(A/N: Happy birthday Orihime! Recommended reading playlist: Broken Strings by James Morrison & Nelly Furtado. Btw previous chapter 15 rewritten slightly for better flow into this chapter.)

CHAPTER 16

Tatsuki was someone Orihime could always count on to have her back and to be there for her. But her best friend was away at the karate tournament's. It was somewhat a relief, as she didn't want to burden the karate champion everytime.

At present, the auburn haired beauty found herself in a cosy little apartment munching on a delicious donut glazed with chocolate icing. They weren't just ordinary donuts, crullers were the hype for a good reason, the extra twists and braids created extra surface for crispiness, extra fancy, extra sinful, and worth every bite.

"Shall I order dinner now?" The pink haired asked, watching the box of donuts she bought diminishing rapidly.

"Oh-Mm-No-Thanks-Im-Mm-Not-Dat-Mm-Hungwee," dusting the crumbs off her lips, Orihime devoured another strawberry glazed treat.

The pinked haired host rolled her eyes, not that hungry you say, the donut box was now empty.

"Riruka-chan~ your place is so cute and lovely... you know, I grew up in a tiny apartment too so this feels more like home!" She admired the place, which was decorated with wallpaper in yellow and pink. The furniture in bright green. While cute lamps, tea cups, soft toys and dolls lined up neatly on a shelf along the wall.

"What! Are you insulting me because you live in a big mansion?!" Riruka whipped her pink hair as she turned away, folding her arms.

"Sorry~~~ you know that's not what I meant," the auburn head said apologetically, smiling.

"Whatever! You can stay for dinner but not overnight. Just go home and have make up sex with your hot husband!" Riruka never hid the fact she thought the young heir of Blut Corp was attractive.

"But but... I really dont think I can face him..." Orihime sighed. My hot husband didn't deserve being ambushed like that. But all she wants now is to escape from him.

"Did you know? On Ichigo's first day at work, every girl in the office, and I mean every girl, swooned over him. It was like a hot super model joined Blut Corp." The pinked hair sighed dreamily, "All the straight ladies, singles and even some married ones, threw themselves at him. But he had no openings, he was either not interested in girls, or that he was trying to be professional. Soon after came the news of your engagement. Then it totally made sense." Riruka raised her finger towards Orihime's nose and pointed, "He never paid attention to the girls around him cos he had you!"

Orihime smiled hesitantly, even though she didn't believe that was true.

"Matte... I heard from friends who went to uni with Ichigo that he was a total player. Was he like that since high school?"

"He dated many girls in uni," Ouch. "but I won't call him a player. Plus Ichigo didnt date back in high school. He was always busy with other - priorities." like protecting everyone from hollows. "In uni, he had more free time, I guess?" Double ouch.

"Well, you're so lucky, now he only has eyes for you,"

"Yeah, but he wasn't always faithful," Orihime covered her mouth with both her hands instantly, realising in horror what she let slip. It was inappropriate and rude of her to share such private information with another, especially a colleague.

"Woah he cheated?! An affair?" Riruka perked up, "tell me more, I promise to keep it a secret,"

"... Uhm... he told me after a business trip... Said he was wasted and made a mistake." The young wife glanced towards the ground, recalling what seemed like a distant memory.

"Well that's just stupid. He should have kept his mouth shut." Riruka was not fazed, having worked in the corporate world for years, she had seen and heard worse. "And? Did you forgive him?"

"Yes," Orihime nodded. "Everyone makes mistakes. He apologised and promised not to do it again. And, I do believe him."

"Which explains why you cheated with Tsukishima, to get even!" Riruka pretended to accuse, riling her up.

"NO WAY! I barely know that man! I only met Tsukishima once, and - and - and Ichigo was with me - the entire time!" exasperated, Orihime almost ran out of breath trying to defend herself. "WAIT! YOU SAW THE TABLOIDS TOO?"

