A/N: Hello everyone! I hope you all had a great Valentine's day, whether you were with a partner or a single bean like yours truly. Sorry, it's been awhile, I'm busy as hell with med school and can't write as much as before, but we're close to the end so do not fret. I hope you all like the fluffiness of this chapter as we'll be getting back to the fighting stuff soon. Leave me a comment if you like and thanks for reading!

© Bleach and its characters don't belong to me. They belong to Tite Kubo and Shounen Jump. Only Anna and the Fujiwara Clan belong to me.

Chapter 33: Affairs of the Heart

"I still can't believe you did this!" Tatsuki chuckled, looking down at her plate."It looks really good. I never imagined you'd be cooking for me."

"Oi, you make me sound like a lazy boyfriend!" Ichigo told her as he filled the cups with orange juice.

"You're not a lazy boyfriend, I just didn't know you could cook."

"Neither did I, but since Yuzu has to do all around the house I thought I could give her a hand with the cooking. I just hope it's as good as the food she makes."

"I'm certain it'll be."

The couple was sitting down in the Kurosaki kitchen enjoying breakfast. Since Isshin was aware of what Ichigo had planned he took the twins out to a restaurant and they had the house to themselves.

Tatsuki bit into the omelet, smiling. "It's really good! You're a fast learner."

Ichigo blushed, "Well thank you. I'm glad you liked it."

They enjoyed the food until the plates were empty. "Since you cooked for me it's only fair that I treat you to dinner."

That made him chuckle. "Alright. Just don't overwork yourself, remember we have plans tonight."

Time had indeed passed them by, tonight two of his friends were making one of their dreams come true, and he didn't intend on missing it.

"I'm happy for those two. Hopefully, things will go well."

"Yeah, they deserve it."

"Ichigo, you ok?"

"Hmm? Yes, it's just... I'm feeling a little unsure of myself."

Tatsuki tilted her head as walked towards him. "Why so?"

"You all have dreams you want to achieve, but I don't. Ever since this whole deal with the shinigami started I felt aimless. And now that I lost my powers, I can't figure out what I'm missing.

I wanted a normal life without ghosts, but I also wanted to protect those dear to me. Can I do that as a human? Is it enough for a life goal? No answer seems to satisfy me."

He felt Tatsuki's strong arms wrap around him. "Ichigo, it's okay if you don't have everything figured out yet. We're only 15, the rest of our life is still ahead of us.

I can't say we can do something about your powers, after all, being a shinigami is in your blood. But I do know that with them or without them, you'll always be a protector to me."

He smiled as he turned towards Tatsuki. "Thanks, dear, you always know what to say."

He bent down slightly to kiss her. No matter how many times they kissed, Ichigo always felt the sparks around them.

"Oops, bad timing dad," Karin muttered.

Upon hearing voices they let go of each other. Isshin and the girls had arrived.

"Don't pay that any mind Karin, your brother is just growing up!" Isshin joked. It wasn't well-received as Karin smacked him with a nearby newspaper.

"Don't be creepy, old man!"

"Karin, leave papa alone!" Yuzu turned towards the couple. "Sorry Ichi-nii, Tatsuki-chan, I'll take them away now."

"Should we just go upstairs and game until it's time for the bakery opening?" Ichigo suggested.

"You read my mind."

They both snuck away from the scene at the kitchen and into Ichigo's room.

While Tatsuki set up the gaming console, Ichigo glanced around his room. Many memories came to mind, of both his 'normal' years and his time as a substitute shinigami came to mind. He decided to think about that some other day. Today he would concentrate on enjoying himself and the success of his friends.

"Get ready, I been practicing while you were away. This time I'll beat you!" Tatsuki tossed him the controller.

Ichigo grinned. "Bring it on, I've been craving a good fight!


"At last, everything's packed." Shizuka proudly declared. "Thanks for helping me."

