Title. Essence XII
a/n. Chapter 11 served :) thank you for those who reviewed the previous chapter, Sorry for some errors! enjoy reading.
"Orihime-chan!" Isshin Pulled her into a fatherly-warm hug. He feels so upset.
Orihime smiled despite the tight feeling inside her, making it hard to breathe. She patted his back. "Its okay..." she smiled "I already accept that a long time ago."
His hug tightened, "Orihime-chan! Just let it all out!"
She giggled on what he had said and whispered heart-brokenly, "I already cried a lot... Nothing will change if I continued to cry over it..."
Isshin pulled away, ''My god, you're so young yet so strong." His usual goofiness is absent, his tone was laced with unhealty feelings. "Orihime-chan is so brave!"' He let out a loud sneeze. ''Then if you can't no longer cry over it, Ill cry it out all for you!"'
Orihime lowered her lashes, a small smile gracing on her lips. ''T-thank you Papa...''
Isshin found himself smiling, patting her bright head. ''Does my son knew about this?"'
Orihime gasped, she got all carried away and forgot about her bright haired berry. ''W-well..'' she started nervously, her fingers fidgetting nervously. ''He didn't knew about it and I still dont have any plans on telling him... He'll be upset and... I dont want him to be bothered by my condition...''
''No...'' Isshin shook his head disapprovingly at her thought. ''He'll be more upset If you keep this to him, Orihime-chan, he will never put you away from him. As a father, I knew my own son. I can clearly see on his eyes... He fell hard on you.''
The healer's tear-stained cheeks flamed, almost matching the color of her hair.
''How long it had been?'' Isshin asked, changing their topic as he noticed her discomfort.
Orihime as the rambler herself, told him all what had happened on her two years ago, how she stayed in hospital in Tokyo, but she kept the six months matter to herself, it will just upset the old man before her even more.
''A-ano, I just want to ask a favor, Well- If its alright and..."'
''Anything dear...''Isshin replied, not finishing her sentence.
Blushingly, Orihime shyly peered her large eyes over the doctor, her heart thumping loudly inside.
''Please...'' she looked directly on his dark eyes, her teary eyes pleading. ''Just give me time to tell Ichigo-kun, Im just finding the right time...''
''Oh, Orihime-chan. When will be the right time?" Shaking his head, Isshin rubbed the back of his neck. ''Well then... just make sure you'lle give me plenty of grandchildren!" He said, wriggling his brows.
The blush appeared on the healer's face, Isshin took it as a good sign, he succeeded in changing their mood, altleast, he needs to be strong for this fragile girl.
Regardless the stressful week, Orihime Inoue made no trouble on making her boyfriends gift.
Her large honey eyes stared at the stationary infront of her. Carefully thinking on what to write on it.
She plans to give him a (love) letter. She had her gift already and ready to give it to him, but she decided that a letter will complete it and make it romantic.
The letter will contain all her feelings for him and also fron the very beginning she felt head over heels on him. In short, a love confession.
Giggling at the thougt, their relationship status passed on her mind. Well, on their case they never acknowledge each other on what they are, No one dared, because it will be all stammering, flushing, shyness and discomfort.
She remembered, back then she always dreamed about her handsome ideal boy whom she loves deeply and also loves her back will court her, well she hoped for it to be romantic, after her sweet 'yes', they will be labeled as boyfriend/girlfriend.
She busily scribbled, she didnt notice her best friends presence. The second strongest girl in Japan sat beside her, peering on the princess's work.
''What are you? A highschooler?'' She mumbled, moving her neck from side to side.
Orihime's eyes widened and surprisingly jumped back. She cluthced the paper between her hands. ''T-tatsuki-chan!''
The girl tapped her fingers boringly at the table, an amused grin on her face. ''Confessing to your long time crush turned to the love of your life?''
Orihime's cheeks flushed, her eyes stared at her friend then back on the paper. Slowly, she placed it back on the table, smoothing the crumpled parts.
''Uhmm... Implanning to confess my feelings to Ichigo-kun...''
''Eh?''
Orihime nodded.
''I- I thougt you two were already together? Don't tell me that bastard actually dumped you!''Tatsuki hissed, her brows twitching.
