Dessa's Note: my shoulders hurt. I'm so sorry this is majorly late. But I had a lot happening, I had to speak at a Comics and Medicine conference this week and I got to meet Brian Fies! (author of Mom's Cancer) and Paul Gravette! (Britain's Comica director) And Phillipa Perry! (author of Couch Fiction) They were soo awesome! Especially Paul Gravette. I will be talking more about the conference on my blog, whenever I get round to writing it. But it will be there if you're interested in my weird twisted life. Anyway, I hope to contribute something towards a medical comic in the future, but for now, brains is my thing.

Dedication: Llyza for having drawn me Ichigo and Orihime, THANK YOU!

Disclaimer: applied.

Chapter 14

Livingstone and its owner at present suffered from very ill spirits due to the absence of her two favourite daughters. Miss. Arisawa and Miss. Hinamori exerted themselves to the highest degree in order to sedate their mother, but every attempt ended in failure and their mother continuously wrote her daughters to return at the earliest possible convenience, the only condition applied was to bring along a husband as an addition to the luggage they left with.

Miss. Nemu replied with direct calm, assuring her mother she would return on the date agreed with her aunt. Miss. Inoue wrote her correspondences with every possible assurance to return when her required visit were to end.

Orihime had originally wanted nothing but to make haste for Livingstone when starting her journey with Miss. Isane Kotetsu to Clampton. The prospect of observing her old home in the hands of Mr. Asano resulted in a violent reaction of dread. The journey itself was sufficiently enjoyable and acted as a compromise to Orihime's frazzled state of nerves. Miss. Kotetsu was not an idle companion, she resembled Miss. Inoue in timidity and gentleness however lacking in creative cookery. When the moment of her arrival had come, Orihime strived to intake the hypermobile enthusiasm of Mr. Asano; introducing his wife to her descriptively and forgetting the two ladies were once neighbours.

'Thank you dear Orihime for coming, your calming presence is long sought after' said Mrs. Asano, looking abashed when noticing the meaning of her words.

Orihime simply smiled 'It is my pleasure to be of some use to you' Miss. Kotetsu then embraced her warmly and moved towards her sister, a smile of genuine warmth illustrating her face upon rejoining with her sibling. Isane had originally disliked the notion of her young sister marrying Mr. Asano, however, viewing her married sister only increased her guilt as she fully understood Mrs. Asano's intentions to be less of a burden to their father and indirectly to her as well.

It had now been a complete week since Orihime's arrival, she had graciously tolerated Mr. Asano's efforts to make her aware of all that she had lost; a comfortable house, a comfortable income, excellent connections and most of all, his undying affection. Orihime knew that if her sister Tatsuki were present, a remark would be made of how love could die within the span of two days.

Despite Mr. Asano's effervescent fervour, Orihime had found enjoyment in her visit by wandering the nostalgic rooms, she giggled when the cook was shocked to find her exploring the kitchen. She had cried to herself when lost in memories in the nursery, her old toys removed, her old books gone, and her brother dead. But melancholic dispositions were ill suited to Miss. Inoue's happy will, and so she made note not to visit the nursery again. When a mood of any little depressed tendency arose in Orihime, she would take to her walks around the superb grounds and quickly chose her favourite paths. One of these paths led to a graveyard where Orihime found herself standing for hours, lost upon the names of three significant gravestones.

Orihime's term at Clampton included a surprising addition; that which included dining with the prestigious Lady Kuukaku at her remarkable residence, Wallington Park. The park was only a short walk from Clampton and the site of the handsome house indeed brought Clampton in a lowering bow in remembrance of its own very modest state.

'Is not Wallington the most handsome estate you have ever seen?'

'Yes Mr. Asano,'

'It is imbibed with eighty seven glass windows, all very sturdy as well! The grounds are magnificent and it is said that Lady Kuukaku herself has never reached the borders of her own land on foot'

'That is wonderful sir' replied Orihime, Mr. Asano seemed not satisfied with his guest's mediocre response, surely tears of the greatest marvel should be nothing short of what is to be expected?

The grounds were indeed beautiful, which Orihime itched to explore, the gardens introducing the house threw Miss. Inoue into a silent fit of adoration as she ogled the rose bushes and numerous flower beds, wanting nothing more than to run he finger tips along the petals' supple edges. Despite the intimidating appearance of the brick building itself, nothing could have warned Orihime for the intimidating nature of the Lady herself.

Lady Kuukaku, in all of her high grandeur gowns and lace, was seated upon a majestic throne. She had bored, condescending eyes, handsome but sharp features and dark luscious hair. Upon the introduction of the two visitors, she brought her intimidating eyes towards them, surveying them with bored interest. Her eyes lay longer on Miss. Inoue and recalled Mr. Asano's eccentric report of his history with her. Lady Kuukaku in turn introduced her younger brother, proclaiming him to be not the most intelligent man of the age and said nothing more.