"You didnt need to shout ridiculously, you know?" Riruke covered her ears. "And of cos, it's all over the news. Everyone did! Madame Kurosaki was not impressed. She even made Ichigo take a week off,"

"Oh no! Has he been suspended?" The auburn head started to break down in tears, causing the host to panic.

"Erh.. Calm down! What's wrong with you?" Riruka sighed. This most certainly calls for a drink. "I think we need alcohol! I'll go to get drinks and dinner, just wait right here," With that, she left in a haste, thankful she thought of a great idea to escape babying a crying woman.

Worry overwhelmed the healer as she thought about her husband's suspension. She really should be there for him in times like this. Ichigo is expecting her to be at home, if he reaches home and realises she was missing, he would go berserk. Oh no. She should at least let him know she's safe.

Whipping out her phone, she was surprised to see a missed call. But what was more surprising, was the caller. What could he possibly want?

The timing couldn't have been more perfect when the device vibrated that very second.

The three figures in robes cruised through Karakura sky towards Orihime's spiritual pressure.

"You're in love with her, aren't you?" Renji probed the dense human, "Or - do you still pine after Rukia?"

"Shut up," Ichigo's brows twitched in annoyance. "I never ever pined after Rukia!"

His face now flushed from embarrassment. Not because of what Renji said but because of what he did, specifically what he used Rukia for. He wasn't proud of it. Because it hurt her that much. Thinking back about the past made him cringe inside. He wondered briefly if Orihime mentioned something to Rukia earlier, though, he doubt his wife would have shared any intimate details.

"No, really?" Rukia faked surprise. "I'm sure you did,"

"Dream on you little midget!" Ichigo glowered at the violet head.

Even though he was attracted to Rukia as a teenage kid, it wasn't romantic, at best it was a little crush, and most certainly no longer exist. More significantly, he always knew Rukia and Renji had a thing. So he wasn't the least surprised to learn they got married, after all, he was the one that pushed them back together in Hueco Mundo.

The orange head could see the currently laughing married couple enjoying his current predicament like some form of entertainment at his expense. How childish are they?!

"Oi, I got my powers back and I can bankai both your asses right now!" The orange head glared.

"Ichigo, in the years you were sipping whisky in your fancy office, we levelled up. I'm a captain, and Renji was already captain-class years ago," her husband chose not to take the captains exam as he is loyal to Byakuya, "So let's watch you try," Rukia challenged.

Being wise, Ichigo decided his best option was to shut up if he didn't want the married shinigami couple to show him just how much they've levelled up.

"Anyway don't keep such a nice girl waiting so long," Renji said.

The Kurosakis have been married to her for over 2 years now, they both agreed to make their marriage work, but he still hasn't admitted his true feelings, neither to his wife, nor to himself. He cared deeply for her, but did he truly love her, and was it in a romantic way?

Back in high school, he thought she had feelings for him, but turned out it was just an infatuation that fizzled out. He knew that the main reason she agreed to marry him was to repay him for saving her. After their wedding, she expressed that she loved him. But he was convinced that was just her selfless nature talking, or maybe she convinced herself to do so in order to play that role of a faithful wife?

Regardless, he was cautious not to just open himself to unnecessary rejection and potential disappointment, especially judging from the fact that she had decided to drop a bomb on him early this morning...

"Orihime what are you talking about?" He frowned.

"It's... just... Maybe we should take a break?" She suggested.

"A break?!" He snapped, and she jumped.

"Uhm, it will give us some time and space to-"

"We are not doing this now. We'll talk about this when I get home from work later."

The orange head's train of thought was interrupted when Rukia stopped them mid air.

"What's the matter?" Renji asked. But as soon as the question left his mouth, he noticed the new presence.

"Looks like we have company."

You!?

The sun had begin to set.