Chad smiled as his girlfriend kissed his cheek. Now that there would be no wedding at all, she would be returning all of the decorations, clothes and veils. Save for one.

"Are you sure Ishida-kun can change this from a wedding dress to a gown? It's such short notice..."

"Perhaps, but Ishida is a master of sewing, besides he'll be happy to help out if it's for Inoue-san. You'll see, that dress is gonna be perfect."

"Ok then, I'll believe in your word and Ishida-kun's ability. I think the last kimono is upstairs. Be right back."

Shizuka went into her room and picked up the last box of wedding-related stuff. Had it been up to her all of those objects would've been set ablaze in the backyard, but didn't mind ridding herself of them in a less destructive way.

She went downstairs and was about to call for Chad when she heard the sound of a senkaimon gate opening. She stayed back at the living room entrance, listening in.

"I've come to collect the items Shizuka discarded."

Hearing Asami's voice momentarily stunned her, Shizuka shook her head and quickly recovered. 'Stop it. You fought, you won and you got out. He holds no power over you anymore.'

"Everything is here, Shizuka just went to get the last box," Chad told him, sounding perfectly calm.

Shizuka peeked into the living room. It seemed the pair was calm, yet there was tension in the air.

Asami eyed Chad venomously. "She could've done better than to give up everything for you."

That did make her angry. Just as Shizuka was about to enter the room she saw Chad get closer to Asami, slightly towering over him.

"I'm going to ask you to respect your sister's name, given that we are in her house at the moment.

I don't care for your status or any protocols your clan may have, but you did hurt my girlfriend horribly, and that I do care about! Say what you want about me, but don't dare insult her! She didn't give up on you, you gave up on her!"

Shizuka could finally walk into the room. In all her time here at Karakura she'd never seen Chad so angry, but a gentle touch from her was enough to calm him down.

"It's okay Chad, I never really cared what anyone thinks of me anyway." She turned towards Asami handing him the last box. "Here, this is all you came here for. Now get out of my damn house and don't dare return if all you're going to do is insult my boyfriend and my decisions. I'm not a Fujiwara anymore, so what I do should have no bearing to you, Lord Asami."

Her twin left without a word and the boxes around them all vanished.

It was exhausting to simply speak to him again. She was free but there was still a long road to recovery ahead.

Shizuka felt Chad's arms wrap around her. "Sorry, I lost my temper for a moment."

"You have nothing to apologize for. I'm happy to have someone fiercely protect me."

She let him pull her into a passionate kiss. It was just as loving and sweet as the one he had given her yesterday, yet slightly more lustful.

It didn't take long for her to end up pinned against the wall with her legs around his waist. "At least now we're the same height." Shizuka joked.

"Sorry, I got carried away." Chad apologized.

"I didn't say, I disliked it." Shizuka moved the hair away from his face. Chad's eyes were far more beautiful up close, they were dark brown and shimmering with affection. "I like seeing your eyes up close. They're gorgeous."

"Likewise my dear." he breathed as they melted into another deep kiss.

Shizuka felt her body grow hot, not like the rush of battle but rather a craving.

The craving turned into embarrassment when she heard someone clearing their throat. The two turned back and saw that Uryu and Nemu had returned. The Quincy averted his eyes looking a little embarrassed, Nemu meanwhile just gave them a thumbs up with a slight smile.

"If you two wanted us gone for a few more hours you could've just called," Uryu told them.

"Oh hush, you were the ones who didn't knock." Shizuka pouted, Chad gentle let her down and she smiled at him.

"Noted, from now on we'll be all knocking. But since you're not 'busy' right now, we should be getting Inoue-san's dress ready. It's a good thing Ulquiorra is all set up."

"Both of them intending to confess on the day their business opens. I hope this goes well."

"There's a high chance it will. My worries lie with the rest of the preparations, this type of event is often a major thing and along with weather warnings and the stress of the night their confession attempts could be hindered."

