Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach in anyway but am inspired by the work created by Tite Kubo
Chapter 11: Date One
( Orihime's P.O.V)
Well that was fun. I hung out with Shinji-san and found he isn't so bad. He even admitted he doesn't love me, not the way he kept claiming he did, but he does care deeply for me and he doesn't want me to die. He'd give me what I needed if I let him. But I don't know if I can do it. No it's not because of Starrk. It's not. It's because I can't just sleep with someone. I want to meet a man and fall in love and actually be with him for a while and know he will stay with me. I appreciate what all my friends here are trying to do, but it's for not. Maybe I should let this fetus kill me and I can move on with my afterlife. Ugh I hate being depressed.
Rangiku was here earlier informing me that Rose is taking me out at 4 tomorrow night and Ikkaku is taking me out at six. Apparently they both are picking me up at the tenth so that is where I am headed now. It's five now so by the time I get to the tenth I will have 45 minutes to be ready for Ikkaku.
( Third P.O.V)
Orihime got to the tenth in plenty of time. She washed up and put on a pair of jeans with a nice blouse. Ikkaku showed up exactly at six which sort of surprised her. They headed to a bar and as they were walking Orihime wondered if he were nervous. She kept trying to engage him in conversation but he wasn't saying much.
When they'd finally sat down he suddenly snapped, "I can't do this! I'm sorry Orihime-chan, I really am! I care about you and you're a good friend who I want to help but I just can't. I…I love someone else."
Orihime smiled and nodded saying in a soothing voice, "It's okay Ikkaku-kun, it's okay. Calm down and take a deep breath.. "
Ikkaku interrupted her with a rush of words, "It's not okay. I told him I was coming here, he understands but, I just can't make myself."
Orihime's eyes widen as she took in his words.
"He?" Orihime shook her head as it suddenly dawned on her, "Ohh you and Yumichika-kun! I am so happy for you both. But if you don't like me that way why didn't you say no? You even jumped at the chance to go out with me tonight. At least, that 's what Rangiku said."
Ikkaku chuckled mirthlessly, "Yeah, well, I did kinda jump at the chance. I really do want to help you and since no one knows about me and Yumichika I figured that I could make it seem like I was.."
Orihime held up her hand stopping his explanation, "You don't want people to see you as different even if it's not any of their business. I understand. It's okay Ikkaku-kun. This is what we can do. I'll kiss you. But if anyone asks I'll just say there was no spark okay?"
Ikkaku nodded, stunned that she would go even that far to help his situation.
She leaned in and kissed him softly on the lips. Moving away she smiled as she said, "See? No spark, but it was nice nonetheless."
Ikkaku blushed but, being serious for once, asked, "Are you gonna be okay? I mean Rangiku and Rukia explained what you're dealing with. What are you gonna do?"
Orihime sighed and closed her eyes, "I will keep trying and if no one can look at me that way then I will die in peace Ikkaku-kun. I won't force anyone to be with me in any form, especially with something as important as this."
She stood up and walked out of the bar just as Yumichika was entering. Pausing next to him she took his hand and squeezed it gently as she whispered, "Take care of him Yumi-kun."
The flamboyant male smiled and whispered back, "Thank you."
Heading back to squad ten she decided to rest in the garden and accidently feel asleep.