Orihime tried to hide her blushing cheeks with the back of her hand. ''N-no! I mean, we didn't talked about it... but it's obvious and-''
''Okay, i get it...''Tatsuki deadpanned, waving her thin hands in front of her.
The healer flashed her a grin and continued on her job.
''I have something to tell you...''Tatsuki greeted over the line as the reciever picked it up.
Ichigo annoyingly rolled on his back, groaning while he tried to clear off his mind. ''What?''
''Do you know what day today is?''
''Tch, I know. Don't need to remind me...''
He can imagine how Tatsuki lifts the corner of her lips, smirking devilishly on him.
''I know that she wanted to be the first one to greet you so Ill say mine later. By the way, Hey idiot...''
Ichigo's lips twitched at the remark. ''What?''
''Can you open your door first?''
His eyes snapped open, ''Why?''
''Can you open it first?''Tatsuki hissed and Ichigo knew how her temper was on its point.
''Fine,'' he mumbled, carefully pulling on a shirt and walked shoulders slumped on the door. ''Hey, make sure this is not a prank, I just woke up and-''
''Noisy berry.'' Tasuki spat, mumbling under her breath.
''Psh,'' he turned the knob and pulled the door inward.
''Ohayou Ichigo-kun!'' A small, familiar voice chirped energetically.
He heard Tatsuki laughed over the line and bid her goodbye with a few words. ''Enjoy birthday boy'' then the line went dead.
He gulped nervously, the bright haired girl smiled enthusiastically at him.
''H-happy birthday too, Ichigo-kunnnn~'' then she enveloped him into a bear hug, giggling on his chest.
He snuggled down on her hair, smiling faintly at her sweet scent.
She pulled away and smiled cheekily at him, she reached on her backpack and waved her hands in front of his face.
Leaning backwards as the item almost hit his nose he caught her hand and lowered it.
''Let's talk inside.'' He murmured, his scowl present.
He reached forward and encircled his arm around her back, pulling her towards his chest.
She nodded flushingly and let him guide her inside.
She flopped down on his couch and a smile crept on her face, Uwaah~ Ichigo-kun's scent was all over the place...
''Really?'' He asked, sitting in front of her.
Orihime felt how she shrinked in front of him, embarrased on how she had said her thoughts out loud.
She waved her thin hands in front of her red face, ''P-please don't think of it as-''
She was stopped when Ichigo looked away, a boyish smirk on his face.
Her smile returned. ''Im so clumsy eh?''
He nodded and fixed his eyes on hers.
She thrust her hands again which contains a white paper bag. ''Here... For you Ichigo-kun!''
He reached his hands out and their hands brushed slightly, Ichigo examined the object and turned at her. ''Thanks.''
''Uhn! Youre welcome Ichigo-kun~'' she grinned, scratching the back of her head. ''Open it!''
He gently teared-open the bag and pulled out the item inside.
His eyebrow raised, he fixed a puzzled look on her.
Not that he find the gift weird, but it was definitely something you'd call wierd.
He raised the black loosed t-shirt in front of him, the graffiti in front of it caught his attention.
With large, bright letters, It says, 'RAWR' with large exclamation marks.
He looked aside and saw her grinning at him. ''It's cute right? I know Ichigo-kun only likes cool t-shirts but I can't help it, Gomen neh~''
He lowered the shirt and stared at her unbelievingly.
''Look I also have one!'' She showed him a twin piece of the shirt, it's also loosed but smaller than him, she turned it backwards and flipped the hood attached on its back. ''Hehe...''
Ichigo looked as well on his shirt and with a horrifying look on his face, He also have it and he noticed there's still something attached on the hood's hem, a pair of black rabbit ears, long and has a fake fur.
''Oh, If you think this is a couple shirt, W-well... It wasn't I-I dont want to embarrass Ichigo-kun because of my sillyness, I just happened to like it very much and bought one for my self also.'' She whispered feebly, her cheeks flaming brightly.
''A couple shirt you said?''
Orihime couldnt see his expression but she heard how his voice teasingly asked her.
"I like it.'' He said.