"Good point, Nemu. I guess we'll have to do our part and hope things go smoothly regardless. Besides, rain won't be a problem when it comes to those two."

The group all sat down on the floor and got to work on the dress. Shizuka glanced back at her boyfriend, who was still slightly blushing. She simply scooted closer to him and leaned on his arm. Chad smiled and let her stay like that as they sewed.

The coolness of the room and the welcoming presence her friends provided the warmth she'd been desiring for so long.

'I'm home.'


Knowing that Orihime was a sleepy girl, Ulquiorra planned to surprise her with breakfast, but his woman was one step ahead of him. Upon waking up and heading for the kitchen he found her cooking for him, and for their pups.

"Good morning, Ulqui! I made you breakfast."

"Thank you, everything looks delicious."

Kukkapuro looked at him as if asking a question. Ulquiorra nodded and the puppy ran off to retrieve something. Choco followed suit, silently slipping away from the kitchen.

While he wasn't familiar with human holidays he had researched thoroughly for this one. It was a romantic holiday inspired by a tragic story, in modern times couples gave each other gifts, planned special outings and celebrated their love.

It was the best opportunity for him to confess his love to her. 'I shouldn't be so nervous. She knows I would do anything for her, and the preparations are all set...So why am I getting this nervous?!'

"Awww aren't you two adorable!"

Ulquiorra looked at Orihime, who bent down to pet the pups. They had gone off to fetch his gift for her, a bouquet of black lilies and white hibiscus flowers.

"These are beautiful. Thanks, Ulqui."

She gave him a kiss on the cheek and went to put the flowers on a vase. "I'll give you your present tonight after the opening. I don't want to spoil the surprise."

"Very well. I'll look forward to it."

Breakfast was delicious, and Ulquiorra was happy to finally be spending some quiet time with Orihime, still, he felt uneasy.

The opening, the confession, it was all eating away at him. 'No wonder Jeanne was always so stressed. I owe that girl an apology.'

"Are you ok, Ulqui?" Orihime asked.

"Yes, I am fine." He lied, "Just sightly nervous."

Kukkapuro reacted to that, and quickly jumped on Ulquiorra's lap, offering affection.

"Thank you little one."

Orihime smiled as Choco decided to do the same thing as her companion, and give affection to her owner.

"Aww you don't have to give me kisses Choco, I already love you!"

The word coming from her lips sounded beautiful. He wanted to hear it used in regard to him. 'If things go well, then perhaps I might.'

The pup's barks distracted him. As Orihime played with Choco she had a curious expression. "To think that you were once a third of Cerberus...Hey Ulqui, do you think Anna would use that trick again?"

He thought for a moment but the answer was clear. "No. Neither Anna nor Aizen are the type to use the same plan two times. Besides, we're no longer their targets."

"That's true...Any idea what they'll do next? Or to whom?"

"No. That's what worries me."

Ulquiorra pushed the thought away. He could worry about the battle and the shinigami tomorrow. Today he just wanted to be by her side.

The dress Shizuka gave her was perfect. It was colored faint lavender, long and sleeveless, with a dark purple trim on the top and the bottom. 'I can tell Uryu helped too. This is perfect!'

She heard a knock on her bedroom door. "May I come in?"

"Yes. I'm ready Ulqui!"

Ulquiorra was wondering the black-tie set that Chad had given him for Christmas. He looked like a handsome businessman in those clothes.

She saw a faint blush take over as he gazed at her. "You look beautiful." He breathed in awe.

"Thanks. You look really good yourself." She told him.

"Thank you I brought something for you."

Ulquiorra handed her a box with a blue flower ornament. "It's so pretty. It's just what I needed to complete the outfit. Thank you."

He helped her put it on. At last, they were both ready.

The contrast was visible from the first glance. Ulquiorra's clothes were dark, with an eerie elegance, her clothes were pastel and sparkly. They looked like opposites yet also meant to for together.

'Hasn't that always been the case with us?' Orihime thought.

