Would you believe me if I told you that I read the dictionary during Spring Break? No? Good, cuz I didn't. But I did have to use the online dictionary in order to get creative. Seriously, I think I forgot how to write! But I'm back! Don't know for how long, but hope you enjoyed this hopefully tasty treat.

Btw, I'm going to put up a poll. I'm just curious how many girls and guys read this story. It was posted by a reviewer, but I don't remember who since I replied like weeks ago. Sorry about that, but I'm sure you know who you are!

X X X X X

Ichigo was a person who had experienced more than anyone could in their entire lives. And he hadn't even reached his twenties yet. From his powerless state, her grew to become the greatest and possibly the strongest, most powerful warrior alive… er, semi-alive anyways. There's still a little bit of controversy on that topic, but regardless, he's strong, right? He fought against many powerful opponents, which only served as stepping stones to achieving even greater power. He stared bravely at the face of death, being a death reaper himself, and glared at him even as they taunted each other with slaps to the face. He cut a swath through any resistance, though sometimes it wasn't of his own will that he did. Regardless, he faced adversity and kicked its ass. Truly, he was an opponent to be feared and respected. He had the power to crush mountains and change entire landscapes to his will with a single swing of his sword.

Yet nothing could've prepared him for this. Honestly, it really couldn't have. Romance and fighting were on two entirely different levels. It was like comparing fruits with meats. Sure they were both edible, but they were hardly in the same category. One required you go at it with a fork and knife and plenty of napkins. The other simply required that you peel off the skin and enjoy the tender sweetness. Yes, it was a great analogy wasn't it?

However, this did not help our orange-haired hero in the least. Was he panicking? One could suppose that. His eyebrows were furrowed, giving him and even more menacing scowl than usual. His body was tense and rigid, and one would think he was practicing to become one of those light posts that lit up the street at night. His hands were clasped together beneath his chin, also giving him a thoughtful look as he sat on his couch. The only thing that betrayed his anxiety was the enormous amount of sweat pouring out of him. No amount of fighting could've ever prepared him for this! Not even the splendid fruit/meat analogy provided earlier could help!

"Is something wrong?" Almost like magic, most of his worries went away even as they lingered there a bit. Pushed to the back of his mind, his thoughts weren't even a figment of his imagination as he turned his head.

She wore a dark blue Kimono splashed with brilliances of white as if to resemble the night sky. At first he stared, then it clicked to him that she was wearing all blue. Even that little purse she had around her wrist was blue. Could it be that she did this all because his favorite color was blue? Ichigo felt his heart warm up, while Kurumu looked at him with an endearing look.

"You look beautiful." Ichigo found himself saying, but didn't feel shy about saying it.

"I know." She replied with a cheeky grin. "But it does mean a lot to me to hear you say it. This is why it took us so long to shop."

Ichigo frowned. Yeah, like that was the reason they always went to the lingerie aisle. There weren't any Kimonos there! Ichigo shook his head, but despite his ire, felt the corner of his lip pull into a grin.

"You know you can't help it." Kurumu joked as she walked over towards him and poked his cheek. "C'mon… smile!"

Almost like magic, Ichigo smiled and Kurumu looked pleased. "There, was that so hard?"

Ichigo looked her dead in the eye. If that's how she was going to play, he could to. "Only when you're around Kurumu."

Ichigo got the desired reaction as Kurumu's cheeks became rosy. "Got ya." Ichigo stated smugly.

"Hey, that's not fair!" Kurumu pouted, only further making Ichigo's victory more satisfactory.

"So?" Kurumu felt flustered at his lackadaisical chagrin, but a thought formulated. If there was one thing Ichigo couldn't stand, it was heavy petting.

Quick before he could react, she put herself down on his lap, swatting away his arms as she did so. The bottom part of her Kimono parted, revealing one long, slender, shapely leg which Ichigo was sure to see. And he did. Giddy at his startled reaction, she leaned in close before he could brace himself and whispered seductively in his ear, "How about we go somewhere else, just you and I?"

She felt the shiver run through his body and couldn't help but get excited herself. She was absolutely enjoying Ichigo's frustration. However, she was about to get a taste of her own medicine as her wrists were suddenly grabbed.

Tossed and leaning against the armrest of the couch, she was face to face with a vicious Ichigo. "Sure… why not?" Kurumu blinked, her heart hammering in her chest as her mind was sent fluttering with wild thoughts. She looked into those deep, brown eyes and was pulled into them. She waited for something to happen… until she realized that Ichigo hadn't planned that far ahead. He just stared at her, his eyes ablaze.

