A/N: I'm terribly sorry for not updating this story in almost a year. You see, I had fallen out of love with it so I left it on the back burner. Thanks to MistressBlaque, I have motivation for it once again. To those who have been reading it, I do hope you'll forgive me. This has been a PSA. Haha. On with chapter 7!
Good to You
Chapter 7: Not Prepared
Ichigo's gaze was steady as the limo drove on the busy freeway into the city. It had been hours since they had left Karakura and he was on guard even more now. The sights and sounds were getting clearer and he knew it would be harder to keep focus on everything once they were in the center of bustling Tokyo.
Orihime watched him off and on from the corner of her eyes. She threaded her slender fingers together on her lap and cleared her throat. "Kurosaki-san?" she began.
Ichigo turned his head to look at the young woman. Slowly, he slid off his sunglasses to see her better. "Yes, Miss Inoue?"
Orihime straightened up in her seat. "Thank you, for what you did." She said, formally. "When we were leaving the luncheon."
The orange haired man shook his head slightly. "No need to thank me. I was doing my job."
"Yes, but no one's really stood up for me like that, besides my brother." Her voice became quiet.
Ichigo watched her for a bit, his heart made a strange rhythm as he thought about how difficult it was for her. Losing her brother and working through the sorrow all on her own. His lips tightened into a frown. "I won't let that happen to you anymore. Not while I'm am your bodyguard. I promise I will protect you."
The beauty relaxed and smiled warmly at him. "I know you will."
The limousine pulled onto the main street of the Tokyo district. Skyscrapers stretched above the vehicle, causing shadows to rain down on the asphalt and cement. Colors from the flashing signs and screens were vibrant and the walkways were vastly littered with throngs of people. The noises were almost overwhelming for Orihime. The sidewalks were littered with people going to and from destinations. Vendors crowded the corners, their customers impatiently waiting for a meal. Ichigo's gaze flicked to his wrist watch, noting it was a noon. His eyes scanned the area for anything suspicious. As they arrived at the immaculate hotel, he turned his head to look at Orihime. "Ready?"
She nodded, catching her bottom lip between her teeth before moving closer to Ichigo as he opened the door to the limo. He stood and offered his hand to help her out. Orihime marveled at the way her hand was dwarfed by his own, that his grip was firm yet gentle. Ichigo peered down at her as she rose and exited from the vehicle. He practically towered over her.
"Miss Inoue," Ichigo spoke quietly, the sound only venturing to her ears. "Stay close."
Orihime nodded again as he released her hand and moved to place one behind her back, escorting her passed the lavish entryway of the hotel.
The building was large, with plush red carpeting and expensive looking furniture. The front desk was a deep mahogany with planters of lotuses and bamboo. As they approached, a lovely, dark haired woman with deep brown eyes and a kind smile greeted them. Orihime gave the woman a smile of her own.
"Welcome to Tokyo's finest hotel! How may I help you?" the woman chirped.
"I believe there's a room reserved in my name. Inoue Orihime." The auburn haired woman replied.
"Ah, you're with Inoue Industries, yes? Your brother was a great man. My condolences." the clerk said gently. "Will you be needing anything?" She pulled the key cards from the desk drawer and extended them to Orihime.
Orihime shook her head in response. "Thank you, but no."
The other woman winked at Ichigo as he led Orihime to the elevators. "You make a lovely couple!" She called to them as the doors closed, but not before the orange haired man smirked at her.
The auburn-haired woman blushed brightly as she heard the clerk's words and kept her gaze on her feet. She could feel Ichigo's watching her.
"Don't worry about it, Miss Inoue." His deep voice carried to her ears. She looked up only to find Ichigo had leaned in closer. His large hand was on her back still and she rested against his touch. "I don't bite, I promise."
As the elevator climbed upwards, Orihime watched Ichigo's amber eyes glint with an emotion that was indefinable. He was watching her intently, with a soft upturn of his lips. She swallowed thickly, her gaze never leaving his.
The elevator doors opened when they had finally reached their floor and Ichigo snapped his gaze to focus on the hallway. The expression he had held was gone in a flash and left her with a strange empty feeling. The pair stepped out and made their way down the corridor.
"Well thank you, Kurosaki-san," Orihime said as she pulled out the keycard when they reached the hotel room, speaking as if to dismiss him.
Ichigo placed a hand against the door. Orihime turned to look at him wide-eyed. "I'm staying with you, Miss Inoue." He said firmly. When she opened her mouth to protest, he continued. "I was hired by your brother to be your bodyguard. You are in a vulnerable situation." Ichigo drew his hand down from the door and plucked the key from her fingers, sliding it into the lock before opening the door and ushering her in.
