Orihime pouted, her displeased lips molding firmly, "What so funny?"

The laughing continued.

"Tatsuki-chan?"

There was a sudden pause along with choking.

The laughing started again.

Orihime became impatient and ordered over the phone, "Tatsuki-chan, why's that funny?"

"Hah," Tatsuki tried her best to calm herself. She was sitting a few miles away in a hotel room that her Sensei had booked, when deciding it would be the perfect time to call the auburn haired beauty, "I'm sorry. I'm glad you told me, but I kind of-"

Her best friend lost control again on the other line as Orihime refrained from becoming frustrated.

"What?"

"I'm sorry but it was just so obvious," Tatsuki gave one heavy sigh as her giggles subsided.

"Obvious," Orihime pondered the word in her mind curiously.

"Well not so much you," Tatsuki recalled, "I guess it was Ichigo. When we were all walking together, he kept looking at your hand," Orihime tried not to blush, covering her face even when her friend clearly couldn't see her. Tatsuki's voice turned playful, "I kept asking myself what he was doing but I guess it kind of makes sence now. I guess he was looking to hold your hand-"

Orihime shifted in the quiet of her living room, "-It's still not funny, Tatsuki-chan."

There was a heavy sigh. "I'm sorry, Orihime. I guess it's just," She rephrased, "It is a little weird for me."

"Yeah," Orihime's thoughts wondered off.

She could picture Tatsuki beating on Ichigo as the three hung out at lunch. Ichigo would then harshly react in return and the next thing she knew they would be at each others throats! Making nasty comments, possible violence. Tatsuki would most likely comment on Ichigo's fruity orange hair causing Ichigo to make a threat he wouldn't go through with as usual, then the little blue men would come in cavalries to try to split the two apart but,-

"So have you guys gone out yet?"

"Mh," Orihime lost her focus, "Our first date was yesterday."

She didn't get a response right away, there was a soft breath and a small huff of a laugh, "Well I am happy for you, Orihime."

She sunk in to Tatsuki's words, "Thanks."

"-But man," Tatsuki snapped back quickly, "If he does something wrong! I swear I'll-"

"Tatsuki-chan!"


Ichigo sat uncomfortably with his legs crossed and his hands bunched into tight fists.

"Tch," He grunted, turning from her.

They had been sitting the same way for what seemed liked half an hour now. He tried to swallow but nothing was going down. There was only so much pressure he could take and at this point as his forehead was beginning to draw beads of sweat. He couldn't take it anymore.

Angrily he slammed one fist hard on the table in front of him, "Damn it! Would you stop staring at me?"

Rukia flinched as a small tea pot nearly danced off the tables ledge.

"Hey," She spat, "Careful!"

They had been awaiting Urahara's arrival at his place for quite some time while he ran errands and Ichigo was becoming tired with this kind of treatment.

"Just shut up will you! You're going to make me regret it," He grumbled and crossed his arms, "I swear if you tell anyone-"

"Don't worry about it," Rukia waved her hand simply to stop him, "I promise, I wont tell."

Ichigo swerved to fully face the window when Renji poked his head inside unnoticed.

Before he knew it Rukia was up and out of her seat, biting her lip to hide a smile.

"You ready to go?" She directed towards Renji in her hurry.

Ichigo didn't watch, simply ignoring her exit but he couldn't help overhearing them muttering to each other on the way. He should have just followed his instincts because Renji soon broke in to a laugh that echoed through out the hallway.

"That little-"

Rukia simply walked away from Ichigo's angry transitions. The boy was clearly misunderstanding her actions.

Besides, it was only Renji she had told. She was only grateful; proud even. Of course at first a part of her believed what he confessed to be a bluff. It was too incredible to be true. Though, she did also know that Ichigo would never lie about something so detrimental so she wanted to find out for herself.

Carrying her small figure through the sky she whisked away weightless, her eyes scoping the houses below till she found the apartment she was looking for. Her sandals clacked once she came in contact with the concrete. Rukia remembered that Orihime had moved several times now noticing the difference in its appearance. She was sure that her young human friend was trying her hardest to keep up with the physical world like always so she sighed. Rukia knew how hard it must have been for Orihime to move again, creasing her brows when the door finally opened.

"Kuchiki-san," Orihime stared at the Shinagami as she held open the door, "What are you doing here?" Rukia smiled and stepped inside when Orihime began to stutter, "Not that I don't want you here - I mean I just figured you'd have so much going on that I didn't want to ask you-"

Rukia had to stop her before she went further, "No! It's alright I have time. I just wanted to stop by to say that I'm happy for you guys."

Orihime paused and tilted her head by the look on Rukia's face, "Mh? For what?"

Rukia crossed her arms and strengthened her posture as she strut towards the living room, "Ichigo told me."

Orihime's dotted her eyes back and forth on the ground trying to think quickly. She soon realized where Rukia was heading with the conversation but she couldn't believe that Ichigo would actually tell her.

