Author Note:

Hi guys. Thank you for sticking by me. This chapter is late, but my life has been crazy busy and will only get busier. Plus there was some issue with internet for the last few days. However I am on track for updates even if they will be slower at this point. This chapter is mostly Ichigo. Yes, FINALLY we have his perspective in the story. :) I hope you enjoy it. I will try to get the next chapter out in a week or two at most!

Thank you again for those who reviewed! Your reviews keep me going! xoxo

Discliamer: Tite Kubo made these amazing characters. Then decided that they would fight and loose instead of love and gain. Well... I plan to change that.

Chapter 10 : Does the heart really know?

Ichigo had never been very good with emotional stuff. Typically he didn't like sitting and mulling over feelings, figuring out emotions and why he felt what he did. If he had conviction in something then that was enough of a reason for him to pursue it.

However his "fights" with Orihime had pushed him to mull and think over his feelings for the first time in his life. He had known Orihime for more than half of their lives now, and considered her a fairly good friend. Of course, given his habit of not discussing/ mulling over feelings meant that his friendships weren't built around long conversations and discussing shared values. Actually Ichigo really wasn't much of a talker at all. His friendship with each of his friends had a unique history.

His school friends Keigo, Mizuiro and Tatsuki had been people he hung out with. That became impossible once he moved to Tokyo. Yet they could always pick up where they left with their bickering and camaraderie when he did visit his family back in Karakura.

Ishida was another story. Ichigo and him had started out as rivals in high school. However now Ichigo could easily call him the closest friend he had. Not because they shared secrets. But because Ishida got him (and therefore pointed out his various flaws) like no one else (including Rukia) could. Also, Ishida complimented him. Ichigo had a habit of rushing into things without thinking. Ishida was thoughtful and meditative. Therefore over years Ishida had become akin to Ichigo's voice of reason.

Then there was Rukia. Ichigo had spent most of their high school years musing if he liked Rukia as a sister or a lover. It really wasn't clear. Though nowhere near Ishida, Rukia got him, and more often than not had kicked sense into him when he had been down. For a while he had heard Keigo and Mizuiro suggest that he should ask her out since they got along so well. And for a while he had seriously considered doing it. Rukia was his type in the sense that Ichigo liked strong independent women.

But being a late bloomer it had never occurred to him to pursue directions apart from friendships. Furthermore he had been too caught up in the sister vs. soul mate conundrum and the one time he had shown slight interest, Rukia had jumped the gun and told him to not even go there as she already had someone and she didn't like him that way (boy that had been harsh, even though he had taken it surprisingly well).

Now Rukia was just one of his friends and confidant; someone who knocked sense into him when Ishida couldn't or didn't and someone who said things as they were.

Orihime was another story all together. Orihime was an incidental friend. She and Ichigo weren't drawn together by things they did or by opposing personality traits that usually resulted in rivalry and ended in friendship. They were drawn together by their closeness to Tatsuki. And while each of his friends was a distinct and clear presence in Ichigo's life, strong, complimentary and even annoying; Orihime was more like the breeze that blew over the horizon.

Until they moved to Tokyo, Ichigo hadn't even thought of himself and Orihime as friends. They never hung out one on one and the most distinct memories Ichigo had of Orihime were her crying over her brothers dead form or them laughing over their joint love for some silly show no one else really liked. But mostly Ichigo remembered worrying about her. Orihime could be a klutz and Ichigo was chronically over protective.

Their relationship had of course advanced when they moved to Tokyo, mostly because with Tatsuki in Kyoto, Rukia with Renji and then Ishida with Nemu, Ichigo and Orihime had found themselves chatting each other up on many occasions as the unofficial third wheels.

It was probably because of this general distance and subsequent bridging of this distance that Ichigo had found himself discovering many aspects to Orihime's otherwise sunny personality. And, just like the breeze, while Orihime's presence in his life was more an undercurrent than a statement, like the breeze's malleable nature Ichigo found that Orihime too could change and mould, and reveal sides he hadn't seen before.