She shot her head up and a shy smile on her face, she nodded gently and fished on her bag once again.
''Here!'' Thrusting a letter in front of him, she grinned.
Plucking the letter off her hand, his brows shot up thoughtfully.
''Read it carefully, please...'' She blinked at him innocently.
As what she said, he carefully unfolded the paper. Big bold letters greeted him a 'happy birthday' then he found how creative this girl in front of was.
The white paper was filled with cute tiny scripts, smirking lightly, cute swirls at the top and bottom of the paper, there are also floating hearts with different sizes and colors.
He glanced at her before carefully reading the letter's content.
She was beaming excitedly at him, it seems that she's more excited than him.
.
''So, how was it?" She asked nervously forcing a smile on her tensed facade.
''Y-you like me back when were still in high school?''He gulped. Unable to meet her eyes.
She nodded curtly, a slight grin on her face. ''Like what the letter said, the very first time I saw you... there's this feeling that I thought my heart will be jumping out of my chest whenever youre around. It all grew to love when our bond became close, E-especially the way you went to Hueco Mundo just to s-save me.''
He stared at her fully, noticing the strong blush flooding her cheeks and ears.
Ichigo was completely flabbergasted, So its true that the one that she's been talking the other day was him. Congratulations then, he hollered to himself. His thoughts were true, even he shyly admits that half of him tells that it's impossible.
Well, who would only have this adorable scowl (said she), chocolate brown eyes, and vowed to protect her?
It's him... and only him.
Absentmindedly, he smiled at her.
''So, this thing between us... still bothers you, right?''
She remained silent, looking to her side.
''Im sorry for not clearing it.''His brow shot up as he stared on his lap, scratching the back of his head.
''N-no! You dont have to apologize.'' She smiled nervously, her fingers twirling the hem of her skirt. ''Its fine...''
''Dont worry youre not the only one who's experiencing these 'first times'''
''Eh?''
He nodded.
''I-im Kurosaki-kun's first...?'' She cant name the last word.
He nodded again, ''Yeah... B-but I want to clear things, Were...''
She nodded.
''The day we started being together wasn't important... I dont care if we started things quickly and without a word we-'' Ichigo felt his nerve was being pulled, words like this were really difficult to say... He prefer his actions more but that will just leave things uncleared for both of them.
''The important is?'' Orihime chimed in, waiting for his next words.
He shyly looked to his side and kept on stealing glances on her. Massaging the back of his tensed neck, he cleared his throat.
''Is that I have you as long as Im...'' he paused, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. ''... as long as Im alive, I-its enough.'' He smiled.
Orihime on the other hand, gaped at him. Her mouth shaped into a small 'o'.
''A-are you alright?'' Ichigo asked worriedly.
''U-uhmm... Yeah...''
He smiled briefly at her and shoved the letter on his pocket. ''I really like your gift.''
Orihime smiled sweetly at him.
''Thank you Orihime.''
''You're welcome Ichigo-kun.''
They decided to go to the park and spend thier time together, Orihime keep on rambling on different thoughts and Ichigo listened to her patiently, offering her a smile everytime she looked at him.
Later on, Orihime began to be quiet. The protrector sensed her fidgeting uncomfortably and she seemed to be in a deep thought.
He stopped on his tracks, while she kept on.
''Oi,'' He called out. But it seems that she didnt heard him and he called again. ''Oi, Hime!''
At this, she stopped abruptly on her steps and noticed the empty space beside her.
''Ichigo-kun?'' She asked confusedly, she turned around and saw him scowling.
''Are you okay, Ichigo-kun?'' She walked backwards until their shoulders touched.
''Im fine, How about you?''He deadpanned. ''Is there anything that bothers you?''
''N-nothing!'' She flailed. ''Im just thinking if we could visit your family! Since, it's your birthday and I think they want to see you!''
He looked at her fully, he rolled his eyes mildly. ''Hime-''
''P-please?'' She said, her large eyes unblinking and bright.
''F-fine...'' He whispered' covering his face with the back of her hand.
The bright heads walked into the Kurosaki household, the small one feels so excited and eager while the tall one was contented and somewhat used to his partner's enthusiasm.