"Ichigo! My son!" Terror ran through Ichigo's eyes as he looked up. They had been caught!

"I'm so… so… proud! Waaah!" Isshin, a grown man with three children, was crying tears of pure joy. He had never felt so happy! Truly, his son wasn't gay!

Ichigo, for whatever reason, felt like he should really, really give this man in front of him a good beat down. With the mood ruined, Ichigo got off Kurumu even while she looked at him with a frown. She really wanted something to happen didn't she? That actually made him a little happy strangely enough.

"Hey Ichigo!" Turning around to where his name was called, he found Moka's slim form in a hazy red Kimono. It almost resembled a mist of blood, yet there were pink flowers spread diagonally, almost as if the maker intended for it to look like it was raining flowers.

She too looked amazing, Ichigo couldn't deny it. It… fit her, for the lack of anything else to say. "What do you think?" Moka asked, her head tilted down slightly as she waited anxiously for his response.

Ichigo smiled kindly. "It looks good on you." At his words, Moka's head lifted as she beamed up at him.

"Thank you! I knew you'd like it." Happiness filled Moka at the moment. He didn't even hesitate!

Everyone in the room flinched when they heard bawling in the corner of the room.

"S-S-So PROUD! WAHHH!" All three sweatdropped as the floor actually began inundating with the man's tears.

"I think we should go before we end up drowning." Kurumu said, moving towards Ichigo and grabbing his arm.

"I agree. He's actually crying a river isn't he?" Moka replied even as she too grabbed Ichigo's arm.

"I gave up trying to figure him out a long time ago." Ichigo said blandly. All three nodded as they carefully waded through the salty tears of joy and pride and uber manliness. Well, maybe not the last part.

X

Ichigo snuck a peak at Kurumu. His super secret espionage of her was going unnoticed. Had she turned around, she would've seen something akin to a loving look in Ichigo's expression. Said boy was enamored with his girlfriend's face, or more precisely, her. Her eyes were always wide and expressive. Her skin, having felt it before, was incredibly smooth and truth be told, he would've let her hold onto him forever if she wished. She didn't realize how much power she had over him. Simply because of his scowl and his temper he had been able to hide how weak he was to her charms. Her wonderful, feminine charms.

Ichigo sighed internally. Man did she smell wonderful. It was a floral scent. It stayed in his lungs, warming up his warrior's heart and easing it. He could breathe her in all day and be just fine. Oh, she smiled again. He wondered what she was thinking since he could see the comers of her eyes crinkle with amusement. It must've been something wonderful, then, Ichigo almost wanted to grin. Most likely, not to be conceded, her thoughts were probably of him. Little did she know just how much she was on his mind as well and even in his dreams. A picture flickered to his mind. It was Kurumu and she was laying down next to him, looking more radiant than ever. He shook his head, looking forward so as not to end up tripping because of his distracted mind.

He also failed to realize Moka clutching her Kimono just over her chest. However, had he seen her eyes, they wouldn't have been sad. No, they would've shown a strength and firmness that was clearly unshakeable.

X

"How boring." Matsumoto complained, severely disappointed in this girl's lack of go-get-it-ness.

"But Matsumoto-san, those outfits were too revealing!" She ducked her head, embarrassed at the mere thought of wearing those clothes, "What would Ichigo think of me?"

Matsumoto looked up, thought for a second, then looked back at Orihime. "He'd probably be like any other male. He'd drool, then probably want to please you all night." To make her point, she winked at her, turning the calm healer into a tomato.

"I-I-I don't think he could do such a thing!" Orihime squeaked before lowering her voice, "He's too kind to do that." She fiddled with her hair, unaware of Matsumoto as she rolled her eyes.

"He's still a hot-blooded male. And besides," She grinned wickedly at the girl, "I'm pretty sure you wouldn't mind if he did look at you like that."

The fact that Orhimie could turn this shade of red was already an impressive feat. The fact that she got even redder was bordering something miraculous. She might've created a different shade of red never before seen by human kind.

"I-I-I…" She stuttered, but could not say anything to counter what Matsumoto said.

Matsumoto shook her head. This girl really needed a lot of help. If the very thought of doing it with the man she loved brought about this much embarrassment, she wondered what would happen to Orihime if Ichigo actually saw her naked. She suppressed a grin, but just barely.

