A/N: Blitch is going to Bali and thought she'd update this first. If you behave, you may even get a double update! This is to all my readers and I hope you enjoy it.

Disclaimer: I still don't own Bleach.

Chapter 10

Scene 1

So close, just like that time years ago in Rukongai…..

He watched his love roaming the streets blindly, quite literally. Damn that useless Rukia! Where was she? How can she lose track of her lady?

Then his eyes widened in fear to see his love fell onto the ground just as sound of galloping horses and a speeding carriage reached his ears.

"Out of the way you fool!" someone from the crowd yelled.

'Damn! I'm too late!' He thought in horror. This time he didn't care if the townsmen, women or children saw him, saw his scarred face, his hurt, his shame… With every living breath and every inch of muscle, he dashed out of the crowd and sped towards his love.

Just as the carriage almost ran his love over, he dived out to catch her and they both rolled to the sidewalk at the other end, saving both from being run over by the carriage.

He held her protectively in his frame, in that space that was meant for her, that space that ached with longing in her absence.

"I've finally found you!" the young lady smiled.

He tensed and let go off her quickly.

"I know it's you! Please, don't go!"

Furious tears soaking her face, she reached her hands out to him desperately.

Damnit! That was too close. He can never let that happen again!

His hazel eyes widened as he stared at his ever glorious princess, who seemed perfectly well, thank god… For ten years, he did a good job in keeping their distance. That was way too close, and right now, he really shouldn't be in her house, or in her room. He contemplated turning and running towards the door. After all, she couldn't see him...

"Ichi?"

Holding his breath as he made up his mind to turn and leave, but his body was not obeying his mind when he heard her soft and sweet voice call out to him, rendering him motionless.

"I know you're here." Orihime took a step forward towards the door entrance where he stood.

He had never imagined that their reunion would be like this, in fact, he never imagine there would be a reunion at all. She looked so lost with her doe eyes brimming with tears, and all he wished he could do was to reach out and pull her into his arms. But he couldn't…

Scene 2

Sitting on the bench by the river, Renji was starting to feel irritated as Rukia walked back and forth in front of him.

"What do you think they are doing right now?"

"Well I can think of a few things a man and a woman can do… not to mention it's been ten long years. He must have been deprived of se-"

"What the hell, you moron! Ichigo is not like you, pervert!"

"Well if they're not doing 'it', can we return to the house now?"

Rukia contemplated.

"I hope we did not make a mistake. Ichigo is going to be furious when he finds out."

"If he gets his brain out of his ass, he'll be thanking us." he shrugged and leaned back on the bench, "Reckon if they made up?"

"I hope so. God, I sure hope so."

Scene 3

So those two idiots planned this?

Orihime hurriedly stepped forward with her hands stretched out to grab only at thin air, as Ichigo had already taken swift and quiet steps backwards and out of her room.

"Wait! Don't leave!" her voice became desperate as she lunged forward.

Just as he headed for the stairs, his breath hitched in his chest as he watched in slow motion – seeing her foot tripping over her long satin dress.

She fell onto the floor wincing in pain. She hated being so clumsy, now he was going to escape! Frustrated tears threatened to fall as she knew he would probably not show up ever again!

But soon, a pair of arms was around her, lifting her up with ease. His scent overwhelmed her. She wanted to speak but there was no sound, her voice was lost as she started sobbing. Her arms that rested on his chest made their way to snake around his neck.

He carefully placed her on the edge of the bed but she tightened her grip around him and buried her face in the crook of his neck, not wanting to part. He had no choice but to sit down on the edge of the bed himself, and placed her on his lap.

After making sure she had not sprain herself, he finally stopped fussing over her legs. That was when he sank into the surreal feeling of having her in his arms again.

"A-are you alrig-?"

But he was shocked the very next second when he felt pounding on his chest.

"HOW COULD YOU?? HOU COULD YOU?! HOW COULD YOU!!"

She hit him so hard, so hard it hurts.

But the physical pain was nothing to the pain in his heart as he saw her crying helplessly. Remorse hit him like a million bricks.

Her pounding slowed down as her own fist started to hurt.

He tucked her head under his chin and gently ran one hand through her hair, while the other rubbed her back soothingly.

"I'm so sorry my princess."

How he missed feeling her silky strands through his hand, the mere feeling of her in his arms again brought tears to his eyes. Renji's words were playing in his mind, and that red haired moron had been right.

What a fool he had been! He would never leave her side again.. he would never let her leave his side ever…

He had to comfort her. But he was hit with a sting of sorrow and emptiness the very second she shook her head to squirm away from his touch.

Hime, why?

His mind was made up as he clutched her soft petite fingers in his calloused strong rough palms.

"Forgive me Orihime."

She took in a shuddering breath as she willed to stop her tears and pressed her lips tight. It was an indication for him to continue as she was listening.

"I've been so foolish. I have been a coward – living in darkness. I ju-just couldn't face you. You could be so much better off without me. I was the cause of your misery. I chose to run away. But I just realized what a mistake I made that caused me to miss out on spending precious time with you. Please forgive me!"

He let out a melancholic growl in angst as held her palms against his chest. But it wasn't a time for self-pity. Now was time to work on the present and look forward to the future.