Yet, when had he started feeling attracted to Orihime? In all honesty Ichigo didn't know. By all conventional male standards, Orihime was an attractive woman. Heck, now that Ichigo wasn't the virginal teenager who thought he hated nude female bodies, he would even admit that seeing her in a bikini on their school trips had left a very lasting and deep impact on his psyche.

However by the time Ichigo had discovered sex, Orihime had decidedly and most definitely become a friend. More so, she was someone he had always felt a deep desire to protect. Therefore stray thoughts about her copious curves were prohibited, even in the privacy of his own thoughts. The women he dated were self aware and sexual. Orihime wasn't. Actually Ichigo knew that she was a virgin and had never dated anyone in college (something that frankly astounded him).

Yet something had changed that night she had snapped at him.

Ichigo was used to an Orihime that was almost painfully kind, an aspect of her personality that only made him more protective of her, as he knew such kindness could be easily used by people. He had also always felt guilty when receiving this unquestioning kindness.

Seeing an increasingly self reliant and defiant Orihime had crumbled this image of a helpless girl in his mind. Apparently that wasn't the only thing that had crumbled. It was as if all dams he had erected over the issue of Inoue Orihime had broken down. And increasingly (and much to his annoyance) Ichigo was finding himself strangely attracted to his friend. It had first manifested as a desire to get to know her, prompting him to take every opportunity given to meet/help her.

He was always comfortable around Orihime, but somehow this Orihime was much easier to talk to and also much more exciting. He felt it easier to express himself to her now that he wasn't exercising self-restraint around her all the time. Also he had always felt a strain in Orihime's interactions with him, as if she was really uncomfortable talking to him. She had always seemed more careful and guarded and inhibited.

Yet the Orihime he spoke to following the outburst was increasingly unrestrained, freeing him of any need to exercise caution or restraint in his behaviour towards her. Ichigo had found that he really liked these interactions with Orihime.

In the brief period where he had taken the pains to ask her for dinner or accompany her, he had found an emotional connection he had never felt with Orihime before.

At first he had dismissed it as purely their friendship growing stronger. He had ignored the fact that he was increasingly becoming aware of her physically, noticing her smell, the curve of her hips, the way her cheeks had flushed when she had cried, the way she had felt when he had taken her in his arms.

But this was Orihime! It was one thing to have shallow flings with fully aware and consenting women; completely another to start a relationship with a friend who you knew would never take such things lightly. Ichigo had also sensed that Orihime might have had feelings for him. He wasn't as dense as his friends liked to believe. However if anything, this had discouraged him further, as he didn't want to start something he knew he couldn't carry through.

For all his "experience" Ichigo had never had a serious relationship. He was too focussed on his career and dream to be the best doctor he could, to worry about things like relationships.

Since his mother had fallen down the stairs and succumbed to her injuries right in front of his young eyes, he had vowed to himself that he would never let anyone else dear to him suffer and die the way his mother had. That desire had possessed him since a young age and he had worked every day of his life since then to become a good doctor.

Ichigo wasn't naturally brainy like Ishida. In fact he considered himself of average intelligence. He had worked extremely hard to get into the best medical program in Japan and had harboured the dreams of studying general surgery and emergency care in the US since he had realized that he didn't want to be one of those doctors who had fancy offices and visiting hours. No. He wanted to work in ER, saving lives that were in danger and held on precarious balance. However general surgery was one of the hardest fields in medicine in terms of entry barriers. And so Ichigo had again devoted most of his energies into preparing for the American entrance called USMLE and gaining research experience to go to the best American ER. Combined with his modest family background, he had to ensure that he worked as hard as he could to get a scholarship to the postgraduate medical program.