"What's so funny?" Orihime asked, the red slowly fading away from her face.

"Nothing, you're just so innocent." Matsumoto replied until a thought suddenly occurred to her. "Actually… that could work in your favor."

Orihime tilted her head questioningly and Matsumoto made a come-hither motion. Almost as if she was afraid that anyone might hear, she began whispering in Orihime's ear.

"Whisper whisper whisper…" Orihime nodded, taking in the information even as her heart fluttered with the ideas Matsumoto's was telling her. They weren't… bad… but they still made her nervous as heck.

X

"Oh wow." Kurumu's mouth and eyes opened with awe at the grand display before them. Everywhere you turned there were stands full of people. Not a single one was left empty or even close to it. It was truly crowded, yet, at the same time it was spacious. They could see where they were going without worry about getting lost.

Ichigo was also impressed. Tatsuki and Orihime always told him about this place, but had never invited him before. Or… at least he didn't think so. Maybe they had, but he had either forgotten or had been in a fight that day. The trees were absolutely amazing. Every time there was a breeze, it was as if the wind was talking through whispers. Now that he thought about it, there was always a breeze passing by. This was most likely because they were right next to the river, but something about this place felt… different.

"Oh hey, it's Moka!" Ichigo blinked. He knew that energetic voice. He turned and was immediately greeted with Kagura's frantically waving arm. Just looking at her waving made his arm hurt. Seriously, one day it really was going to snap off.

"Kagura-chan! Ken-san!" Moka greeted them just as cheerfully, only without the arm-numbing wave.

"Yo." Ken greeted, aloof but distinctively happy.

Kurumu, noticing this entire exchanged whispered to Ichigo, "Do you know them?"

"Kind of." Ichigo replied, "We met them while me and Moka went walking."

"Oh." Kurumu looked on, feeling a bit relieved. She had been somewhat afraid that if Ichigo wasn't with Moka, the Vampire girl would be depressed. Now that she seemingly had a different source of happiness… she didn't feel too bad about doing what she was about to do.

"Yahoo!" She vociferated cheerfully as she hauled a stupefied Ichigo away.

"Umm. Moka. Did that girl just steal your boyfriend?" Kagura pointed over to where Kurumu was running away, dragging Ichigo behind her on his ass.

"That's not fair!" Moka yelled out to them before she began running after them.

"I think this is going to be a fun festival." Kagura said out loud. Her boyfriend didn't say a word, but shook his head.

Finally, after a good sprint, they managed to elude their chasers. While Kurumu was looking to see if the coast really was all clear, Ichigo was busy wiping the dust off his rear end. "You didn't have to drag me you know." He groused.

"True, but I had to quickly!" She defended. Once she was satisfied that no one was after them, she nodded to herself and grabbed Ichigo's hand. "Now, why don't we enjoy the festival all by ourselves?"

Ichigo blinked, really feeling like capitulating to his girlfriend's wishes with the way she smiled at him. But then he remembered something important. "What about Tatsuki?"

Kurumu looked at him for a split second before realizing what he meant. "Oh yea, that's right. Where were we supposed to meet them?"

"I think we were supposed to meet them at the food court." He wasn't sure either, but if there was anything Orihime liked to do, it was to try out different foods… sometimes all at once. Just the mere thought made Ichigo's stomach churn uncomfortably.

"To the food court it is!" Before Ichigo could stop her, he found himself being towed once again.

Oi vei…

X

"Yummy! This is sooo good!" Orhime squealed out with delight as she munched on cotton candy covered in mustard.

"Yeah, ver—yy…" Tatsuki swallowed hard in order to prevent from gagging. "Good…"

"Want a bite?" With a mustard stain sitting at the corner of her lip, Orihime turned to her best friend and offered her a bite. Tatsuki's eyes nearly rolled to the back of her head before she waved at the girl, declining her offer. Without stopping to notice her friend's reaction, Orihime continued eating the horrendous treat of doom and also eventually found that little stain and swallowed it up.

But… at least she was in a good mood. In all actuality, she was glad this became a habit of hers over the years. Every time they went to the festival, Orihime always mixed something together and ate it. It became a habit, and so, like all habits she did it without a second thought. Truthfully, this probably eased her anxieties because she didn't seem worried in the least. Tatsuki hoped that her good mood would last even when Ichigo arrived.