Ah Kurosaki-chaaan, I'm just as surprised as you that Ichigo regained his shinigami powers. But he's clearly been targetted. Btw we found the previous CEO, Mr. Shishigawara? Though it seems he's lost his memories. Yare yare... we're dealing with a dangerous one. Everyone's gathered at mine now. Hai hai. If you will make your way here. Great, see you soon.

After writing Riruka a brief thank-you-note, Orihime made her way, following the instructions from the phone call. Everything was a blur as she tried to register the new turn of events. She was in such a hurry that she accidentally bumped into someone after closing the apartment door behind her.

"Gomen, excuse me," she bowed.

But the person wouldn't budge.

"Going somewhere, Orihime?"

Surprised, she lifted her face to see her new company.

You!?

A few blocks away, mid air...

"You're Ginjo Kugo!" The violet haired captain exclaimed.

"I see, you know my name... then you must already know how soul society, specifically how the gotei 13 betrayed me." Ginjo spat. "I don't know who you are, but I'm here for Ichigo only. The rest of you are in my way. So why don't you leave if you want to live."

"Don't worry Rukia, Renji... I've got this," Ichigo stepped forward, eyeing Ginjo squarely. "Ginjo, let's move away from the town centre,"

Deciding the forest was far enough from everyone, they stopped.

"As a fellow substitute shinigami, let me tell you about these shinigami you befriended." The older man taunted.

Ichigo's eyes widened in shock.

"They are just using you, just like they used me. The badge, that combat pass is to spy and monitor us, even suppressing our powers. They control us, to make sure we are of use, of benefit to them, and if not, they just dispose of us. Soul society betrayed me, so I want revenge."

"And what business do you have with me?"

"I helped you regain your powers so you can join me to fight against them!"

Ginjo had been observing Ichigo for years since he became the next substitute shinigami. After the orange head's victory against Aizen, he saw just how powerful Ichigo was, and plot to steal his power, which would help him get his revenge against Soul Society.

"I see... What if I say no?"

"If you wont join me, I'm just gonna strip those powers from you, Kurosaki Ichigo!"

"Sou ka... I'm different to you, I sought power only to protect everyone. I have no use for this power otherwise. If soul society wants to control it for their benefit, it doesn't really concern me, as long as I can protect the ones I care about," Ichigo reasoned. "But if you want to use this powers against my friends, the answer is no, never."

"I thought you'd say that."

At the same time, they both drew their zanpaktous.

"BANKAI!"

Two new company hid in the shadows closeby, witnessing it all.

Falling on the ground, Orihime clutched her aching chest.

Strange.

She was sure she had been striked by his sword not long ago, but there was no blood or wound. Then her head started to hurt as old memories flashed across her mind. Shu was in her memories. Wait, Shu? Were they close? No, it can't be... she raised her head to look at him.

"Tsukishima, so that's your power, tapping into memories," she deduced.

"Well, I can do more than see your memories, I can change them, and... even erase them," he smiled in a wicked manner.

"So it was you, you did that to Mr. Shishigawara?!" Grey eyes widened in realisation, recalling what Urahara mentioned over the phone.

"How else could we remove Shishigawara from his post?" He said, as a matter of fact.

"Well, now that Ginjo is already CEO, what else do you want?"

"Our goal was always Ichigo Kurosaki, more specifically, his powers."

"And, what do you want with that power?" Orihime lifted herself up carefully.

"Why... Everything, of cos!" Tsukishima said, his arms spread wide.

"Ichigo's not going to surrender his powers to you, Ichigo only ever uses his powers to help and protect others!" Orihime stood tall and exclaimed.

"Aww, you still care about him? After all, you're not happy in this contract marriage right? Did you really forgive him for what he did?" He stared into her memories again, taunting her with the past.

"It hurts... stop it!" The auburn head winced from the throbbing in her head. "Get out of my mind!"

