Author's Notes:
I'm baaack~
I'd like to thank everyone who congratulated me for that chemistry test, though I can't say I passed, thanks anyway ^-^
Okay, so I just started writing a Naruto-Bleach crossover. It's set in the 16th century with the theme of kings, chivalry, war and historical romance. But I still don't know which couples to put in. There will definitely be Ichihime in it, that I guarantee but the other pairings I'm not so sure yet.
So if you have any suggestions on pairings that you want to see in my Naruto-Bleach crossover, don't hesitate to PM me or better yet include them in you reviews.
Alright! On to the story~
~Ember~
Chapter Ten:
Picture Perfect
Chocolate brown eyes opened as the warm sunlight hit his face. 'Who the hell opened the curtains?' he thought. Those thick red curtains in his room should be protecting him from the rays of the morning sun.
When his eyes finally adjusted to the light, he found himself staring right up at a plain white ceiling. 'Huh? My ceiling isn't white' he mused. He looked around and realized that he was not in his luxurious room but rather in a small and simple white room that was, judging by the few stuffed toys decorating it, owned by a girl.
He felt a shift of weight by his side and was greeted by the auburn haired girl's sleeping face. He stared at her and for the first time he became conscious of just how close they were.
He watched her as she slept peacefully, her mouth slightly open as she breathed evenly, her bright auburn hair splayed all over the pillow which they were now sharing. He chuckled to himself when he realized that somehow, through the course of the night, she had managed to pull the blanket all to herself.
This was not the first time he woke up without a blanket. Sometimes he would even wake up on the floor. He couldn't help but smirk as he remembered the first time he woke with a start when he felt his back collide with the cold floor after receiving a mighty kick from a sleeping Orihime.
He gazed at her, her face so close to his. It was undeniable that she had such a strong resemblance to Ayaka yet Orihime was beautiful in her own unique way. She was the type of girl who would wear her heart on her sleeve and Ichigo had to admit, her heart was as beautiful as she was.
He was snapped out of his reverie when he felt Orihime stir; Ichigo began to panic.
Orihime always woke up earlier than him and he was so used to waking up to see Orihime already taking care of Rio. So his first instinct was to lie back down, close his eyes and pretend to be asleep.
He tensed when Orihime sat up and yawned. He wondered what she was doing. He could feel her gaze on him and Ichigo could not help but feel more awkward. Suddenly she laid back down beside him but this time, closer. He then felt soft hands touch his hair and sweep stray strands away from his face.
"You have such soft hair" she said gently "I like your hair". Her fingers then touched the middle of his brows, "You look so peaceful when you're sleeping".
Does she always talk to me like this when I'm not yet awake? Ichigo pondered.
He then felt her fingers brush his lashes, "You have such long lashes", the same fingers traced the line of his nose bridge, "and a strong nose" she continued. She moved her hand lower until it came to a stop on his lips. She traced them. He felt her move closer to him, like she was hovering above him. He could feel her breath on his lips and he was oh so tempted to crack an eye open but he restrained himself. He wanted to see what she was going to do next.
Minutes passed and Orihime moved away. "Rio looks just like you" she giggled. She cupped his cheeks and Ichigo couldn't do anything but blush, "I'm sure he'll grow to be as handsome as you are" she said with a tinge of emotion that Ichigo just could not recognize.
By this time, he could no longer take it. He wanted to see her and touch her too.
"You know, I wonder how a human could be so handsome . . .hmm . . .it's no wonder you're Japan's most sought-after bachelor"
"Am I really that handsome?"
"Yes" Orihime nodded.
Suddenly, she looked down at sleeping Ichigo, who wasn't exactly asleep anymore, only to find him grinning cockily at her. Her eyes widened and with a squeak she jumped out of the futon.
"Wow Inoue" Ichigo chuckled, sitting up from the bed. "I didn't know you thought I was that handsome"
"I-I-I" Orihime stumbled.
"I'm flattered" Ichigo said before standing to move towards her.
With her heart pounding in her chest and finding it suddenly hard to breathe, Orihime stood up "I'll go see if Rio-kun's awake" she managed to say before dashing out of the room.
"Silly girl" Ichigo shook his head with a chuckle, "you don't know what hearing that from you means to me"
The whole family was there for breakfast. Still feeling embarrassed about what happened earlier, Orihime felt uncomfortable sitting next to Ichigo.
"Did you sleep well, Rio-kun?" Retsu asked the little boy sitting beside her.
