Author's note: Due to popular demand, I bring you "Child: Part III"! I've had a lot of people say that I need to continue it with a part four, but I'm still debating on it. I think I ended it in a pretty decent place, if I say so myself. Also, I'd like to thank everyone who has left reviews or favorited/story alerted this. It means a lot to me. :)

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach, which is probably a good thing.

Drabble X: Child (Part III)

She hummed softly to herself – a happy tune, despite her predicament. She moved gracefully about the kitchen, her swollen belly peeking out from under her apron. Lovingly caressing the bump, she smiled softly. Eighteen years old and with a child – she was still a child herself in many people's eyes, but that didn't matter.

Tatsuki had been furious when she found out, but eventually came to terms with her friend's desire to have the child. Without much trouble, Orihime had been able to graduate high school without anyone else finding out. She had already been able to secure a part-time job to support herself and the baby, but it was clear that she wouldn't be able to do the things she used to be able to do.

Staring blankly out the window, she continued to stir the batter in the metallic bowl she cradled. Part of her wondered if Ichigo had ever found out about her pregnancy. If he did, he had never let on that he knew.

"Get rid of it!"

She shuddered at the menacing voice that wafted through her memories. He had been furious that night – rightfully so. She defied him, insisting that she keep her unborn child. No matter how much he beat her, degraded her, dirtied her, she would never let him harm her – no, their – child.

It was that night that he left her. She had seen or heard nothing from him in nearly six months. With a small sigh, she mentally chastised herself. 'It's for the best,' she thought. Her child would be born into a happy, healthy environment – far away from the evil they would have been subjected to otherwise.

Shaking her head, she smiled warmly as she began spooning the cookie batter onto the baking tray. Sliding it into the oven, she arched her back, trying to massage the stiffness that had begun to be a part of her daily life. Turning around, she intended to begin cleaning up the mess she had made.

Her heart froze and she backed against the oven, her eyes wide. Black and gold eyes penetrated hers, a satisfied smirk playing about his lips.

"Shiro… Wha-what are you doing here?"

"I've come to take back what's mine."