They went to the roof. Ulquiorra changed into his resurrection form so that they could fly there.

It didn't matter how many times she saw him like that, she was still in awe. He noticed and smiled.

"Are you scared, woman?" He asked, just like the time he was fading away.

But tonight there was no sadness, he wouldn't disappear before her eyes ever again. Orihime smiled, taking his hand.

"No, I'm not afraid."

He picked her up bridal style and they flew off. Ulquiorra took his time, so that the wind would mess up their hair.

"This is nice," Orihime told him, she held onto him tightly, by the neck. Ulquiorra was slightly embarrassed but tried to hide it.

Orihime grinned, she got close to his ear to whisper. "Hey Ulqui, do you want us to introduce ourselves as business partners or as a couple?"

She saw him get even redder. "I would prefer we were introduced as a couple from the beginning. Nothing would make me more proud than to be acknowledged as your romantic partner."

It was her turn to blush now. 'That backfired...but in a good way.' Orihime averted her gave and instead stared at the clouds. 'It might rain tonight.'

They arrived early at the bakery's roof. Orihime was giggling as they walked downstairs, as she knew the others weren't expecting this. Their coworkers were already there, waiting near the entrance. Ulquiorra and Orihime both silently walked downstairs.

"Hello everyone!" she greeted them as they reached the bottom.

Predictably everyone jumped in surprise. "How did you- Nevermind. That was quite the entrance. Welcome back, bosses!"

Azuka greeted them and the rest of the crew followed suit. When this all started she expected her coworkers to dislike the idea, or to think neither she or Ulquiorra deserved to be the new managers. But now all those worries were gone, everyone seemed to be happy they were the ones to take over the bakery.

"The public is waiting. Let's do this!" Rie handed her a pair of scissors.

Orihime and Ulquiorra were the first to walk out. There was a huge crowd outside, with her friends on the friend row, smiling brightly at her.

"Hello everyone! It's our pleasure to welcome you to the new and improved ABCookie!

I'm Orihime Inoue and this is my boyfriend and business partner Ulquiorra Schiffer. We're dedicated to bringing you the same quality treats and services that Mrs. Chiyo provided you with. Along with new additions to the menu.

So without further ado, I want to officially welcome you all to ABCookie!"

She handed Ulquiorra the scissors, he held onto the right side and she to the left. They both cut the red ribbon in front of the entrance, being cheered on by the crowd.

The bakery was soon full of customers. The staff had prepared everything in advance, so there was little to no work required. Ulquiorra decided to take care of the register for a while. Although Orihime noticed he was giving signals to the others.

'Now what is he up to?'

"I'm so proud of you!" Tatsuki hugged her. She was here with her family and with Ichigo's family.

"Thanks Tatsuki-chan! I'm glad you could make it!" Orihime returned the hug.

Her best friend's eyes were glittering as she tried not to cry. Tatsuki was wearing a short purple dress and white heels. It was the first time Orihime had seen her looking so dainty.

"You look lovely. Have you told him yet?" she asked. Knowing what Orihime intended to do tonight.

"No, not yet. I want us to be alone when I tell him."

"Okay then, we have time for an emergency touch up!"

"Wait, Tatsuki-chan! What do you mean by that?!"

Before she received an answer Orihime was dragged away to the ladies' room.


The bakery looked beautiful. With pale yellow walls, cute treat decorations, new floors and an array of sweets that tasted as good as the sugary scent they provided.

Riruka was in awe. 'To think that those two pulled it off so quickly. And one of them is not even a human! I'll have to congratulate them soon."

She had come in with Shizuka, Chad and Nemu. The lieutenant had broken off from the group to go see Uryu while Chad and Shizuka stayed with her.

"It's so pretty! We need to try the new doughnuts flavors Orihime invented." Shizuka rushed towards the doughnut table, while Riruka and Chad both shook their heads.

"Well, we should give Inoue some credit, not everyone can make eggplant jelly doughnuts and have them taste good."