Yes, since his mother's death, medicine was Ichigo's passion. And there was simply no room for love or relationships. His flings were just a way for him to relieve his stress. And he was not so dishonourable as to use Orihime for relieving his stress and sexual frustration. So, even though he was aware of her feelings and then his growing attraction, he had ignored it.

What he had not anticipated was Orihime going on a blind date with Byakuya and how that might affect him. When Rukia had excitedly told him that they had already gone out three times (a real stretch apparently as Byakuya hadn't seen any of the other candidates arranged by his aunt but once) and that Orihime might very well become her sister in law, something in Ichigo had snapped.

And as was his habit, instead of thinking about why he felt so upset when his other friends were quite happy or whether it was appropriate to meddle in Orihime's personal life when she had never judged or prodded in his love life, he had directly broached the subject with Orihime, to shocking results. It wasn't Orihime's indignation that surprised him. No, that was justified.

It was the content of their conversation and the fact that they had voiced out their feelings for each other under such unfortunate circumstances and mood. After walking around Tokyo in his stunned state he had decided to dismiss those thoughts and go back to his old life. Making a move on Orihime when he didn't even understand what he felt was out of question.

However he just didn't feel very into anything. Even taking Senna out on dates, which was already becoming tedious was a painful task and much to the young girls horror Ichigo had simply broken up with her, saying that he wasn't in a place where he could have a relationship.

It wasn't because of Orihime. Ichigo could tell Senna was different from his previous flings. She wanted something serious and was naive enough to pursue it with someone like him. He couldn't take advantage of that. The fight with Orihime had only quickened the inevitable.

He then asked for counsel from the only person he ever taken advice from; Ishida Uuryu.

He still remembered that talk very well, mostly because as expected, Ishida had been brutally honest with him.

His friend hadn't seemed shocked when Ichigo had confessed that maybe he had feelings for Orihime. Instead he had scoffed a "oh! So you finally noticed?"

When Ichigo had asked what he meant he had simply stated that everyone knew of Orihime's feelings for him. But Ishida himself had suspected for some time that Ichigo might reciprocate them.

"Your annoying and protective attitude towards her, the way you tended to her needs and the way you always maintain a distance from her, as if you might hurt her from just being around. You have always treated Inoue san a bit different."

"Well if you knew, why didn't you say something?!"

"And what would you do if I had pointed it out Kurosaki? These are not things third parties should meddle in anyways, even if they happen to be friends. I am sure even Rukia knew but held back. Also when it comes to emotional maturity, you have the capacity of a teaspoon. If in that state, propelled by my "advice" you had asked Inoue san out, she would have definitely said yes. And to what end? I think you know yourself it wouldn't have ended well. We all just hoped that she would move on."

This had hurt, if Ichigo were to be honest. Did he appear so callous to his friends that they would practically shield Orihime from him? He didn't disagree with Ishida. He wasn't in a place where he wanted or could make a commitment, especially when he had a goal that superseded everything. Also would Inoue want to move to America with him? Would it even be fair?! Would he be able to take care of someone who had given up her whole life only to become dependent on a poor student with a limited stipend? Most of all, was such a life-changing move worth it for either of them when Ichigo did not even know if this was something he wanted for forever?

And why was he assuming that Orihime would accept his proposal? Now she had Byakuya, by all means a perfect male specimen if there ever was one, why would she leave the promise of a stable life for her childish feelings towards a boy notorious for loving them and leaving them because he couldn't bring himself to love one person over his desire to protect everybody else?

Ichigo was loath to admit it but the reason he had minded Orihime dating Byakuya was because Byakuya scared him. If it were a random guy, it would be different. But Byakuya was a grown man who knew exactly what he wanted. Ichigo wasn't naive. Women may be driven by romantic fantasies but they always considered practical aspects of a relationship when settling down.

Even if he were to ask Orihime out, there was a slim chance that she would leave the security and promise of family Byakuya offered, for him. And then there was her green-eyed boss. Ichigo hadn't gleaned anything from Orihime, but he simply didn't like the way she would speak about him. It was as if a different person would take over her body and he couldn't understand if she liked or hated this man. All he could tell was that she thought way more about him than was normal.

