" she beamed with a dashing smile.

Orihime shifted her weight onto her left leg, "I don't mean to be rude Auntie, but I was wondering if I can meet your husband soon? I liked to give him by best wishes for your new-found marriage."

Rangiku clapped her gloved hands together with excitement from her niece's request, "Of course! I can't believe I almost forgot about my hubby-wubby. He'd be so disappointed in me. Excuse me ladies, Princess Inoue needs my services."

Abruptly, the curvy female grabbed Orihime by the arm and pulled her away from discussion Rangiku had been having with the other aristocrats. She was dragged through the mass of party guests, who all gave her quizzical stares as her aunt told them to move aside with fervent persuasion.

Thirty seconds or so later, Rangiku suddenly halted and brought Orihime practically crashing into her from behind.

"What do we have here, honey? Why ya so out of breath?" an unknown, nasally voice implored.

Orihime jolted upwards at the man's voice. "It must belong to Rangiku's husband," she quickly concluded. She leaned to one side to get a better view of him since her relative stood in her way. As she cleared a pathway for a glimpse of the husband, Princess Inoue'd eyes landed on a slender man with a ghostly shade of skin color. The silver hair that he owned covered his eyes at an angle. Orihime was unsure as to what color his irises were because his eyes seemed to be squinted even underneath his mask.

Rangiku finally sung, "I've got someone I want you to meet!"

Nervously, Orihime stepped aside and presented herself to Matsumoto's husband. She bowed her head and when she came back up, offered a glowing smile to him. However, what she was unaware at the time was that not only was there one man, but two who stood before her! Embarrassed, the princess quickly bowed to the other man to ensure she hadn't forgotten her manners.

"Oh, isn't this interesting. The Princess of Karakura feels as if it is in her position to bow to us. Please, let's see that pretty face," the same nasally voice demanded.

Orihime - not wanting to disrespect the man - lifted her heavy head and stood upright once again.

"Let us introduce ourselves to you, Your Highness. My name is Gin Ichimaru and next to me is...".

"And I am Aizen Souske," the stranger interrupted Gin.

The man who had just established his name stepped towards Orihime, took her small hand, and pressed his lips against it.

On cue, the princess immediately flushed a scarlet color on her cheeks and pulled away from Aizen. He had a deep voice to match his dark exterior. He had chocolate hair that was wavy and he wore it on the longer side. A perfect little curl had fallen in the middle of his forehead, and for some peculiar reason, he was not wearing a mask like the other party guests. Instead, he had thick-framed glasses that highlighted his brown eyes.

Something about the duo didn't feel genuine, almost as if they were forcing their kindness on her. She most certainly hated thinking that way about them, especially since one man was her aunt's husband. However, even Gin's manner of smiling seemed out of place. It looked like a smirk was underlying beneath it and that he was the cat that had eaten the canary. Being around the two men suddenly made Orihime feel uncomfortable. The air surrounding them felt heavy.

"Princess, Princess!" a voice shouted from behind Orihime. The approaching footsteps clicked against the marble flooring and when the royal turned around, she met a flustered Tatsuki hunched over in attempt to gain her lost breath.

"W-what is it, Tatsuki-chan? Did something happen?" the seventeen-year-old stuttered.

The juvenile regained her posture and ran a hand through her disheveled hair, "It's about that man that just came here."

"What man?" Rangiku asked in a small panicky voice.

Tatsuki pointed in the direction of the entrance, "I don't know his name, dammit! All I know is that Kuchiki-san called him 'nii-sama'. Doesn't that sound a little strange to you? I thought she was an only child! "

Did Rukia have a brother? She had never mentioned it the Princess before in the two years she's been taking care of her. Why in the world would this man appear out of nowhere and cause such a reaction from her caretaker? It wasn't adding up and she couldn't take the risk of a fight breaking out. The evening was still young.

"I know who he is very well," Aizen said with a fond smile.

Orihime whirled around with a nervous heart, "You do? Then you wouldn't mind telling us his name?"

Aizen rested a hot hand onto the princess' bare shoulder, squeezing it very tightly. He laid it there for a few moments longer before removing it.

"His name is Byakuya Kuchiki, the head of Japan's Imperial Family."

Urahara Kisuke and Yoruichi Shihoin had taken their intoxicating atmosphere and left Isshin, Ichigo, and Renji to their own devices. The three men yet again were enveloped in their own thoughts and stood in silence. The Princess' debut had happened about an hour ago and the tension that had seemed to circulate from person to person had settled peacefully without so much as a sigh of relief. Ichigo certainly wasn't complaining on the small factor. He didn't want to beat up anyone's ass that evening. He couldn't afford to be put in jail - his family didn't have the money and could have cost him his job at the blacksmith's if he had tried to attempt to hurt someone. In addition, he didn't want to look like a buffoon in front of everyone. Another person had taken the particular title for the night - the princess.