"Yes. She's got a knack for strange yet savory food."

Chad stared at her, noticing the small discomfort she felt.

Riruka hadn't planned to spend the day like this. Her pastel pink dress was supposed to be for dancing with her fiance, not to eat jelly doughnuts. 'I shouldn't be like this. It's a good moment for them, and I am happy Ulquiorra and Inoue achieved their goal. Yet I still miss him.'

"Riruka, come with me. There's someone I want you to meet."

"Uh sure. Let's go."

Chad guided her to the private room of the bakery. Someone had placed lit candles in it, and a piano cover of her favorite song was playing.

There was a man waiting for her there. She could tell who he was.

"Chad, what did you-"

She noticed her friend was gone without a trace. No doubt he planned this.

Tsukishima chuckled. "Miss me already, darling?"

"Yes, you handsome jerk." She muttered embarrassed. "How'd you know?"

"I wanted to see you today as well."

Riruka had to make an effort to stay calm. Shukuro was wearing the black suit she liked seeing him in so much, and the romantic atmosphere of the room was making her dizzy.

"Listen, Shukuro, I-"

Tsukishima gently put his finger on her lips to silence her. "You don't have to apologize for anything.

I'm the one who's done things wrong. Extremely wrong.

When you left, and joined the ex substitute shinigami's group I was livid. The thought that you chose them over us drove me to madness. But now that things have settled down, and I've talked to Kugo. It's clear to me that I'm the one that owes you an apology.

I'm sorry for being so cruel, for hurting you and your acquaintances, but most of all I am sorry I ever doubted you. It should've been obvious to me that no matter our allegiance or the distance we would still love each other."

Riruka wiped a tear away, not caring that he saw her cry. "I told you before that there's nothing to forgive. But if you must hear it, then I forgive you. And I hope you'll forgive me for leaving."

Tsukishima smiled. "All is forgiven. However, this isn't the reason why I asked your friend to bring you."

"Then what is?"

"Do you remember when you proposed to me?"

She blushed, covering her face with her hands. Riruka wished she could forget that moment.

They were simply sitting together in the mansion living room watching a movie. Riruka looked up at Tsukishima, as they both ate doughnuts in their pajamas.

"Hey Shukuro."

"Yes?"

"We should get married."

He almost fell off the sofa. "I'd be glad to, my darling, but why did you feel the sudden need to ask me?"

"I don't know...I guess I want us to be like the couple in the movie."

"Die together and remember our story from an old notebook."

She threw a cushion at him. "You know what I mean! I want us to be together forever."

He lifted her chin and bent down to kiss her. "Then we shall be."

Riruka gave him a doughnut as a joke ring. Tsukishima promptly bit a chunk out of it.

"Don't eat your 'wedding ring'!"

"I'll get us non-edible rings, so I think this one can be spared, darling."

"I should've planned a better proposal."

"Nonsense. I'm still quite fond of our little scene. That being said, I wanted the chance to propose to you as well.

He took out a red small box from his pocket and got down on one knee. Inside the box, there was a silver ring with a pink diamond on top.

"Riruka Dokugamine, will you be my wife?" He asked.

This time she didn't hide her tears. Riruka nodded and let out a soft 'yes'

After he placed the ring on her finger, Riruka tackled him and kissed him.

"That was unexpected, but I'm not complaining."

The couple heard laughter coming from the other side of the door.

Upon opening it, Shizuka, Chad, and Moe all fell down at their feet.

"Hi, congrats in the renewed engagement." Shizuka chirped as if nothing had happened. Chad gave a thumbs up and Moe simply smiled awkwardly.

Riruka rolled her eyes but her smiled did not fade. "Thank you."

"Seeing as how you're all here I do have something else to tell you. It involves you Ms. Shizuka."

"Me? What is it?"

"Since you were so hospitable and friendly to Riruka, I'd like to thank you by giving you your job as Xcution's DJ back. If you'll take it."