"Oh! Finally!'' Orihime beamed. Touching the knob then she glanced at her protector.
''Here... Kurosaki-kun should- I mean Ichigo-kun!''She corrected hastily, stepping aside while scratching the back of her head.
''Huh?'' He asked, raising a thin brow at her.
''Uhmm... Er, I mean. Since its your house, go ahead and open it.''
He shot her a suspicious look then at the knob and back at her. Fluttering his eyes as he thought of something bad would happen, his chest tightened, releasing a deep exhale he turned the knob and-
Orihime peeked from his side.
...what? They should be here!
''I guess they're all out...'' he shrugged. The door swung inward and the room was filled with darkness.
He grabbed her small hand and kissed her knuckles, Orihime blushed furiously and gasped. A small genuine smile played on his lips. ''Theyre not home so... lets spend more time together and-''
The lights snapped open, and followed by an apologizing voice.
''Im sorry! I saw Inoue-chan and-'' Animatedly, Keigo's eyes turned into a pair of pink hearts but it quickly shattered and tears flowed from it. ''Ichigo! How could you do this to me! Im your best pal yet you do this to me!" He cried.
Tatsuki appeared from behind and knocked his senses out. ''Dont mind him, now turned off the lights again.''
Ichigo blinked as the darkness showed once again. W-what the hell was that? Earlier he saw some familiar faces and then-
The lights turned on once again, ''Happy Birthday Ichigo!''
He gawked. ''Eh?''
''Sorry for the failness at first, Keigo was shocked due to your actions towards Orihime.''Tatsuki smirked.
''No, you hit him.'' He deadpanned entering togethering with Orihime.
''Well... arent you excited? Were all here''
Glancing around the room, he was surprised on how many people was there.
''It was all Orihime-chan's plan!'' Isshin exclaimed, engaging Ichigo in to a bear, breath-taking hug.
His eyes bulged out of its sockets and he coughed pushing his old man.
Orihime giggled and hid her hands behind her.
Pulling away, Isshin smack his lips on his son's cheeks, grinning. Orihime laughed loudly at this.
Isshin completely pulled away and greeted him again, he jumped merrily and talked to the other guests.
Ichigo scowled while rubbing his cheeks roughly, The healer patted his back and kissed his other cheek.
He gulped nervously and looked at her, she was smiling up at him. He nodded and gave her a smile.
''Oi, why didnt you told us about your relationship?'' A superior voice boomed.
Ichigo looked boringly at the direction and smirked. ''Well now you know.''
Rukia stood, one foot tapping as her thin arms were crossed in front of her. Suddenly, a smile played on her lips. ''Congratulations then.''
Orihime bowed blushingly, ''Hehe...''
Renji appeared from the petite shinigami's back and congratulated them as well, he mocked Ichigo on how he should be gentle when touching Orihime's delicate parts.
The blush grew brightly on Orihime's cheeks, glancing at her boyfriend she saw how his cheeks were red too.
''H-how can you say those words!'' He hollered at the scarlet-haired shinigami.
''Ara ara~ Youre a pervert and its possible!''
''You!'' Ichigo was about to launch at him when he felt her princess hands slipped away from him.
He glanced at her from the corner of his eyes and surprisingly saw her dashed eagerly to greet some one.
His eyes landed on a tall, black haired man, his cool blue eyes were piercing and was fixed on the bouncy girl running to him.
Wait! What the hell is he doing in here? Dont tell me she invited him!
His eyes bored at the said girl and a grim expression crossed on his face, he quickly put on his remarkable scowl and averted his eyes forward.
He inhaled deeply and closed his eyes, what is this feeling?
Looking back at them, he saw how excited the beauty was. She was flailing her arms high-spiritedly and blushing furiously on what that guy was saying on her.
He sat on a chair and looked sideways, hoping that his princess would notice his gloomy presence. Sighing deeply, he rolled his eyes due to the people around him, greeting back and forth. Now, tell me? How can she notice me if they're all surrounding me?
He stood up, despite the happy atmosphere inside the house, he was left bored and angry.
He decided to walk passed on them, and hopingly she would notice him.