He pushed the door closed behind him, a soft click echoed in the room. Orihime let out a breath and nodded to the orange-haired man. There was no arguing with him. Her brother had most likely told Ichigo more than even she knew, so it was best to listen.
She moved to the bed, the suitcases placed on the mattress had been brought up by a bellhop earlier. She pulled one over to her and began to unpack. "Kurosaki-san?"
"Hmm?" he replied, walking over to the wide windows to survey the area.
"Um, sorry but… Where are you going to sleep?" Orihime asked softly. She casted a glance around the sparsely furnished room.
Ichigo shrugged, turning back from the window to look at her. "I don't need much sleep. Maybe two hours here and there, and not all together at one time. I'll take the chair."
The young woman blinked at him owlishly. "How do you function with so little rest?"
The man chuckled lightly, "I was trained into it. Don't worry about me. My job comes first."
Orihime nodded slowly. "If you say so."
Ichigo leaned against the wall, keen brown eyes studying her, "The conference doesn't start until tomorrow. Is there anything in particular you wanted to do?"
She flashed a smile so bright he was nearly blinded by the radiance. "I am hungry! Let's go look for a good restaurant!"
Another chuckle bubbled out of his chest before he moved over to the phone. "I'll order room service, Miss Inoue."
The woman's smile fell into a cute pout. "Aw, but why?"
Ichigo shook his head. "It's best if we keep to the room."
She sighed in defeat before scrunching her brows together in thought. "Kurosaki-san… is something wrong?"
Ichigo picked up the receiver to the phone and paused before dialing. "Trust me, Miss Inoue. It'd be better if we stayed in."
Orihime stepped over to the window, scanning the buildings surrounding the hotel. "Did you see something?"
The bodyguard strode over to the woman and pulled her away from it, drawing the curtains. "And keep away from the window."
She sighed, nodded to him and slipped away from his grasp. She opted to sit on the edge of the bed and look down at her lap.
Ichigo once again picked up the phone and began dialing the number for room service. "Order anything you want, Miss Inoue."
Orihime nodded. She looked over the menu that was laying on the bed and her expression brightened. "Anything?"
The beauty sighed contentedly as she sat back on the bed. Her belly was pleasantly full and her many dishes were empty. Ichigo watched her in amusement.
"I honestly don't understand some of your food choices," he chuckled. "Or why you add certain condiments to dishes."
Orihime's eyes glittered with joy. "You must try it some time! I promise you won't be disappointed."
Ichigo's face blanched a bit at the recommendation but he humored her with a nod. "Yeah, maybe."
"Kurosaki-san, would you mind telling me something about yourself?" she whispered, looking at him curiously.
He shifted a bit on the chair, slightly uncomfortable with the question. "What do you want to know?"
"Well, I mean, how did you know Sora-nii?" she said as she sat up to focus on Ichigo.
The man let out a breath, watching Orihime for a bit before closing his eyes. "Inoue-san and I had a past. We met a few years ago at a business conference. That's all to be said."
The young woman's eyebrows knit together in confusion. "Is that when my brother talked to you about becoming my bodyguard?"
Ichigo opened his eyes and focused on Orihime's puzzled expression. "No, that came later."
"But… do you know… who killed my brother? Surely he told you things." Orihime shifted a bit on the bed, biting at her bottom lip as she watched Ichigo's lips turn downwards into a scowl and his eyes harden.
"Miss Inoue, it's best if you don't ask questions." His tone was direct and abrupt. "That's it. Subject closed."
She nodded, sucking in a deep breath before letting it out. She straightened her posture as she stood from the bed. "I'll just go change. Excuse me." She bowed to Ichigo swiftly and grabbed a few items from her suitcase, disappearing into the ensuite.
Shaking his head quickly after Orihime exited the room, he dismissed the feeling that he had somehow insulted her. There was little time for that worry. He reminded himself that it was in her best interest to keep as much information hidden as possible.
A resounding noise echoed from outside the room. Ichigo's eyes darted over to the door quickly, grasping his piece from the holster and rising from his seat in lightning fast speed. Easing the door open slightly, Ichigo grunted when he saw who was making the noise.
"What are you doing here, Renji?"
The tall, redhead smirked at him, leaning against the wall across from Ichigo. He was dressed in a black suit with his vibrant, long hair pulled back in a tight ponytail, while his prominent tattoos were visible on his forehead and eyebrows. "Jeez, good to see you too, Ichigo."