"Hime, I-"

"You are a fool Kurosaki Ichigo! Each day without you was each day spent in misery. Why didn't you have faith in me? In us? That we'd get through this together?"

He cupped her face, and wiped her tears away with his fingers.

"I know now that it was a big mistake! But I'll never leave your side ever again."

Her bottom lip quivered as she clenched the fabric of his shirt in her hands.

"Promise?"

"Promise!" He rested his forehead against hers. "I'm here Hime. I've always been here."

"I know Ichi. I've always known." She smiled softly and relaxed against his body, snaking her arms around his waist.

"How… did you know?" he whispered uncertainly. He planned so carefully so how did she know?

"I refused to believe you were dead. I never believed you were dead. Then my gut feeling was proven right when I felt you."

"Felt me?" His brows shot skywards.

"I know you'd been watching me play the piano, and looking out for me… and I knew you saved me back then."

He watched her close her eyes and tilted her face towards him.

"Kiss me Ichi."

Ten long years they were apart. They kissed with such intensity. They needed each other. They were not two hearts but two halves that made one. Without either, the other couldn't live. It was a kiss of bittersweet reunion, a kiss to bid the road not taken farewell, and a kiss towards a promise of a lifetime together and more.

She smiled against his lips when his tongue demanded entry and he chuckled when she allowed his entry to reclaim what was rightfully his.

Her hands roamed his body, wanting more of him, dancing up his arms to his neck, digging into his hair and headed towards his face. He caught her fingers just in time and broke the kiss.

"Ichi? What's wrong? Did I-"

"No Hime, it's not you." He swallowed thickly. "My face, I've become a mon-"

"Ichi, I love you. No matter what happens, there's only you."

When she felt his grip on her fingers loosen she proceeded to touch his face. He watched her intently, reading her expression when her fingers traced over those horrible scars that ran across one side of his face.

"I'm so happy today, my love." She beamed like the sun although she was hurting inside, for him. "I've been waiting for so long."

Her reaction stunned him, he knew she was being strong for him; and he could do nothing but hung his head in shame. He was guilty and regretful of leaving the girl he loved and promised to protect. He felt tears flowing against his will. Then he felt her close the gap between them.

She planted firm and sweet kisses his face, tasting his hot tears along over his scars.

"Hime, sorry it took me so long. I-"

"No more sorries. Just say you love me."

"You know I do."

"Love me, that's all I ask of you."

Scene 4

The park was filled with the mixed sounds of birds chirping and chimes from the church bell ringing on the other side of the park.

Ichigo stood in awe of the princess spinning on the grass, the morning sun light caressing her flying auburn hair, creating a warm glow around her. Her eyes were closed and her face tilted back as she took in deep breaths of fresh air, giggling merrily.

"Ar, it's good to be out on a beautiful day!" Orihime laughed, when there was no response, a flick of panic glint in her grey orbs and she stopped spinning.

"Ichi?" she whispered with furrowed brows.

"I'm right here baby,"

He chuckled and scooped her in his arms and spun her around the field, causing her to gasp and then squeal in delight.

"I love you Hime,"

"Hey you two, breakfast is ready, don't make us sick!" Renji gestured to Ichigo.

Ichigo released his princess and led her to the baby blue mat laid out on the ground.

"Mmm, smells good!" Orihime clapped her hands in front of her as she took a seat on the mat that was filled with a large freshly baked chicken pie, plates of fruits and nuts, and a large 2-layered brown cake.

"Our chicken pie was a success." Renji gave a thumbs-up to Rukia who was carefully pouring orange juice for the company of seven.

"Chicken pie? Why do I smell peanut butter?" Orihime wiggled her nose.

"That's cos I know both you and Ichigo like the chocolate and peanut butter cake that I make, with Toushiro's help that is,"

"Great, thank you Momo! And you Toushiro!" Orihime smiled and felt her lover's arms around her waist.

Toushiro cleared his throat.

"Welcome back Ichigo."

"It's good to be back, although I was never that far away."

"Just hiding in the shadows… Stalking Orihime..." Rukia looked smugly at her long time friend who glared back.

"Thanks for looking after Hime all these years you guys, especially you, midget bitch." He smirked.

Rukia was about to send Ichigo a punch but the outburst of laughter from the red haired next to her caught her attention immediately and she sent him an elbow in the stomach instead.

They spent the rest of the morning enjoying the good company and good food, occasionally reminiscing on the good old days.

"I have an announcement."

Everyone turned to Chad who was sitting beside Ichigo.

"Orihime has given her consent for Ichigo and I to revamp La Palais and bring it back to life. I hope everyone will lend us their support."

"Well, I'm afraid there may be a problem…"

The group went silent and stared at the silver haired man.

"You see, I will help out but not her," he folded his arms coolly, "Momo is pregnant."

Orihime and Rukia squeaked and gave their wishes to the dark haired lady. While the guys nodded to Toushiro as their way of congratulating him.

"I have an announcement too." Ichigo tightened his grip on his blushing lover's waist. "We plan to get married next month."

"Finally?"

"It's about time."

"Took him long enough."

"Geez, thanks. Can't you just show some support?"

Ichigo scowled but his princess snaked her arms around him and laughed merrily, infecting him as well. He planted a long kiss on her forehead.

He had her, nothing else mattered.

And soon, soon she would be able to see all this...

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End.

Love,

Blitch out

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