She was asking for a death threat from various villagers. Although, surprisingly, the nobles had seemed to be embracing her with friendly hugs and smiles. He never thought in his wildest dreams that the hierarchy of upper class would accept a princess whose family had caused much chaos in previous years. For some odd reason, Ichigo had thought the nobles hatred for Prince Sora and his past mistakes would have befallen on the princess as well. However, they acknowledged her as one of their own - apparently, just where she always belonged.

Isshin Kurosaki could notice Ichigo's irritation from the small distance between them. His temper had been kept under control so far, in addition to his tongue being withheld. Isshin worried how much longer it was going to last before they'd have to leave if an overwhelming rage were to break out in an unexpected rush. He certainly did not want to agitate the alter ego lurking inside his teenage son, especially since it had been difficult to tame the past few days. In the end though, Isshin's main purpose for attending the ball wasn't that he hoped to run into Urahara Kisuke of all places. It was definitely an unpleasant surprise that he had wished to continue avoiding for the rest of his life. Instead, Isshin had forced Ichigo to accept the invite because he wanted his son to dance with the Princess of Karakura. The setting was perfect. They were both seventeen and he was positive they were both single! At least, he hoped they were. If that weren't the case, Ichigo would accuse him of butting into his personal love life. However, he still wanted to play matchmaker!

While contemplating what his available options were in order to maintain Ichigo's mild annoyance, the educated physician caught - from the corner of his eye - other men from the party starting to ask the Princess for a dance with them.

This was Ichigo's grand opportunity. It was so simple and it would work.

"Ichigo, you're about to do something that may make you hate me for the rest of your life," Isshin informed in an easy tone.

The teenager in question gave his father an unreadable stare. What in the hell was he planning now? Wasn't forcing him to attend tonight enough punishment?

Unfortunately, for Ichigo, the night was only beginning.

Having given his son no warning, Isshin grabbed Ichigo by the arm and pulled him from his stagnant position. He was lurched forward and soon running without much of choice as to where his father was taking him. As the family duo rushed by the nobles, they were given dirty glances at the poor behavior of the lower class. Ichigo didn't care of their snobbish opinions of him. He'd never meet them again in his life. They were pointless and irrelevant.

Abruptly, Isshin stopped in the heated chase and caught the attention of the girl he was looking for since the very start. Ichigo's arm was released from his grasp and he could hear his child curse under his breath from the brash action his father had bestowed upon him.

Princess Inoue had been talking with two men when Dr. Kurosaki had interrupted their conversation. She was startled by his sudden intrusion for she hadn't seen him coming from afar, yet nonetheless, she offered the widowed father a gentle smile with her rosy lips.

"Inoue-sama, please pardon this sudden request on my behalf, but my son would like to take the chance of dancing with you. Do you accept?" he asked with determination.

She was wearing a beautiful, strapless floor-length dress. Its color scheme reminded Isshin of the flower fuchsia. Her bodice was heart shaped, as it showed the appropriate curves around her endowed chest. The lace in the stomach area had been stitched over with ribbons crossing above each other. On her neck, a band of material had been wrapped around into a pretty bow on the side. In addition, her traditional long, caramel wavy hair had been put up into a loose bun that couldn't control her locks. Also, she adorned plain white gloves that went up to her elbows. Everything about her aura seemed divine.

Orihime glanced over the man's shoulder at the mention of his son. She saw a boy about her age looking quite uncomfortable and stiff at his father's suggestion. The Princess felt instantly guilty. She didn't want to force the stranger into doing something he hadn't necessarily asked for in the first place.

Instead, she made her own offer.

"I don't want him to feel entitled to dance with me, sir. However, I promise to enjoy his company if he'll allow me to," Orihime prompted gently.

He couldn't place his finger on the familiar feeling of knowing the royal blood. Somewhere inside of him, Ichigo had met this girl before. He couldn't say where, and he couldn't say when, however - the two had crossed paths previously in their lifetimes. Why did he know her? It didn't add up and it wasn't making Ichigo feel any less agitated then before. In fact, he needed to find out where they had encountered each other.

Just do it King. How can you pass up on this? Look at her body. It's just waiting to be disciplined by a man like you.

"I accept," Ichigo agreed to the proposition. He hoped he wasn't making a mistake by doing so.

The father of the unknown teenage boy had been introduced as Isshin Kurosaki. His son's name was Ichigo and he apparently was the exact same age as her. He had a metal mask that covered the upper portion of his face. While the accessory seemed plain, his tuxedo was not of the same fashion. His white-tie ensemble was evenly matched with the nobles. His collar was turned-down and the lapels were made of satin. His tuxedo had a waistcoat and his trousers were stripe down the side. He also had a pocket-square that was holding a recognizable flower in its compartment.