The oranged haired man growled at him, "I asked you a question."
Renji put his hands up in a placating gesture. "I just thought you'd like to know some information about Inoue-san's dissolving company."
Ichigo lowered his gun, nodding for Renji to continue.
"Seems that Aizen has put in the highest bid," Renji began. "Things are going to get nasty. Already there's been controversy about why. Might be a good time to tell Miss Inoue more about it."
Ichigo's eyes narrowed as a scowl darkened his features. "I don't like the idea of her knowing too much, Renji. It could put her in danger."
The taller man shrugged. "That's up to you. However, I think she'll be able to handle it. You and I both did research on her. She's tough."
Ichigo shook his head. "It's my call. I don't think it's the right time."
Renji frowned at him. "You know it's probably a bad idea to keep her in the dark."
"The last thing we need right now is her worrying about everything and having no power to stop this." Ichigo sighed, raking a hand through his thick orange hair.
"Is she aware she holds no power in the ultimate decision of the company dissolving and being purchased by another company?" The redheaded man asked, raising an ornately tattooed brow.
"No. Ishida told me she isn't really versed in what is happening. She's more of a representation of Inoue Industries." Ichigo muttered in annoyance; not with Renji, but with the situation at hand.
"Just a figurehead, eh? She'll be upset when she can't make a vote on whether or not the decision is final for Aizen Holdings."
"What would you have me do, Renji?" Ichigo's gaze flicked to the other man. "I'm just her bodyguard. I'm here to protect her like Sora asked me to. Like I promised."
Renji smirked a bit, eying the man with a look that shown interest. "You know it's more than that. I know what happened the other day."
Ichigo wasn't a man to play dumb, but he chose to feign ignorance. "You don't know what you're talking about. Maybe you should lay off the booze."
The taller man barked out a laugh. "Yeah yeah. I'm the one that's in denial. Way to twist the subject." Renji paused before a lecherous grin took over his features. "She is beautiful, isn't she."
Ichigo's face took on an uncharastically bright blush. He turned his head for a moment before letting out a cough. "She needs to be protected. A kind heart like hers can be in jeopardy of being torn and bruised, this isn't about what I think of her appearance."
Renji bit back a laugh when he saw Ichigo's reaction to his prodding. Oh he was going to have fun with this in the future. But for now, he decided to lay off. His expression went grim before he spoke again.
"Just keep on your guard, okay? Aizen's keeping his eyes peeled. I wouldn't put it past him to do something underhanded."
"As if I'd let it drop in the first place," Ichigo snapped at the redhead.
"It's only a warning. You can't afford anything to happen," Renji spoke with an edge to his voice.
Ichigo relented and let the subject drop after he gave Renji a nod.
"Anyway, I just came to inform you of what is happening," the redhead continued on with the previous subject. "If you need anything, call me." He walked away then, knowing Ichigo would contact him if anything went wrong.
As the other man left down the hall, Ichigo quickly closed the door and slipped his gun back into the holster. He knew Aizen was cold and calculating, and that he was a man not to be trifled with. Thinking about how this could affect Orihime sickened him. He wondered if he was doing a good enough job for Sora or if he should actually shed some light on the gentle woman's questions.
It was of little consequence at this point. Things would happen and shit would hit the fan either way. Ichigo turned as he heard the ensuite door click closed. Orihime stood in a robe that clung to her curvy form flatteringly. She fidgeted a bit in front of him, tugging her lower lip into her mouth and catching it between her teeth.
"Is everything alright, Kurosaki-san?" she said quietly, her grey eyes flashing with concern.
Ichigo sighed, quickly composed himself before waving it off. "Don't worry about it, Miss Inoue."
"I heard you to speaking with someone," She pressed.
"One of my colleagues stopped by to give me some information." He stated simply.
"Oh," Orihime stared at his stoic features for a moment before letting it drop. She yawned softly.
Ichigo grinned slightly. "Go to bed, Miss Inoue. You have a big day tomorrow."
"Mmhm," She hummed sleepily before crawling into bed. Pulling the covers up around her, she closed her eyes.
Ichigo took a seat on a nearby chair, resting back but not allowing himself to relax. He was on alert, like always. And after what Renji had told him, he was even more on edge than before. He let his gaze drift over to the sleeping woman and his expression softened for a moment. Orihime was most definitely facing danger, and all he could do right now was keep her away from knowing too much. The less she knew, the safer she would be.
It was early in the morning when Orihime woke. Though her eyelids were still heavy from sleep, she searched the room for the orange-haired bodyguard.