Everyone was surprised, Shizuka more than anyone. "You're serious?"

"Yes. Ginjo was fond of you, and said you're a great employee. The position is still vacant, so I thought you might want to come back."

"Of course! Thank you Tsukishima-san!"

Shizuka gave him a hug, which despite the surprise, Tsukishima accepted.

"Told ya they were worth keeping" Riruka whispered to him.


"Nemu-san, please stop applying lipstick, it'll leave marks." Orihime looked at her reflection. Both Tatsuki and Nemu had been doing her make up for ten minutes now.

She had soft pink lipstick and faint eyeshadow. Tatsuki made sure her hairpins and accessories stayed in place.

"Okay, you look perfect. Do you know what you have to say? Is the present ready? Here, I think I have some cards in my purse."

"Tatsuki-chan I'm fine, really. Thank you girls for your help but I'm ready."

Orihime felt her heart beating fast as she stepped out the door.

Uryu was waiting for them to come out.

"Oh good, you're ready. Here," He handed her a pair of white gloves. "It might rain while you're outside."

"Thanks, Ishida-kun."

Orihime looked for Ulquiorra. Eventually, she found him talking to a person unknown. Once he was done he spotted her.

"Hadn't seen you in a while. Are you alright?"

"I'm fine." she told him. "Just spending time with the girls."

"Alright then. The man was I was speaking to, was impressed with the bakery. I believe he wants to invest in it if it continues to be successful. I have saved his card."

"Whoa, I didn't expect an investor to come here so soon. Ok, I'll give them a call later.

There's something I rather do today. Can you wait for me outside?"

Ulquiorra nodded. Orihime slipped into the kitchen and looked for the present. Once she found it she headed outside.

Ulquiorra waited for her at the appropriate spot, where she had set two cases of flowers in front of the bakery, along with a string of lights between the light posts.

'The boys did a great job.'

He didn't seem to suspect anything, but she was wrong, Ulquiorra noticed that she was nervous, and shivered as she approached him.

'I wonder what she's nervous about...'

Orihime presented him with a white box. "Here's your gift. I hope you like it." she told him.

Ulquiorra opened the box to find a chocolate shaped like a bat. It was a cold stuffed truffle.

"It's dark chocolate stuffed with coconut cream. I'll be adding it to the menu as the 'mini murciélago.' Cold and hardened outside but sweet within."

Ulquiorra smiled at the gift. He devoured it in one bite, the flavor was perfect. He could tell Orihime prepared this one personally.

"Thank you, my dear. This is a wonderful present. Being immortalized as one of your creations gives me great joy."

Orihime smiled, the positive reaction eased her nerves a little.

However, they returned when she saw Ulquiorra's green eyes tearing up.

"Ulqui, are you ok?"

He smiled and wiped away the tears. "I'm fine. It's just what you refer to as 'happy crying'."

She always liked it when Ulquiorra spoke like that. When they first met she found it slightly intimidating, but now it was one of her favorite traits of him.

"I never once thought that I could be this happy. That I could get a peaceful and fulfilling life beside you.

To me this all started as a mission, an aimless task to fulfill until I was given another one, but it became so much more so soon.

You saved me from oblivion, chased away everything that tormented me, gave me a home, a purpose, and a heart. Sometimes I doubt I deserve it, but all the same, I cherish it."

Orihime wrapped her arms around him. "Of course you deserve it! Ulquiorra, I know we didn't get off to the best start, and maybe we were destined to have a tragic end, but I would fight for you again, as many times as it would take to erase our tragedy. You saved me, not just in the physical sense, but the emotional one as well. I don't think I would be as happy as I am and it not been for you, your sacrifices, your support, and your love."

They stared at each other tenderly for a moment, before anything else could happen, Orihime felt a drop of water fall on her hair.

Soon enough, rain poured harshly over them. Ulquiorra was concerned that Orihime's hair and dress would be ruined.