"The Maiden Lily," Orihime exasperated in her thoughts.

She remembered quite fondly, of where she had last seen the elegant plant. It had been at the marketplace a few days ago. It was the time when she had run away without Ishida knowing her whereabouts. The Princess had approached a young man who needed help picking out the right floor for a girl that he had never met. One that was royalty...and was having a gala on the same day as she was.

The color of his hair had caught her attention because it was slightly similar to her very own. It was spiky and stuck out in odd places. The noble also recalled giving the stranger two options: Maiden Lily or the Himalayan Blue Poppy. Was it coincidence? She had to investigate further into the matter.

The two took to the dance floor where the rest of the party guests were enjoying themselves to the fullest. Some had already inebriated themselves with mead. Orihime couldn't understand why people chose to become so intoxicated that they would vomit up their entire stomach. What was the fun in that? She couldn't find the appeal that they did.

"So, huh...what do we do?" Ichigo grumbled as he kneaded his neck.

Orihime jumped at his sudden question, not expecting him to say too many words to her while they interacted for a brief time.

"Do you know how to dance?" the Princess prompted.

The blacksmith's subordinate shook his head. He didn't have a clue and nor did he want to have one. Dancing was not in his choice of expertise. Actually, he had never danced before in his life. When would he ever need a skill like that?

The Princess seemed overjoyed by the fact that he couldn't dance. Quite honestly, she was happy that she would be able to mentor someone else. For a girl who's supposed to know everything, Orihime didn't know how dance until a few days ago. The issue that only makes it worse for her is she's not easy on her feet. She actually very clumsy and Ishida always would scold her for how improper it would look for a Princess to be not well balanced in all that she represents for her public.

The excited girl seized Ichigo by both wrists and pulled him more in the center of the ballroom floor. He could feel the others - both noble and peasant alike - staring at him in the back of his head. It was almost as if it was shameful for him to be dancing with the Princess. He himself wasn't fond of the idea, but at the same time, he hadn't said anything to stop the interaction that had just occurred.

It's because you're enjoying it, Ichigo. Just accept as is, it'll make your life much easier.

"It's really not that difficult, okay? Relax, this will be fun!" the Highness rejoiced.

Ichigo was going to beg to differ until proven otherwise. Nevertheless, it did not stop the Princess' opinion. More than anything, she was determined to teach him.

With this certain intention, Princess Inoue grabbed Ichigo's one hand and placed it on her waist.

"I-I know this may be a little embarrassing," she concurred with a flustered demeanor, "but could you put your hand behind by back and pull me closer?"

Ichigo lifted an eyebrow at her, a smirk tugging at his lips, "And why would I do that?"

Orihime raised her head at his teasing tone. The moment she tried to find his eyes underneath his mask, he found himself looking away from her. Something made him nervous about her. He didn't want to feel that way, but he did.

Consequently, he listened to her instructions and tugged her body closer to him. Now they were skin to skin.

"What do I do now?" he conferred impatiently.

The Princess blurted the next step rather quickly, "Um! Give me your other hand!"

Ichigo gave a skeptical look in replace, henceforth stalling the process.

She didn't understand what game he was playing with her and she didn't like it! Orihime puffed out her cheeks with all the force she could muster. At seeing this particular image, the stranger burst into a fit of laughter. It was loud and distracting for the other partygoers as they glared at the teenagers. The Princess immediately took note of their stares and tried to hush Ichigo in the most polite way that she could. Eventually, his laughter had stifled down to few and then no longer.

Orihime nervously went forward, grabbing the young man's hand of her own freewill and closed her fingers around his. Their conjoined hands were suspended in the air. Ichigo's hand was still on the princess' waist and was told to keep it there. Meanwhile, Orihime had put her other free hand on top of Ichigo's arm that was wrapped around. Finally, the two teenagers were in the proper position.

"Good, we're all settled," she informed the blacksmith's assistant.

The classical music was still swirling in the air and it would be a perfect soundtrack for their dance rehearsal.

The Princess glanced up at Ichigo and presented him with a smile. She didn't want to scare him away. Furthermore, she hoped he would enjoy the fact that he was dancing with her. However, she also needed to find out more information about him whenever the chance was given.

"Okay, follow my lead," the Highness instructed, "When I step forward with my foot in-between your legs, you move back. When you step forward with your foot, I move back. You switch the foot you use every interval."

"Do I tip you over or something?" Ichigo asked.

The Princess suddenly found herself looking down at the floor for fear that it would give away her embarrassment at such a suggestion. She felt her body start to heat up under the realization that she was so close to a man she's just barely met and that he was holding her tightly. Almost like, he was never going to let her go.