Ichigo was still sitting in the chair, vigilantly keeping his eyes open for any possible disturbance or danger. He turned his head to look at the sleepy woman.
"Good morning, Kurosaki-san!" Orihime chirped, despite her tired facade. She rubbed her eyes a bit before smiling at him brightly.
He allowed a slight smile to curve his lips when he spoke. "Good morning, Miss Inoue. Did you sleep well?"
"Yes, thank you." I haven't slept this well ever in my life, because you were there to watch over me, she thought without saying it out loud. She knew she might've made herself sound foolish or make him feel uncomfortable. It was best not to.
Ichigo nodded, "Good."
Orihime smiled gently, "Did you sleep at all, Kurosaki-san?"
The man shrugged a bit. "I had enough rest." His gaze turned serious when he spoke again. "We need to talk about the agenda today."
The beauty hummed thoughtfully, which concerned Ichigo. She needed to focus on what was about to happen, what could happen.
"I want you to know that there have been changes in the schedule," he said, watching her expression change from relaxed to alert.
"What changes do you mean?" Orihime asked carefully.
Ichigo looked at his watch and then rose from the chair. "We will need to leave shortly. The press will be all over Inoue Industries's building's entrance." He replied, pausing briefly. "It's better if we make it there early to avoid as much trouble as possible."
The young woman nodded before getting up from the comfort of her bed. She grabbed a few things from her suitcase before saying quietly, "Thank you, Kurosaki-san, for taking such good care of me."
Orihime sat down in the large, black leather chair at the conference table. The table was massive, stretching from one side of the room to the other. She folded her hands in her lap, trying to calm herself down. She knew there would be an appearance of Aizen at the meeting for the merge, and as the other businessmen filed into the room, her nervousness increased.
She felt Ichigo's eyes on her from where he stood against the wall behind her. Knowing he was there made her relax a bit. Orihime grew more confident as she pep-talked herself in her mind.
That was until the mahogany doors opened to reveal three sharp-dressed men. Aizen Sosuke entered with an arrogant air which made her feel slightly ill. His hair was slicked back, save for a single lock groomed at his forehead. The suit he wore was tailored to perfection, most obviously expensive. The violet silk tie and cream colored dress shirt, along with the crisp white jacket and slacks gave him an appearance that screamed: 'I'm better than you in every way.'
Followed behind him were Tousen Kaname and Ichimaru Gin. They both wore expensive suits as well, pressed and ultimately spotless. The white haired man turned to smile deceptively at Orihime that she almost cringed visibly. These men were crafty and sly, but also dangerous. She tried not to stiffen in her seat as Aizen and the two other men took their seats across from her.
"It is good to see you, Miss Inoue," Aizen said, his voice rich and deep. His dark gaze was fixed on her and she could feel him taking in her appearance almost lecherously. Whenever she interacted with the man, she always felt very uncomfortable.
It took a lot of energy to smile politely at Aizen. "It is good to see you as well, Aizen-san." Orihime could tell from even where she sat that Ichigo was watching the other man like a hawk.
The dark haired man rested his elbows on the polished wood table, steepling his fingers together. "I do hope we can meet up after this. Perhaps we can talk over lunch. There will be much to discuss." It was not said as an offer or a polite invitation. She could tell Aizen was bent on getting her alone to converse over something serious. She felt the bile rise in her throat and her heart beat increase.
Despite how she felt on the inside, she graced him with another polite smile and a nod. Orihime didn't trust her voice at that moment and knew if she did speak, it would come out shaky.
The meeting was called to order soon after and she forced herself to focus on the chairman of Inoue Industries as he spoke. She forced herself to calm down, even though she could tell the arrogant man's eyes were on her periodically. Her mind traveled to the statement Aizen said before. She knew Ichigo would be with her, and that she was going to be protected, but that didn't stop the feelings of trepidation that swam in her veins.
The words next spoken shattered her train of thought entirely.
"The highest bid for Inoue Industries has been set by Aizen Holdings. Are there any objections?" the short, balding chairman asked, casting his beady eyes across the men and women sitting at the ornate table.
Orihime's eyes widened and she looked at each person seated in horror as she heard the next words spoken. "All in favor?" The majority of people gathered raised their hands. "All opposed?"
She was instantly disgusted with everyone folding. Orihime couldn't just let Aizen dissolve the company and keep the employees that worked so devotedly to her kind-hearted brother become practically slaves for the untrustworthy seated across from her. Her stomach turned, but she composed herself quickly.