But Ichigo couldn't go on mulling things. It was so unlike him that it almost made him laugh. This was just too funny. Kurosaki Ichigo, who had never once doubted his decisions (no matter how idiotic they were in Ishida's opinion) had been brooding for weeks and had even broken up with a girlfriend, all because he couldn't figure out what he felt for Orihime and if those feelings warranted the risk of hurting her in case things went south. Because if there was one thing Ichigo knew, it was that he could never stand to see Inoue Orihime hurt.

He had considered meeting her once, to apologize about the fight at least and see how she would respond. Surely Orihime with her sensitive nature would not have missed the unsaid words in that conversation. However, much to his shock, Orihime had already been away for more than three weeks by that time. And not somewhere close but half way across the world!

It was when Ichigo felt the need to see her even if it meant spending a fortune to travel thousands of miles, that he had made the decision. He didn't know what would come out of it, and he didn't know what exactly his feelings were beyond the love and attraction he felt for her. But he did know one thing. If he just stood there, misdirecting his anger and hiding like a coward while Orihime chose to marry someone who probably wasn't planning to love her in the first place, he would regret it.

He was done thinking, and it was time to take action. Ichigo took a deep breath. He didn't know if what he was going to do was right or if it would even work. But he could not live with himself if he didn't even try.

Two weeks later: The Present

Ichigo had learnt about Orihime's flight from Renji and after some research about flights arriving from New York had gone and waited at the arrivals at Narita. As he saw Orihime emerge with her green-eyed boss she called 'batman' he stiffened a bit. He didn't like the way the green-eyed man was looking at Orihime one bit and there seemed to be a strange sense of intimacy about how they were acting around each other. Ichigo saw Orihime go to the side to make a phone call and was done quickly. Yet, it looked like the green-eyed man had no plans to leave Orihime's side. Ichigo decided it was time to take action, and walked up to where she could see him, smiling as she turned to face him.

"Inoue! You are back!" Ichigo walked up to Orihime and embraced her in a tight hug. "I missed you. Let's go. You must be tired"

" Err wait, Kurosaki kun. Wh..what are you doing here? And how did you know when I was coming?"

"Rukia told me. Well, she told Renji who told me."

"Oh...ok." Just then Orihime heard someone clearing their throat behind her. She froze, realizing that Ulquiorra was right there.

"Ah, umm Kurosaki kun! This is Cifer San. Cifer san, Kurosaki kun. "

"Hi" was all Ichigo said, nodding at Ulquiorra and taking his appearance in. Then he put a protective arm around Orihime, "thanks for looking out for Inoue, Cifer San. She means a lot to u…me. She means a lot to me."

Ulquiorra's expression hardened and his eyes widened. Was that jealously? It may have been acute anger. Orihime couldn't tell as it was only for a brief moment before his face was blank again.

"No need to thank me. I am her superior for this project. It's a part of my job." He nodded at Ichigo, who smiled at this. Orihime felt a dull ache in her heart. Part of his job. Of course...

"Inoue San, I can figure out my living quarters for tonight. I will take my leave now. Goodbye." Ulquiorra turned around as Ichigo started lugging Orihime's bags. Orihime excused herself from Ichigo and went to Ulquiorra.

"Ulquiorra wait! Ano... I just..." Ulquiorra looked at Orihime questioningly. Why was he acting like this suddenly?! Wasn't it he who kept calling her a 'colleague' and any decent behaviour towards her a 'part of his job'?!

"If it's about what happened between us woman, then don't worry. I won't tell your boyfriend about our little fling. As you said before, it was casual anyways."

"Kurosaki kun is NOT.."

But before she could finish her sentence Ulquiorra had turned around and walked out of the airport, his heart clenching and shuddering as if it had just been broken into a million pieces.

"Why did you come to pick me up, Kurosaki kun?"