His eyes lazily sticked on the floor as he walked, something soft brushed on his shoulder and he ignored it.
''Happy birthday Ichigo-san.'' A manly voice greeted and he shot his head upward, this Tadashi guy was standing in front of him.
''Thanks'' he deadpanned, thin arms wrapped on his arms.
''Ichigo-kun! I know you remember Tadashi-kun!'' She beamed. ''I was surprised to see him here! He was invited by Papa!''
He arched a brow at her, Papa? She took it seriously huh? And... Otou-san invited him?
''Well, Im a student of Kurosaki-sensei back then, I attended some seminar and he was one of the volunteer doctors who teaches us.'' He smirked.
''By the way, I hope you enjoy this party. Orihime told me that she planned it all for you.''
He only stared at him boringly, Obviously not enjoying Tadashi's comments.
''Well then, I need to talk to Sensei regarding on some matters. Ja ne''
He swiftly walked out and looked for the said man.
Ichigo looked at the healer who was wearing a frown. ''Did he said something bad to you?''
She shook her head and smiled. ''Tadashi-kun would not do that! He just told me some news and-''
''What kind of news? What was that all about?'' He said, his grumpiness present.
Orihime's brows shot up and gulped. ''Nothing serious neh~ Come on! Lets eat!"
He frowned at the change of their subject and let her dragged him towards the table.
.
''Hmmm... Kurosaki-kun? Are you angry?''
''...''
''Ichigo-kun?
''... No Im not.''
''Hmmm.. Really?'' She asked, nibbling on her bread.
He nodded and looked away.
''Is it Tadashi-kun?''
''Yeah... Er, I mean-''
''Youre jealous Ichigo-kun!''
He blinked and stared back at her, ''Im not''
Orihime pursed her lips forward and nodded. ''I dont think so?''
''Why the hell I would be jealous? There's no way that Ill be.''
''...''
''That guy only flirted and unbelievingly clings to you every time he saw you'' He said firmly.
Her eyes stared at him, ''You are... J-jealous!'' She pointed at him.
''Fine, I-I am'' He whispered, looking away again.
Her hand slowly lifted and cupped his chin, moving his head to her direction she smiled warmly at him. ''Youre so adorable Kurosaki-kun...''
His scowl hardened and he dared to look on her large gray eyes.
Orihime heard how her heart thundered inside her, She was well aware that her face was all red beacuse of embarrassment.
His breath teasingly touched the tip of her nose, her hand moved to cup his cheeks, leaning slowly.
''I... I love you Ichigo-kun''
His lips touched hers. She melted on his scent and leaned closer. The tip of his tounge teased to open her mouth and slowly she opened it.
Her eyes snapped open as his tounge roamed inside her mouth, It was her real first kiss!
''I-Ichigo...'' She mumbled on his lips, she felt him smirked against her lips. His hand crawled on the back of her head, fingers twisting the auburn locks.
"Ehem!'' A voice boomed out.
Ichigo looked side ways and hid Orihimes face on the other side, he heard the disturbing voice but the girl seemed to be oblivious by the call.
He slowly pulled away as he looked at her flushed face, panting in front of him.
''Cute...'' He mumbled and stood up helping her to her feet as well, Orihime's eyes widened as she saw Tatsuki standing in front of them.
''T-tatsuki-chan! Y-you... How long have you've been in here?'' She stammered.
''Well everyones looking for you two, get inside now. Isshin-san have an announcement.
The two nodded and followed Tatsuki inside. Ichigo glanced at the pincess, noting how red her face was.
'Happy Birthday to me...' He smirked thoughtfully inside, unable to hid the grin spreading on his face.
a/n. I wanted to thank again those who reviewed the last chapter :) You guys really gives me motivation to continue this one. Im not sure but I think Ill be updating more often because our summer vacation is nearly going to an end! And Ill be busy because -Ehem?- I am now a first year college student this coming school year ^U^ Im nervous and I wanted to hide in my box~ Im scared and too frightened and- and- and- Psh, Silly me, rambling about 'not-really- interesting' things about myself. Well then review If you have time k? Thank you in advance! See you on next chapter!