"You know; About the two of you," Rukia deadpanned.

Orihime choked, "He did?"

"Well yes," Rukia explained surely and nodded her head with a smile, "And I'm glad he did, so that I could congratulate you."


It had been a really hectic morning and all Orihime could think about was restocking the shelves. The bakery was running low on space with all their left over product so she was trying her best to get rid of it. The holidays were really becoming a hassle for her now since she had so little time to spend with Ichigo. The fact that he worked in the produce department was helping, but he didn't seem to enjoy it as much now. Ichigo wasn't like Orihime with money. She needed it so she could survive on her own but after the tension between Izuo and Ichigo he became really laid back with his shifts. That didn't bother Orihime at all because she now understood.

Plus, it was quite possible that she wouldn't need her job anymore.

Orihime spent her time dazing out happily, thinking about the call she received to days ago from her old employer. Seems he was nearly up-and-running with his new bakery and he had called to ask her for her help. ABCookies was up and running once again and he wanted her back.

Orihime smiled as she placed more kaisers on the shelve. It was nice to know that she was thought of, needed, and she was greatly impressed that her old friends had made it back on their feet. It was going to be a really tough decision but she would ask Ichigo for his advice once she got the chance.

Eying her previous co-workers as they talked, she knew she would miss them dearly if she decided to leave.

"Orihime-chan?"

The young girl fixed her posture, turning to smile and great which ever costumer had a new question, "Yes?"

She was surprised to see a proud standing close by with a half full cart, "How are you today?"

"Oh," Orihime couldn't help feeling shy towards her new boyfriends father, "I-I'm fine thank you. How are things?"

"Just preparing for the holidays," He chimed, "And on that note, I personally want to invite you to our family get together for this year. I know my sons not the brightest when it comes to being bold but I know the family would love to get to meet you."

Orihime chuckled, feeling silly in her hairnet. Isshin was surprisingly comfortable around her and not as crazy as usual. Maybe he was a gentleman when his son wasn't around.

"Oh, thank you," Isshin bent in further to encourage her and she replied, "I'd love to come."

"That's great! I'll be sure to keep a seat for you," He bellowed and stared down into his cart curiously, "Do you like brussel sprouts?"

Orihime's ocean eyes went wide, "Yes!"


"He said that?"

Orihime played with her fingers around her book as they began walking, "Yep. You don't mind do you?"

"No, I'd love for you to come," Ichigo blurted out and his brows furrowed, "I'm just mad he did it for me without my approval."

He walked next to her slowly down the streets with his hands shoved in his pockets, knowing they would be early. He was getting used to arriving before everyone else now, keeping up with Orihime's usual attendance. It didn't matter though. Usually they would spend that time right before class hiding along side the building till the bell rang anyways.

"My old man is too deep in my business," He trailed off, "You're okay with coming?"

"Of course I am," Orihime cheered and he couldn't help but smile to himself.

That's when she noticed it; his eyes on her hands that were currently holding her things.

Orihime bit her lip and her smile faded. Tatsuki was right after all.

"So," She added in an attempt to be lively, "What do you think I should do about my job?"

"Hm," He hummed and took a deep breath, "I think you should stick with what ever makes you happy."

Orihime frowned and turned to him, "But you're not happy working at the produce department are you?"

"It's a job," He stated simply, "I'll stay if you do. It's okay."

Orihime gave a big heavy sigh and stopped as cars flew by on snow plastered roads. She put her best effort in to sounding serious, "I want you to be happy, Ichigo-kun."

He laughed as he was about to cross the street, "-Finally."

"Hm," She questioned and watched him as he continued to walk, "What?"

"You're finally getting used to saying my name," He remarked with his face still turned away.

"Oh," She pondered and shuffled behind him, "I guess I should be careful."

Ichigo turned once they were safe on the opposite side and gave her his full attention before facing away again. It's true that not everyone at school knew but most people did, "You don't have to hide it, Orihime."

"Ya," Orihime exhaled to see her breath come out in small fogs, thinking it over.

Then it happened again.

She caught his eyes on her hands and began to fidget. After Tatsuki had mentioned the idea it was beginning to eat away at her. It had almost been a few weeks already since they started dating and Ichigo was making all the first moves. She knew he shouldn't be the forced to make every advance and prepared herself by gripping her bag.

When avoiding his gaze she prayed he would assume her flushed cheeks were caused by the cold, and she stopped.

Ichigo was caught of guard and halted, "What is it?"

"Um, Ichigo-kun," Orihime tried her best to brace herself and took a deep breath. She made a few attempts to look up to him but his eyes were too distracting, "Um, can I? - Can I hold your hand?"

Ichigo smiled and held out his hand, "Here."

While keeping his grin he reached for her textbook as Orihime adjusted her bag and paused. She couldn't help but stare at his open hand through the silence. Her heart beat racing as she watched her hand slip in to his. The warmth of his palms heating hers slowly as he gripped her tighter.

He was her perfect fit.