Mr. Shiba stepped forward and made his bows. He was a tall, well built man, with rather blunt features and a vividly frightened visage, most likely due to his sister's pressuring gaze.

His face dramatically changed when he was able to examine the guests more thoroughly and to his eyes, Miss. Inoue was a remarkable beauty. Lady Kuukaku herself noted the young lady's salient beauty and quickly grew interested by her.

'I believe Clampton was once your residence as an infant Miss. Inoue, am I correct?'

'Yes Ma'am, I have enjoyed many days there in my childhood'

'And yet you refused the hand of one who could reinstate your residency?'

'Y-Yes your ladyship,'

'Why?' The one word was drawn out thickly and slowly, adding an intimidating weight to the single syllable.

'I- I believed myself and Mr. Asano i-incompatible for matrimony' Orihime hoped she needn't elaborate but the elder lady's silence insisted for a lengthier answer, 'I sadly disappointed Mr. Asano on the basis of my feelings on the matter despite the notion of returning to Clampton as its mistress. I must add that I am overjoyed Mr. Asano has found happiness with my friend.'

'I see' was the simple reply to the blushing girl's statement, Lady Kuukaku then turned to Mr. Asano and spoke with ringing clarity 'Miss. Inoue is certainly an intelligent woman, no woman married to you could be.' Everyone blushed, the exception being the Lady herself, Miss. Kotetsu bristled in anger but said nothing, not being able to defend her sister as Mrs. Asano did indeed chose her own husband.

'Do you have any siblings Miss. Inoue?'

'Yes, three sisters connected by affection'

'Connected by affection? What do you mean?'

'T-that we are not blood related your ladyship,'

The elder's eyebrow's raised, 'Peculiar, indeed. What is your association to Livingstone?'

'I-it is my current residency, its mistress, Mrs. Matsumoto, acts as our guardian,'

'Your guardian? That might explain the difference in name. How did you come to be under her custody?' Lady Kuukaku's cumulatively growing interest in Orihime was evident in her eyes, this only seemed to further frighten the latter.

'She offered to be held responsible for my education and upbringing when I spent a few months with my relations after the death of my family'

'I see… Good heavens child what are you doing!' exclaimed her ladyship upon observing Miss. Inoue salting her orange pieces.

'I sprinkled salt on the oranges ma'am'

'That is simply no way to eat fruit!' The brother cringed for the beautiful woman, hoping his sister's wrath would not explode.

'Sister, please allow Miss. Inoue her own preferences' pleaded Mr. Shiba.

'You dare tell me what to do, Ganju?'

'No! Not at all sister, I jus-'

'I know perfectly well what you meant! Miss. Inoue, please explain for your actions.' demanded the Lady.

'I- I- I Like oranges with salt,' said the frightened young woman, trembling slightly at the commanding tone of voice.

Lady Kuukaku gazed at her for a moment, scrutinizing the plainly dressed girl, 'What else do you eat?'

And thus began an escapade into every experiment, concoction and fusion Orihime had ever tried. Lady Kuukaku was at first highly shocked at the wild empirically found meals, however, as the questions came and the answers flowed, the elder lady soon grew affection for the young woman as was an inevitable circumstance to any individual who met Orihime. Lady Kuukaku was so pleased she even stated to try some of these strange foods.

'I am highly pleased that you keep yourself so occupied, a woman ought to have an active mind'

Orihime returned to Clampton rather fatigued that evening, the continuous questions of her family, sisters, acquaintances, habits, furniture arrangement preferences and even the details of the stories she wrote as a pastime, withered her boundless energy causing the young woman to retire for the night earlier than usual. Miss. Inoue woke refreshed the next morning and proceeded to make her way to the breakfast room once dressed. She was delighted to be met with a letter from her sister in London. Choosing to keep the information withheld from Mr. Asano, Orihime waited for her daily solitary walk in order to consult herself with the sought after words of the letter.

Dearest Orihime,

Be sure that I have enjoyed London immensely this past month. The children are a welcome distraction to occupy my time, though I think they find me somewhat intimidating due to my sometimes silent moments. You know me well enough to ignore these quiet moods of mine, but I suppose children are better suited to exciting sounds and actions, which I unfortunately lack. If only you were here.

I have made my presence in London as widely known as possible and sent several notes to my friend Miss. Ishida. Unfortunately I have not been called upon by any of the Ishida family and have not been able to see any of our Brockledale acquaintances either. I have strong hopes to not be disappointed in my visit and will notify you of any occurrences in future letters.

My aunt and uncle send their love.