But she didn't mind. Orihime laughed as she got soaked by the cold droplets. Her eyes were closed as she enjoyed the feeling.

He could've looked at her like that forever. Her face radiated nothing but pure joy, and even if the water had smeared her makeup and hair, she was beautiful.

'It's the perfect moment to tell her. This very moment.'

Orihime opened her eyes, Ulquiorra was staring at her intensely. She hadn't felt him look at her that way since the moment death almost separated them.

Everything she had memorized and practiced for today, evaporated with that one look.

'Just say it.'

"I love you."

They both said the words at the same time. It made them laugh.

Ulquiorra felt Orihime place her hands on his cheeks, she slowly caressed him until her hands were on his neck. He didn't know if it was instinct or longing, he wrapped one arm around her waist and the other at the back of her neck.

The got closer to each other and at long last, their lips finally touched.

The got closer to each other and at long last, their lips finally touched

Neither of them had kissed anyone in this lifetime, until today. Orihime could feel her heartbeat drowning her as their lips touched. The coldness of the rain was replaced with relaxing warmth, as she felt Ulquiorra's hands pull her closer. His grip was so rough, yet it didn't hurt in the slightest.

Was this right? Is it as perfect as she expected and deserved? Ulquiorra didn't know, he simply did what he wanted, and what Orihime seemed to want as well. She tasted sweet, just like her scent and her touch. However, he didn't expect her to be so ravenous. Her grip tightened, likely leaving marks on his skin. Ulquiorra didn't care, he'd craving her kiss for so long that he'd be willing to be her puppet.

'Ulquiorra.' She whispered his name as their lips parted for an instant. He immediately crashed them together again in another heated kiss.

Orihime's mind was going hazy. 'If I faint he'll catch me.' she thought, still, she didn't want something so embarrassing to happen.

The warmth, his electric touch, his desperate need to touch her, it was so hard to resist. 'All of this from a kiss. What other ways could you tempt me in?' Her thoughts soon wandered onto forbidden places. 'That can wait, all I want right now is his love.'

When they finally let go of each other both of them were breathless.

"That was far better than anything I could've imagined." She breathed in between sighs.

"I agree. You're far more seductive than you let on, Orihime."

The deep voice he used to say her name, made a shiver run down her spine. "Don't tempt me, we're in a public place, dear."

That made him chuckle. "I shall behave then. We should go back inside, the others might be concerned."

He nodded, and offered his arm to her Orihime quickly took it and they went back in.

They were greeted by their friends' grinning faces.


"Cold outside, isn't it?" Shizuka sarcastically asked.

"Hush, all of you." Ulquiorra ordered.

Ichigo chuckled as everyone immediately fell silent. 'Seems like Ulquiorra still has a knack for giving orders.'

"Good. Now no more questions. We'll be back after drying with more food."

Ichigo was about to tell them not to worry when he realized the table was nearly empty.

"Who could possibly eat so much cake in less than half an hour?" He exclaimed.

The group's gazes all went to Tatsuki, Isshin, and Yuzu.

"You guys said you didn't want more vanilla cake, we took care of it. Nuff said."

That was enough to make them all laugh again. Ichigo took in the scene in front of him. His father and sisters were laughing together. He was finally spending time with his classmates. Chad, Uryu, Shizuka, and Nemu were able to take a breather after so long. Ulquiorra and Orihime were achieving their goals. And finally, his dear girlfriend was there with him after they enjoyed a fulfilling day together.

For a few moments, things were absolutely perfect.

Then the illusion was shattered by a familiar voice he hoped he would not hear tonight.

"Hello everyone! I hope you're not all too full. We have an emergency on our hands." Kisuke's voice was as a silly as ever, but it had urgency underneath.

Ichigo didn't think he would ever pretend as Aizen did, but the mannerisms and fake tone came very easily.

"What is it?"

"We're certain of what Sosuke's plan is."