"Going once. Going twice…" came the nasally voice of the chairman.
"I object." Orihime spoke up, her voice stable and firm. No matter how unsettled she felt on the inside, she wasn't going to let Aizen win. "I motion for Inoue Industries's decision to be put on hold so we can discuss the matter further. I want to make sure that my brother's company is well taken care of."
Aizen's eyes were on her the instant she had spoken, boring into her with such intensity. The expression he held was indignant and challenging. The false facade he had worn was gone in an instant and effortlessly morphed into one that was almost threatening.
"I'm sorry, Miss Inoue. I'm afraid you do not have the power to decide that," the chairman said stoically.
Orihime's confidence shattered instantly and she let her emotions to surface. Her eyes shot over to the vain man staring at her and an almost undetectable smug grin pulled on his lips. She looked to the chairman again, pleadingly. She knew the workers of her late brother's company would be treated poorly, their wages cut and even many would be laid off or fired. She was desperate to stop Aizen, but she knew that it was fruitless.
Ichigo watched as her shoulders dropped in defeat when the chairman spoke again, telling the slick man; who had just taken everything from the beautiful woman that represented her brother's hard work away from her 'congratulations.'
Aizen rose from his chair as the other board members of Orihime's brother's now former company shook his hand and wished him well like an obedient flock of sheep.
Ichigo was at her side immediately when Orihime stood. Placing a hand on her back, he ushered her out of the boardroom into the hallway. Her heels clicked as she walked silently, her facial expression torn between an obvious look of being betrayed and self-loathing. It made him angry, balling his free fist so hard that his knuckles turned white and blunt nails bit into the skin.
Orihime made herself stand straight, she wasn't going to give into the torrent of emotions threatening to overtake her. She knew that soon she would crumble and she couldn't allow that to happen here. Not when Aizen and his lackies were watching.
Ichigo leaned in and spoke gently, "We can go now, Miss Inoue. Let's get you out of here."
Orihime looked up at him, taken-aback with the of the warmth in the deep tone of his voice and how it simultaneously relaxed her and made her heart race.
As he began to guide her to the elevators, Aizen walked up behind them, shadowed by his bodyguards and partners.
"What a surprise to see you here, Kurosaki Ichigo. We haven't seen each other for months," the dark haired man smirked conceitedly. "I suspected you may have moved onto another job. To my surprise you've become Miss Inoue's bodyguard now. How interesting."
Orihime stiffened under Ichigo's touch as she narrowed her eyes at him slightly as Ichigo halted. She most definitely did not like what Aizen was insinuating. Pain flashed across his features when she looked at him with such distrust.
Ichigo turned to look at Aizen calmly, his voice having a razor sharp edge to it as he spoke. "Not so much a surprise for me. If that is all, we'll be going now."
As if to dismiss the orange-haired man, Aizen continued on as if Ichigo hadn't spoken at all. "It was good to see you again, Miss Inoue. I'll have my secretary call about a date that we will meet for lunch. Good day." With that, he and his entourage entered one of the large elevators. As the doors closed, Aizen grinned at Orihime in a way that made her skin crawl.
After Aizen was gone, she began to shake with the emotions she had been fighting since the finalization of the board's deciding vote. She looked again to Ichigo who was still glaring at the elevator doors.
"Kurosaki-san. I want to leave right now." Her eyes were filled with tears and a hurt look darkened her once bright and lovely face. "And we need to talk."
Ichigo felt something foreign and strange when she looked at him. It was like his heart cracked and fresh pain bled from it. He hadn't felt that heaviness in his chest in a very long time.
He normally would be able to close off his emotions. For the first time in years, he couldn't help but feel how awful it felt to hurt someone. He had done what Renji had warned him about. He knew now the shame and the betrayal Orihime felt from keeping her in the dark.
Ichigo cleared his throat as he bit back a curse that had begun to rise from his throat. His face hardened, not letting any trace of emotion surface on it when he pressed the down button. As the elevator doors opened, he went to place his hand protectively at Orihime's back again. She instantly pulled away from his touch as if it had burned her.
"I would appreciate you not doing that, Kurosaki-san."
She was closing herself off to him. He knew he was a bastard and an asshole, but at this point, he knew he had sunk to a new low. It was going to take a lot to get her to trust him again, but he was nothing but determined. Her safety was what was important. The feelings that were swamping his mind and chest would only get in the way.
Happiness, after all, is what she deserved.
A/N: That turned out longer than I expected! I've never written such a long chapter before! I hope you all enjoyed it. Please remember that reviews are very important! See you next time!