Ichigo and taken Orihime back to her place, and as she showered and freshened up, had cooked her some warm miso soup and rice. They were now sitting in her living room, Orihime having finished her meal.

"We can talk later Inoue. You must be tired. You should rest for a while."

"I am fine Kurosaki kun. Please answer me. I thought.."

"You thought what Inoue? That I would stop talking to you or not show my face after we had that conversation? I admit walking out on you and then not talking was not very nice on my part. But I was so stunned I didn't know what to think or say. And when I got back to my senses, I couldn't reach you at all. Your phone was switched off and your house was locked. Finally I learnt from Rukia that you had left for New York! I thought about coming there too, but I didn't want to intrude upon you. I made this mess, I wanted to wait till you were done to make it up to you."

Orihime's expression softened.

"It's ok Kurosaki kun. You don't have to apologize. What I said was out of line.." But Ichigo interrupted her, scooting in closer to her.

"You didn't intrude. You had a right to ask. And what I said was true. Well... Mostly. Going to study medicine in the U.S. is my dream Inoue but it is another year before I leave. Also you confronting me made me realize that I should man up instead of dicking around." Ichigo gave Orihime a meaningful look.

"I don't quite get you, Kurosaki kun." Where was he going with this?

"I thought about why it matters to me that you are seeing Byakuya."

Orihime felt her heart beat quicken at this.

"Ano.."

" Inoue I think I may be in love with you."

Orihime's heart stopped. She had imagined this scenario many times; one where Ichigo and her were together. However it was always her who confessed to Ichigo. Never had she dared imagine the reverse would happen. And now that it was happening, she felt utterly unprepared. Thankfully Ichigo continued, saving her from showing any sort of reaction.

"I don't know how long I have had these feelings. And I don't think I will give up my dream to study in the US. But I know that I don't want to wait around. I can't predict how the future will play out for us, but I suppose my dreams shouldn't come in the way of the rest of my life. I know that isn't much to offer compared to what Byakuya has to offer. However I have to at least try, even if you might reject me." Ichigo stopped to catch his breath and then breathed in deeply.

"So, if it's ok with you, Inoue Orihime; would you like to go out with me?"

If Orihime weren't so completely stunned out of her mind she would have laughed at Ichigo's expression then. He was holding in his breath, giving him the appearance of a puffer fish and looked absolutely adorable being all nervous. Orihime could feel her heart beating loudly. Yet her mind was in turmoil. She still remembered Ulquiorra's expression when they had parted. The slight glimpse of pain in his eyes was not lost on Orihime who was by now an expert at telling the emotions on his expressionless face. And what about Byakuya?

Ichigo was right. He was asking her to date him on the pretext that something might work out. However, he wanted her to give up on someone who was thinking of marrying her; and if Orihime was honest with herself, Byakuya was beyond an omiai candidate now. Maybe she didn't love him. But then, if she loved Ichigo, why was she not jumping at his offer? Why was she hesitating and thinking about Ulquiorra and Byakuya? Also hadn't Ulquiorra said that they were just a fling anyways?

She wanted to feel excited, and the numbness in her feet was probably excitement, but it was all too much too quick.

"Errr... Inoue... You are kinda killing me here you know."

"Ah! Sorry Kurosaki kun! It's just... I never expected... I... I am too shocked."

Ichigo's expression softened. Of course. Orihime had just come back from possibly a very busy trip. And here he was, her best friend, springing up his confession like that.

"It's ok Inoue. If you.."

"I need time Kurosaki kun. It's just, so many things have happened. In the past I wouldn't have hesitated a moment before saying yes. But I have been unable to tell my feelings apart these last few months. If possible.."

"Of course Inoue. You don't have to answer me now. But that doesn't mean I won't try to change your mind." He winked at her in that confident boyish way. Then he picked up her plates and took them in the kitchen.

Orihime sighed heavily. Things had just gotten even more complicated.