"Yes" he beamed at his grandmother. "But Nel snores so it was kind of hard to sleep when she's so noisy"
"Nel doethn't thnore!" the lime haired girl protested from Rio's right.
"Yeah you do"
"No Nel doethn't!"
"Yes you do and you even drool" Rio stated matter-of-factly
Nel stopped and blushed before sticking her tongue out at the orange haired boy and going back to her food.
"Nel that's not nice" Sora chastised his daughter
"How about you Kurosaki-san? Did you sleep well?" Jushiro turned to the celebrity
"Yes I slept well" Ichigo answered, "though I think I liked how I woke up better" he grinned at Orihime with a mischievous glint, effectively making the auburn haired girl burn a bright red and the white haired man wonder.
"Mom" Rio called
"Yes sweetie?"
"Dad"
"Hm?"
The two adults turned to Rio, waiting for what he was going to say.
"I want a baby sister or a baby brother" he announced.
Orihime dropped her chopsticks.
Ichigo choked on his food.
"Wow!" Neliel laughed, "That's quite a demand" she said to Orihime who was now trying to soothe a violently coughing Ichigo
"W-Why do you suddenly want siblings?" Orihime hesitantly asked the little boy
"Well" he began, "I can't just be the only kid at home and well Nel's okay even though she snores and drools so I thought it would be fun to have a little brother or sister. I'd like a little brother more but I guess a little sister would be fun too" he explained
"Oh sweetie we can't just- well –" Orihime was at a loss for words so she turned to Ichigo for help.
"So can I have a little sister or brother tomorrow?" Rio persisted
"We can't just give you a baby brother tomorrow" Ichigo finally spoke
"Why not?" Rio cocked his head at his father who opened his mouth to say something but decided not to say it. "Well it takes time" he murmured
"So you will give me one but not tomorrow!" the little boy's face lit up.
"No! That's not it!" Ichigo tried to explain with an exasperated tone.
"So you can't give me a baby brother?" Rio inquired
"We can but-"
"Then it's settled!" the little boy declared, "I'll be having a baby brother but not tomorrow! Maybe next week or next month?"
Ichigo could only gape at his demanding son while Orihime just continued to blush an impossible shade of red.
After saying goodbye and promising to come back to play once in a while, Ichigo, Orihime and Rio headed home for a change of clothes before going to school and work.
Ichigo was in a very good mood. Kisuke could tell. The moment Ichigo walked into the building, he knew his orange haired nephew woke up at the right side of the bed.
"You look happy" Kisuke commented as they walked to the elevator
"I am happy" Ichigo replied
Kisuke hid a grin behind his fan. I think I know why you're happy. He thought as a certain auburn haired woman came to mind. He glanced at Ichigo again and thought that this was the perfect time to tell him.
"Ichigo" he began, "Bleach Magazine called me today, they want to feature you, Inoue-san and Rio in a five page spread. Are you up for it?" he asked
"Bleach Magazine?"
Bleach Magazine was one of the world's top magazines, distributing not only in Japan but also around the world. To agree to being featured in a magazine of such high calibre meant fame all throughout the world.
Clearly not thinking it through, Ichigo turned to his manager and nodded "Sure that's okay"
"Are you sure?" Kisuke asked again, "You do know that Bleach Magazine is an international magazine, right?"
"I know"
"So you do know that if you let the magazine feature you and your family, the whole world will know about Kurosaki Aya and Rio?"
Ichigo stopped in his tracks and turned to his uncle with a crooked grin. "Urahara-san Inoue already appeared in an interview. All of Japan knows about Aya. They might as well know more about her and get to know Rio too" he said
Urahara dropped the fan and gave Ichigo a stern look, "Think about this thoroughly Ichigo"
"It's okay" Ichigo decided, "I think it's time the world found out about my family"
"Fine" Kisuke sighed, "but be ready for the consequences Ichigo" he said as he patted his nephew's shoulder.
Everything was a blur for Orihime. The last thing she remembered was walking out of the university campus then being pulled into a car and now, she was sitting in front of a mirror, Yumachika styling her hair.
"Wh-why am I here?" she asked
"Well from what I heard, you're going to be featured in 5 page spread on Bleach Magazine" he answered as he blew dry her hair
"But why?" she asked through the booming sound of the blow dryer
"Because Ichigo wants the whole world to know about you and Rio" Rangiku suddenly answered from the door, a little out of breath, her male secretary trailing behind her.