Your friend and sister

Nemu

Orihime was distressed by this letter, but could not remain so for long as she was suddenly met with Mr. Shiba who was also walking along the park's grounds. The gentleman offered an escort to Clampton and she graced him with an acceptance. Mr. Ganju, Orihime found, was not very eloquent in his choice of language but she was made to understand a sincere good will in him and could not find anything to dislike. She could not help but think her mother would find Mr. Ganju's nose nothing short of abominable. Upon returning to the Clampton estate, Miss. Inoue was highly surprised to find the servants flurrying and worrying about a certain visitor. Orihime was lucky enough to be met with Mrs. Asano as she warned her of a sudden call from Mr. Kurosaki, who waited for her at that very moment in the parlour!

The two ladies entered the room simultaneously and viewed Mr. Asano fervently talking to Mr. Kurosaki who seemed to be agitatedly pacing the room, not fully comprehending a word the former said. Mr. Kurosaki suddenly stopped when the ladies entered, his eyes fixed intently on Miss. Inoue. He barely heard Asano's introduction of his wife, as the combined luminosity of grey eyes and russet hair glowed over his agitated mind. Suddenly Kurosaki caught a few words and sharply turned to the incessant Asano.

'What was that you said?'

'This is my wife, the former Miss. Kotetsu is now proudly Mrs. Asano' Mrs. Asano blushed a little but curtseyed.

Mr. Kurosaki was shaken but regained his composure and in an unsteady voice asked 'Mrs. Asano? So you… were Miss. Kotetsue and you…' he turned to direct Orihime's attention '…remain Miss. Inoue?'

'I beg your pardon?' asked Orihime, confused.

'You have not shed your name? You have not married him?' asked Mr. Kurosaki straining to remain calm while violently pointing to Mr. Asano, his scowl of the same intensity as his eyes.

'No sir' replied Orihime, even more confused at his behaviour.

'Are you certain?'

Orihime could not help but giggle slightly before answering 'I am quite sure.'

Kurosaki visibly relaxed, he allowed his arm to lower as soon as he was conscious of it still pointing to the vile Asano. Miss. Inoue's earlier laughter seemed to have calmed him down but he now entered a conjugated state of elation and embarrassment for his trembling behaviour. 'I see' was all he could expel from his mouth, finding himself unable to speak further he took to standing by the window.

It was then that Mr. Shiba entered the room and noticed Mr. Kurosaki.

'Ichigo! What the devil are you doing in this area of the country?' exclaimed he smilingly.

'I chose to visit my aunt… and you,' he looked upon Mr. Shiba as though he could never truly want to visit the man or his sister.

'Don't look at me like that, I'm technically your uncle, respect your elders'

'You forget I am older than you.'

'Pah! It doesn't matter. And what of Karin and Yuzu?

'They remain at school in Bath'

'A pity, I do love a card game with those two. But why have you not come to Wallington?'

'I just arrived'

'Then why come to Clampton first?'

Mr. Kurosaki cursed his instincts as his eyes involuntarily glanced at Miss. Inoue before he replied, 'I came to offer my late congratulations to the wedded couple.'

Mr. Shiba was not intelligent enough to discern an alternative reason from Mr. Kurosaki's expression. He did not trouble himself in waiting long to invite all to Wallington to dine that evening, as the certainty of his sister being greatly pleased with the new arrival would allow a celebration. After tea was served Mr. Kurosaki made his leave with his young uncle and left the inhabitants and visitors of Clampton in a hazy state of bemused perplexity.

'Do you not think Mr. Kurosaki acted differently from when he was in Shropshire?' asked Orihime when consulting Miss. Isane.

'I think his very visit was something out of character all together'

'What do you mean?'

Miss. Isane looked at her with slight annoyance. 'You must have noticed he mistook you as being married to my brother-in-law?'

'No, I thought my name evaporated from his memory,'

'I doubt he did. He could not have come to just visit my sister, especially before visiting his own aunt. Oh my word! He must be in love with you!'

Orihime could only laugh animatedly 'I assure you Isane, he dislikes me very much, from my face to the food I eat. There are plenty of my faults at his scrutiny. It is simply the most unlikely conclusion!'

Miss. Isane could not ignore her friend's argument as evidence existed to support it. However, the earlier behaviour of the gentleman screamed a disturbance of emotion and she very much wanted to know what it was. Isane hence resolved to observe the gentleman carefully that evening when they were to meet again.

Dessa's Note: My shoulder's still hurt. I wanted to say that I'm very very happy this fic has crossed 100 reviews! CELEBRATE! YAY! Thank you so much to all that read my stupid chapters, thank you in particular to Blitch, Llyza, The mysterious Double S, Zodious, Batmanrox1319, FallenAngel680, mmk15, Snowfur, Slipperybrick, Crystal Dawn, World-of-Bleach2be and Snitch 90.

A note to Slipperybrick: please get an account so I can properly thank you for your reviews!