Speaking of which, she searched the crowd for that particular mop of orange hair. It wouldn't be that hard considering there were hardly any people with hair that bright. She looked and still couldn't spot him. Knowing him, he probably got side-tracked. That was Ichigo. If he wasn't there on time, it usually meant he was doing something else. She let out a breath and looked up and saw the cascade of colors in the sky. The sun was setting, lighting the sky afire with purple, red, and orange hues. It almost seemed like someone had painted it. She grinned, even if she couldn't find Ichigo's distinct hair, she couldn't escape the orange no matter where she went.

Looking down from her pacific mood, she finally spotted what she had been looking for. Breathing in, she yelled out, "Oi! Ichigo, over here!"

The crowd parted for Ichigo and he saw his friend waving at him, along with a certain healer right next to her that seemed rooted where she stood.

X

Orihime was frozen. There he was, the man of her dreams standing only twenty feet away. He spotted them… and her heart thumped. He was every bit the man she remembered him to be. No, he was even more manly now. His look was even more rugged, even a little more mature-looking. However, in an odd way, she was pleased that he hadn't lost that scowl of his. But even as she thought this, she felt something was off. True, he was scowling, but he wasn't necessarily mean-looking. It was kind of nice, but still off. He finally began walking towards them, a crowd suddenly overflowing him and obscuring him from view.

"Ugh, now we'll have to wait longer." Orihime barely spared a glance at her troubled friend. Though, now that he wasn't looking at her, she felt her heart slow down a bit, but only a little. She hoped Ichigo hadn't gotten swept away. She remembered when she got taken away by the river of people once. When that happened, she had nearly ended up at the end of the river.

"Don't worry, I'm sure Ichigo won't get carried away." Orihime blushed when Tatsuki deciphered her thoughts so easily. They waited for another minute before the crowd finally seemed to die down. Orihime's heart began pounding with delight… before he saw Ichigo pick up a girl with blue hair. She smiled at him, and Orihime smiled as well. Ichigo really was a gentleman despite his appearance. He would always help anyone in need. Of course… he should've already let go of the girl's hand by now. No, instead he was walking up to them with the girl's hand in his. He probably didn't even notice it, Orihime told herself. Yes, that was probably right, after all, Ichigo didn't have a girlfriend after all.

"Yo." Ichigo greeted, the same as ever. For the moment, Orihime ignored the other girl as she felt her heart hitch in her throat. After all this time, he was finally in front of her and she didn't know what to say.

"Glad to see you made it this time." Tatsuki told Ichigo, who only frowned.

"Hey, I was busy those other times." Ichigo retorted, reciting the same old dance.

"Tch, sure, and what about the times you weren't fighting?" Tatsuki smirked with victory since Ichigo really didn't have an excuse there. He simply looked away, not letting Tatsuki see the defeat on his face. Instead, he focused on Inoue whom he just realized was standing next to Tatsuki.

"How's it going Inoue?" With Ichigo now focused on her, she felt all her senses go numb. His deep, brown eyes gazed at her with the same intensity as always. Yes, he was exactly the same as before, only better it seemed.

"I-I'm fine K-Kurosaki-kun." She bit her lower lip as she felt herself shrink away from his gaze, "H-How are you?"

Ichigo tilted his head at her behavior, but replied. "I'm fine." It was his mere voice that sent tingles down her spine and for the moment, every other thought in Orihime's mind seemed inconsequential to the moment at hand.

While this was going on, Kurumu looked at the girl, then back at Tatsuki. She was about to ask something until the other girl sent her a look. It said not to interfere, and though she didn't like not being introduced, she felt that whatever was going on was too important to interrupt. It didn't help that this girl also had a big chest like hers, though, if she analyzed correctly, hers were bigger and most likely softer. Kurumu smiled inwardly at that little victory… until she noticed how the girl was acting around Ichigo. She was acting like a lovesick schoolgirl. Kurumu's wide eyes flickered towards Tatsuki and almost as if reading her mind, the raven-haired girl nodded. Apparently there were some unresolved issues, and judging from the way Ichigo was acting, he himself didn't even know what those issues were. Being fair she left him alone for the moment… though she really really really wanted to say something.

"Something the matter?" He asked, playing with Orihime's frayed nerves even though he didn't know.

"Y-Yes! I-I mean no!" She answered quickly and with a high pitch, "I'm j-just glad to see you…" She blinked, fumbled with her words and then said, "Alive!"