"Rangiku-san I don't understand! I haven't rehearsed anything with Kuchiki-san!" Orihime panicked. "I'm not prepared for this! What if I say something stupid? What if I give the wrong answer? What if I suddenly pass out or throw up?" Orihime ranted
"Whoa" Yumachika chuckled, "Relax Aya-san" he patted her head, "this is just an interview not a test. Just relax and be beautiful"
"Yumachika's right" the strawberry blonde nodded as she went through different dresses, trying to pick one for Orihime.
"But what if they ask me something about Ichigo-kun that I don't know about?
"I think you've been married to Ichigo long enough to know everything about him" Yumachika reassured
2 months is barely enough!. Orihime mentally screamed
"Matsumoto, why such a simple dress?" Yumachika pointed to the blue dress that Rangiku was holding up for Orihime.
Rangiku stared at the dress then shrugged, "They're asking me to dress Orihime casually so I picked this dress, besides it goes well with Ichigo's shirt and Rio's sailor clothes"
"Rio-kun is here too- ouch!" she winced when part of her hair was yanked as she turned to face Rangiku.
"Stay still Aya-san" Yumachika said sternly
"Well they do want to feature the whole family" the older woman moved to hand the dress to Orihime so she can change in it. "It'll be alright Orihime" Rangiku whispered, "Like I said, just be yourself and everything will be fine".
Ichigo thought Rio would be nervous because this would be his first public appearance but he was wrong, he was very wrong. For the little boy was not nervous at all, in fact, he was talking to the staff confidently as though he was so used to being covered in an international magazine.
"You're so cute!" the girl fixing Rio's clothes squealed
"I know" Rio grinned smugly, "My Mom always tells me I'm cute too"
"Cheeky little brat" Ichigo muttered.
The moment the room suddenly became louder, the orange haired man already figured that his aunt and her hairdresser friend must have entered.
"That simple dress does not go well with the grand hairdo that I've done for her" came Yumachika's insistent voice.
"Grand hairdo? All you did was blow dry her hair. " Rangiku retorted, "besides that dress suits Aya"
Ichigo rolled his eyes at the bickering stylists. From the corner of his eyes, he spotted the subject of Rangiku and Yumachika's argument. Stepping into the studio was his 'wife' looking as lovely as ever.
How it was possible for the auburn haired girl to look stunning even in such simple clothes was beyond him. And the moment she beamed at him felt like his breath was knocked right out of him.
"You're so handsome!" she gleamed and Ichigo could feel a smile creeping onto his face. But the smile immediately fell when he realized that she was not talking to him but rather to his miniature standing right next to him. He felt completely ignored when Orihime rushed to Rio and hugged him tightly, going on about how unbelievably cute Rio looked in a sailor uniform.
"Competition sucks" Ichigo said between gritted teeth. But despite the irritating feeling of being disregarded, a warm feeling surged within him at the sight of his son and his 'wife' cuddling.
"Are you nervous?" Ichigo asked the gray eyed girl
"A little" Orihime replied with a nervous laugh
"Sorry I agreed to an interview on such short notice" he said surprisingly sheepishly
"It's alright" Orihime smiled at him, "By the way, you look dashing" she added
The set was rather simple, just a bench in the middle of a white room. The editors of the magazine said that they wanted to portray the Kurosaki family as a down-to-earth family despite being filthy rich.
The photographer asked Orihime and Ichigo to sit together on the bench with Rio on Ichigo's lap. The shoot was going smoothly, that was until Rio decided he didn't want to wear the hat anymore.
"You can't take that off yet" Ichigo reprimanded through a well practiced smile
"But it's hot and I want it off" Rio replied, pushing the hat off his head
"No keep it on, just for a few more minutes" Ichigo pulled the hat back on the little boy's head
"But it's hot" Rio whined.
"One, two". Just as the photographer was about to take another shot, Rio stood up on Ichigo's lap and placed the hat on his father. Making it time to smile for the camera
The photographer laughed as he viewed the shot.
The two orange haired boys began to push the hat onto each other's head, bickering while at it, completely forgetting that the photographer was still taking shots.
Orihime was worried that the two would go too far and decided to break them off. "That's enough you two" she said but as she moved closer to the squirming boys, she was accidentally pushed off the bench and landed on the floor with a thud
Rio and Ichigo stopped and stared at the woman on the floor.
"Mom!"