"Y-you can...if you want too," she hesitated.

Ichigo stared down at her from above. The feeling from previously was still gnawing at him. Had he never met this girl until now? Her kindness and smile reminded him of the cloaked figure from the flower shop a few days ago. Her voice even sounded the same.

In any event, the eldest Kurosaki decided to take the Princess' dancing directives and follow through with them. The sudden movement shook Orihime from her thoughts as the boy took the lead. His foot stepped towards her and she moved backwards, checking over her shoulder that she wasn't going to knock into someone. It would have been humiliating.

Subsequently, after Ichigo had moved, Orihime did the same action as he did. They went back and forth, as the music played on for the party. Quicker than expected, the couple had mastered their switchover within no time flat and had soon joined the ranks of the experienced. The guests dancing around them admired the way their bodies flowed elegantly with each other. Although, there were whispers as to who Ichigo was and where he had come from in the kingdom. His attire for the evening was formal enough to be considered noble but no one had ever seen him before at other parties.

With all the fun the princess was having with the young man, she had almost forgotten her original purpose of teaching him the dance. They continued to move about the dance floor, enveloped in their own atmosphere. Dancing with him felt comfortable, and she wondered if he felt the same?

In the middle of the perfected choreography, Orihime cleared her throat quietly. The seventeen-year-old in front of her didn't seem to notice her prepping to ask him a series of questions.

"Kurosaki-kun," she murmured, "Have you ever been to this palace before?"

Ichigo didn't really give the question much thought, "Never."

His tone was bland and void of emotion. It was quite different from the young man she had just encountered with a few minutes ago.

"Do you live in a village?"

"Yes, I'm a person of lower status. Does that bother you?" he provoked.

The Princess shook her head violently from side to side. He was getting the wrong idea! He probably thought she was digging around needlessly in his personal life and would judge him for the label he's carried around with him since he was a child.

"Can I ask something of you, Princess?" Ichigo's gruff voice transmitted from the top of her body to her toes.

Orihime smiled reassuringly, "Of, course. It is only fair!"

Ichigo contemplated how he should go about his next move. He wanted to question her for so many different things, but it would just overwhelm her. He had to stick to his story and not sway from it. It'd only cause confusion and he'd never receive the answers he wanted to her from her.

In the meantime, as he focused on his inquiry, he dipped Orihime downwards and held her above the ground for a time span of five seconds. When he brought her back up to his level, he had his thoughts in order.

"Was it you," he danced towards her as she pulled back, "that came to my village and spoke with me about the flowers?"

It was him! Rightfully so, it had been him all along - she just didn't want to believe destiny had brought them together in such a peculiar fashion. She should have known by his hair and the flower that he was adorning in his breast pocket. However, the princess soon found herself in a crossroad. Was it improper of her to say that she was indeed the girl that he had conversed with a few days ago? Would talk of her actions be spread across the kingdom? She had just earned the respect her family had lost decades previously. Orihime would be risking it all if she told him the truth. Although, something inside of her conveyed that Ichigo Kurosaki was not a bad person. He was only curious.

For a brief moment, the princess stopped dancing and Ichigo briefly halted his feet as well. The music had softened and guests were starting to move away from the dance floor and to the buffet table for dinner. Orihime would soon have to join them in their eating.

Ichigo was waiting for her answer. "Better not keep him," she grimly thought to herself. It was sad to think their time together had ended in a rush of elated emotion.

She wiggled her index finger at him to come closer. He saw the motion and bent down to her level as he placed his ear next to her mouth. The truth was coming, but he sensed the answer was that of one he already knew.

Henceforth, hot breath filled his ear as the voice of Orihime echoed inside it, "Scowl Face-kun...that's the name I called you, right? How could I ever forget a face like your's. It's very charming!"

Without warning, Ichigo pulled away from the aristocrat, the memory of the name flooding his mind. He remembered how strange it had sounded for someone he had just met to call him that. Nonetheless, it had a nice ring to it and when she said it to him that day, he didn't protest as if he normally would have.

"So...it was you?" Ichigo doubled checked.

The Princess of Karakura proudly nodded her head and even bounced a little in her stance, "I'm glad you picked the Maiden Lily. At least I know you listened to me and that you didn't think I was being a bother."

He had completely forgotten the flower tucked snuggly inside his pocket. Ichigo's eyes hovered over the plant he had personally hand-picked for the girl had he supposedly never met. In a swift movement, he yanked it out and handed it to Orihime. She glanced from him to the flower several times and she couldn't help but notice the faint pink color he had risen on his cheeks. Giggling, Orihime stole the flower and placed it in her auburn hair.

"Thank you very much for the dance, Kurosaki-kun!" she cheerfully added.

The grumpy teen found himself smirking in response to her never-ending happiness, "Don't mention it."