Ichigo too blinked, but grinned slightly. "Yeah, I guess I've had too many close calls with death huh?"

Orihime let out a haggard breath, one filled with relief. She hadn't been caught just yet. "You really should stay away from fighting Kurosaki-kun…" She fidgeted with her fingers a little as she looked up shyly at him. "I hate it when you get hurt."

Ichigo rolled his shoulders in a shrug. "That's just the way it is Inoue." A silent moment passed before them before Inoue spoke once more, finally taking notice of the girl next to Ichigo.

"Oh! I'm sorry, I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Inoue Orihime!" Orihime told the girl, who looked at her oddly. Did she have something on her face? She momentarily touched her face, but found nothing there. It was a shame too, that mustard and cotton candy mix had been delicious!

"It's alright, there's nothing on your face." The girl assured her with a grin before it faltered. "My name is Kurono Kurumu."

"Oh, did you happen to meet Ichigo just now? I saw him picking you up earlier, it happens sometimes when the crowd is all going to the same spot." Orihime was back to her bubbly self, unaware of just who this girl was. Now Kurumu looked up to Ichigo and it took him a moment to realize just what she was asking for.

Not sure why she didn't simply introduce herself, Ichigo did it for her. "Actually, she's my girlfriend Inoue." In a way, Kurumu felt like palming her face. Quick and straight to the point. He couldn't have said that more subtly could he? Then again, she felt a bit of pride and joy. There was no shame or hesitation in his voice. She was his girlfriend and that was final. Sadly, it looked like the girl didn't share her optimism as her eyes widened with shock.

"Huh?" Orihime wasn't sure if she heard correctly. Ichigo… had a girlfriend? Not that it wouldn't make sense considering what a great man he was but… she just never figured that girlfriend would've been anyone else other than her.

"Hmmm?" Ichigo replied, not sure why she seemed confused. Maybe she didn't hear him. It was getting kind of noisy after all. "I said she was my girlfriend." He reiterated, this time a little louder. Then he felt Kurumu elbow him in the side and he turned to look at her. He looked annoyed at first until she pointed at Orihime with her eyes. Confused, Ichigo looked back… and realized what was going on.

Inoue, the person whom he had saved many times and even died for… was on the verge of tears. He hadn't noticed it since the sun had already been going down and it was getting shadowy, but now that he looked closely, he could see that glistening of moisture in the corner of her eyes with what little light they had left. However, soon the stand lights would turn on and he would see her sad face fully. He panicked as he fought with his mind to wrestle out the words he needed to say.

None came.

"O-Oh," Orihime choked, her voice trying to sound cheery despite the cracks in it, "I'm g-glad to see y-you finally found someone." She let out a strained smile that made Ichigo feel worse than dirt. How could he have not known?

Orihime however was berating herself. Ichigo wouldn't have known, of course. She never told him! Of course it was silly to think he wouldn't end up with someone, especially with her never making a move. Yet, that did not ease the terrible chasm in her heart. It was deep and felt like it would never end. She couldn't help it. She loved him with all her heart and it pained her to see him with someone else despite how happy he looked. Suddenly, all at once, she realized that she was crying. If Ichigo didn't know her feelings now, he never would. But he did, and that concerned and scared gaze of his made the pangs in her heart all the more terrible. With a swift turn, she ran and disappeared into the crowd.

"Inoue!" Ichigo called out to her, but his voice was drowned out by the crowd's drone.

"Way the handle it." Ichigo turned to Tatsuki, deep annoyance etched into his features.

"How the hell was I supposed to handle it then?" He yelled back, making Tatsuki frown in disappointment.

"You're seriously stupid. How do you expect a girl to simply think you like her as a friend when you not only risked your life for her, but even died for her?" Any retort Ichigo had died in his throat. Now that he thought about it, it all made sense. Why she cried for him, why she always tried to be cheery around him. Why her face was always happy when she was around him.

Ichigo gritted his teeth as his fist clenched. It wasn't until a soft touch stroked his arm that his worries lessened slightly. "It wasn't your fault Ichigo." He looked into Kurumu's concerned eyes and felt his helplessness ease a little. "You weren't ready for romance back then. You fought simply to stay alive and love was never your main priority." Then Kurumu gave a sharp look at Tatsuki, who flinched slightly. "Isn't that right?"