"Oh sorry" Ichigo extended a hand at Orihime but instead of using it to stand, she pulled Ichigo down with her and burst into laughter.
It was like they've completely forgotten about the photo shoot and continued to play together. Not that the photographer was complaining, in fact, the stolen shots he got from the family were even better than he expected. So he decided to just let them be instead of dictate how they should pose.
They were interviewed separately. They asked Ichigo the typical questions, 'What was it like being a young father?' 'How he manages work and family?'' If Rio was any different from other kids?'
"Well he's a lot more confident than most kids" he answered with a chuckle
They also asked him about his 'wife'. If the romance started to fade as time passed and if it was difficult raising Rio without her for 2 years.
He replied to the questions with a small smile "No, it will never fade. I love her more ever day. And yes, raising Rio alone for 2 years was a challenge, especially since Rio is so headstrong and is a 'mama's boy'"
"I am not!" a small voice protested from behind the journalist
The questions they had for Orihime were fairly easy. Questions like 'What was parenthood like for her?', 'What is Ichigo like at home?', 'Is it difficult to have to boys in her life?'
"It's fun" she answered with a laugh, "Though it is a challenge to keep them off the chocolate syrup. Keep your eyes off them for a minute and they're pouring chocolate syrup on their pancakes like it's cream or something"
They asked her about her relationship with Ichigo and she could only blush all throughout. They also asked her tell them something about Ichigo that the world does not know of yet.
"Well" she began, "he's full of wonderful surprises. He's such a wonderful father and a loving husband. He never breaks his promises and takes responsibility seriously. He'll do everything he can to protect the people he cares for"
She gave the correspondents tender smile and said "He's handsome but everyone knows that already. What they don't know is if you look past his physical features and look into his heart, his soul, you'll find him even more attractive. I guess that's what I saw and well I fell hopelessly in love with him". She turned to where Ichigo was sitting with Rio, "and everyday, he makes me fall in love with him even more" she answered honestly
During Rio's interview, the interviewers could not stop laughing. The boy was just too clever and too charming. They asked him what it was like to have a celebrity for a father and the boy replied with an instant "It's cool!"
"Dad gets me awesome toys from the places where he shoots movies. Like once he went to France and got me a miniature Eiffel Tower. And then he got me a Kendama when he went to Kyoto. And it's so cool when I get to see Dad on TV or in a magazine!" he exclaimed.
"But" he added, his tone becoming serious, "it's not fun when he goes abroad to shoot for movies for too long"
They asked him if he gets to have everything he wants since his father is a rich actor. He shook his head and said "I don't get everything I want because Dad says I'll become a spoiled brat if I get all the toys I want. But I do want something that Mom and Dad won't give me yet" he emphasized the last word
"What's that?"
"A little brother!"
The day the latest issue of Bleach Magazine was released, the whole world clamoured about Japan's hottest celebrity and his family.
"Lilynette" a man with dark brown hair spoke, "what are you reading?"
A young girl with the light green hair turned to the older man. "Well brother" she answered with a mischievous glint, "Things are becoming more interesting back in Japan"
"What do you mean?" another man, this time with the strangest blue hair entered the room.
"What I mean dear brother Grimmjow" she handed the magazine to her brother, "is that someone seems to be posing as our sister there"
The blue haired man stared at the magazine then flipped through the pages, stopping to scan the ones where the Kurosaki Family was featured. He scoffed then tossed the magazine to their eldest brother, Starrk.
"Well that's not good" the eldest said monotonously
"So what do we do?" Lilynette asked, "We can't let that Kurosaki replace our sister, that bastard!" she spat. "What're we going to do Grimmjow?"
"Go back to Japan"
"Why?"
"We're going to pay our 'sister' a visit" he grinned deviously.
It had been two days since the magazine was published and Japan raved on about the interview since then.
Orihime's phone rang. She picked it up and was surprised to see the caller id.
Kuchiki Rukia
"Hello?"
"Hi Inoue" Orihime was greeted by Rukia's cheerful voice. "I just wanted to say congratulations on doing a job well done on the interview! You were great!"
"Hehe thank you Kuchiki-san" Orihime laughed sheepishly.
"Hey Inoue"
"Yes?"
"What I'm going to ask you may be a little bold" Rukia started nervously, "but you're the only female friend that I have since you know I don't have a lot of friends and they're all guys so-" she paused as though contemplating on what to say
Orihime waited patiently. The petite actress sounded hesitant and anyone who knew her knows that Kuchiki Rukia does not shilly-shally.
"I think you've heard that I'm getting married in 2 weeks"
"Yes congratulations Kuchiki-san" Orihime said cheerily
"Well you see I still don't have a maid of honour" the raven haired woman admitted, "and I was wondering if you'd like to be my maid of honour" she asked nervously. "I know we haven't known each other that long but I feel so close to you already and you're the only I can really-"
"I would be honoured" Orihime interrupted, "But aren't maid of honours supposed to be single women? But Kuchiki-san, I'm kind of married"
"Not necessarily single women" Rukia replied instantly, "besides so what if you're married? If I want you to be my maid of honour then they can't object to that, right? It is my wedding after all" she chuckled
"I would definitely love to be your maid of honour Kuchiki-san" Orihime affirmed
"Then would my maid of honour be available next weekend to help me fit my wedding dress?"
"I'll be there Kuchiki-san" Orihime giggled
"Oh and one more thing" Rukia added with a serious tone, "It's Rukia now, Orihime, we're friends it's only proper to call each other by our given name" she said kindly
"Hai Rukia-san" Orihime nodded
"Well I'll see you this weekend then"
"Bye Rukia-san"
"Bye Orihime"
Orihime closed her phone, a fluttering feeling inside her. Now she had not only Tatsuki for a best friend but a famous actress as well.
She made her way down to the dining hall for breakfast and spotted a certain orange haired little boy, telling his nanny all about the interview. When he realized that his 'mother' had entered, he waved the publication in the air. "Mom! We're on a magazine!"
Orihime greeted the boy a good morning and sat next to him. Today, Ichigo would not be able join them for he was out of town shooting a new movie that he would star in and would not be back for a couple of days.
"Dad looks funny here" Rio giggled, pointing to the picture where the little boy was shoving the hat to his father.
"He does, doesn't he?" the auburn haired girl laughed. She picked the magazine up and scanned through the pages. She suddenly stopped and stared at the full page picture of them.
She was sitting in the middle. Rio was sitting by her left, hugging her torso. Ichigo on the other hand was at her right, an arm around her shoulders, his head resting on top of hers. He smiled at the camera and Orihime could tell that that was not his practiced smile but one of Ichigo's rare genuine smiles.
She traced the picture with a finger. The editors of the magazine picked the perfect title for this feature. The Kurosaki Family: The Portrait of the Perfect Family. For it was, undeniably picture perfect.
If only it wasn't just pretense. She sighed
All of a sudden, Ichigo burst through the door, panting and sweating. "I-Ichigo-kun?" Orihime squeaked, "B-but I thought you won't be home until a few more-"
"They want us" Ichigo interrupted
"huh?" Orihime cocked her head in confusion
"They want us there right now" he said in between ragged breaths
"Who wants us where?"
Ichigo loosened his tie and rolled up his sleeves. He gulp down Rio's juice, much to the little boy's annoyance. "We're going to Seireitei" he announced
"Where's Seireitei?" Orihime pressed, still puzzled
"Seireitei is our estate"
"But why?"
He stopped right in front of her and looked her straight in the eye with an austere expression. "Grandpa wants to meet you"
Arigatou to
Mayuka, Reina Kuran, HalfJillHalfJack, Vox, jylener22. hannehbuns, ranipaki, Yuukiren, saphireracoongal, Angelina Cat, XoreandoX, luversblues, OrihimeKurosakiInoue, xXRottWeilerXx, Ichihime supporter, it0takes0skill0to0be0me, crono, Fostersb, akito kyo, Samantha Fleur, makaykay15, moonlightrurouni, Talita Silva, Pisces00, thesearemyconfessions, himelove22, Manga reader 125, kitjos, AbaraiArekushisu, nypsy, Aiasaka, GuiltyIchihime, perfect beauty, saveme57, and Sasha88.
akito kyo - Hai hai I'm working on Risque right now ^-^
.saint - ehehe Lemons? Maybe I'll try writing smut first before I move to lemons :D
hannehbuns - yeah I know how you feel. . .exams DO suck . . .especially when it's chemistry
Author's Notes:
I know I know Bleach Magazine is such a lame name for a magazine . . .I mean c'mon where's the originality in that? Unfortunately, I could think of a better name so I guess you'll have to bear with it.
This chapter is a little shorter than most of my chapters but this is kind of a filler because the action starts in the next chapter.
Don't forget to include your suggestions in your reviews :3
Till next chapter~
~Ember~