Tatsuki, for her part turned her face away. "If you put it that way… I guess…"

Kurumu huffed, before turning back to Ichigo. He looked like a lost child, not knowing what to do or what to say. She lifted up a hand and gently stroked his cheek. He didn't move or say anything, but simply enjoyed the touch and the relief it brought to his heart and mind. "You should go to her Ichigo." Kurumu fought to say those words. While she didn't want any more potential competition, Ichigo and that girl had history together that needed to be resolved. Besides, she knew that once Ichigo eventually snapped out of his stupor, he would want to help. She was just making the process go faster is all. Ichigo was not only a warrior, but a helper as well.

Ichigo heard how strained those words were. Yet, she smiled warmly at him. She pulled her hand away, making him feel slightly colder, yet he felt his strength return to him at the same time. His eyes showed conviction once more as he nodded, "I'll go talk to her." He paused for a moment, considered his next move briefly, and then kissed Kurumu.

He left behind a pleasantly shocked Kurumu and an impressed Tatsuki. However, once the effects wore off, both girls wondered if everything would turn out alright.

X

Ichigo found her. It seemed she hadn't run very far, but in a crowded area like this, it didn't really matter since you could easily blend in. But she didn't choose to stay within the crowded area. Instead she stood next to the river, looking depressed. At least, that's what Ichigo felt since he could only see her back at the moment. Ichigo wasn't entirely sure what to do, but he had to do something.

Orihime didn't react to Ichigo's presence until he put a hand on her shoulder. With a surprised yelp, she wiped away the tears before turning around, trying to put on a happy look. "K-K-Kurosaki-kun! What are you doing here?" She asked even as she knew Ichigo would do this. It actually didn't occur to her while she ran away, but if Ichigo had saved her in the past, why wouldn't he try to save her now? It would've been a warming thought had she not felt so broken at the moment.

"I followed you here." He merely replied. His tone was low and monotonous, mesmerizing Orihime a little. Oh how she wanted to be held in those strong arms, but that would never happen. A pang in her chest brought tears once more to her eyes even as she wiped them away. The happy façade she was putting on was crumbling, and there was nothing she could do about it.

"I'm sorry I didn't notice earlier, I should've." His apologetic words bit into her. If her tears were trickling earlier, now they were racing out of her. Ichigo panicked, not knowing what to do. He was trying to apologize, but that seemed to make things worse. His hands flailed frantically because now Orihime was bawling. Eventually, someone would hear them and it would cause a major scene. Thinking quickly, he brought up all the experience he had on women, which was minimal. At the moment anything would do, and then he got an idea. He just hoped it was the right one.

Through her sobs, Orihime didn't notice Ichigo's frantic movements. All she could see was blurred visions of orange and her own hands trying to shoo away the tears. She told herself that she shouldn't be so selfish. Ichigo was happy, and that should've made her happy as well. But it didn't. She wanted Ichigo and her heart was torn. And even if it meant trading all her happy memories for one moment, she would gladly trade them all just to be held by him, just once. Her wish seemed to have come true as suddenly her cries became muffled as her lips pressed against fabric. Opening her eyes with a snap, she realized quickly that she was up against Ichigo's warm and strong chest. Her arms were frozen, half-way up between hugging Ichigo and letting them droop to her sides. She took in a sharp breath as she realized Ichigo was actually rubbing her back. With each stroke her spine shivered and she felt like melting despite her earlier woes. No, because of her earlier woes this felt even better, more comforting. Shaking her mind internally, she let go of any inhibitions she had and wrapped her arms around him and sobbed quietly into his chest.

Ichigo was merely surprised it even worked. He didn't think Orihime would've just dove right into his arms, especially after seemingly breaking her heart. His lips twisted in an odd frown as her muffled cries vibrated against his chest. Truth be told… he had no idea what to do next. If it were Kurumu, or even Moka, he might've had an idea. But with Orihime… he just didn't know what to do. She had loved him for so long… and it showed in her frantic embrace with her hands gripping his shirt tightly. He was actually afraid she was going to rip it apart. Finally though, after a minute of her shaking, her body seemed to still. Her grip was no longer of steel and instead her fingers spread against his back, trying to cover as much of Ichigo as possible. She looked up at him through tear-stained eyes and Ichigo knew exactly what she wanted. Ichigo was… stuck at an impasse to say the least.

It didn't help that Orihime seemed to be making a move for him as she leaned upwards and tiptoed up to his face. Finally, after months of wishing for this to happen, it would finally be here. With trembling lips and Ichigo's warm breath washing over her skin, she...