Old memories flashed before gray eyes: She watched her 15 year old self on the sidelines, hating the way Rukia could easily cheer Ichigo up, jealous when Ichigo stared at Rukia with those soft eyes as she suffered major injuries from her fight with the arrancars. She watched as she was transformed into the most beautiful bride, and her new husband said Rukia's name that night. She watched him flirt with girls at parties. She watched as Ichigo gave her the cold shoulder treatment in the house they shared, the awkward tension filled their gap, and a medley of slammed doors and quiet sobs.

"Orihime, I will help you forget him. Be free from all the hurt and painful memories he brought unto you."

No...

"Stay away from me!" Orihime's Shun shun Rikka formed a protective shield around her.

A sudden surge of smothering pressure vibrated through the air, sending chills down her spine. She instantly recognised what it was, or rather, who it was. Fear washed over her as she sensed him engaged in battle.

Ichigo?

Seeing that she was distracted, Tsukishima striked his sword toward her - but the gold light reflected on him, returning his own attack back at him. He dodged enough to save himself from serious injuries, only getting a cut.

"Impressive, but now, forget all your bad memories from Ichigo Kurosaki!" the pale man declared.

Clutching her head in panic, she could feel her memories fading into a blur. What's going on? Something doesn't feel right! Why? Tears poured down like rain as she feared the worst. Ignoring the pounding in her head and ringing in her ears, she fought back.

No. No. No!

"I REJECT!"

Her barrier glowed even brighter than before, knocking Tsukishima back by force. He was shocked by what he was seeing, as he had underestimated her power and her will. And because of that, he also failed to notice the figure headed towards him from his rear.

"SCATTER. SENBONZAKURA."

Then, the gold barrier shattered and the sky turned pitch-black.

Sword clashed with sword. Every attack defended. It was an equal fight going nowhere.

"What are you really fighting for, Ichigo?" Ginjo laughed sinisterly as they fought on.

"Are you deaf? I said that I want to protect everyone!" The young shihigami glared.

"Who do you think you're protecting now? ... I wonder if Tsukishima has got to Orihime,"

No...

Panic flashed across Ichigo's face but only for a second. He didn't have time for that, he stayed calm so he can sense her. He released a breath of relief when he felt his wife, not too far away. But his relief was short-lived as her spiritual pressure started fluctuating in a strange way.

"Teme," Ichigo gritted his teeth."What's happening?"

"Tsukishima's power is quite special, he can alter memories. That's how we got Yhwach Kurosaki to adopt me as his son,"

Ichigo clenched his fist on Zangetsu at the revelation, hazel eyes seething rage.

After Hueco Mundo, he wanted to regain his powers, but he didn't know how. Clinging onto the past wasn't his style so instead of yearning for powers, he chose to be content with a normal life where he can't see ghost. Being heir to Blut empire was the perfect distraction and new purpose in life. Now he regained his powers, he wants to keep it. For what reason? To protect everyone, to protect those he loved, to protect her. She was a precious nakama he swore to protect all those years ago, but now, she was more than that, she was his wife, his.

He knew there and then - nothing else mattered. His power was useless if he can't protect her. He contemplated his options as he sensed she was in danger, but he was no good at analysing, that was Ishida's department.

So. He just had to finish his business with Ginjo right now!

Ginjo was overwhelmed by a sense of foreboding as he felt the orange head's spiritual pressure spiked tenfold. It seemed his will to fight is stronger when it concerns the one he wants to protect.

"GETSUGA TENSHO!"

Ginjo couldnt block the attack, he wasnt fast enough. Before the cropped hair brunette could recover from that blow, Ichigo charged forward with the most powerful swing, striking down his opponent, who groaned as he fell to the ground.

As Ichigo was about to flashstep towards Orihime, he was stopped dead in his tracks, frozen - because Orihime's reiatsu instantly vanished - into thin air, just like that, without a trace.

Orihime?

"Matte... Ginjo!" Whipping his head back to Ginjo, sweating as he demanded, "Where is she?!"

"It's too late," the man coughed out blood and drew his last breath.

No. No. No!

Distraught, he frantically searched for Orihime's reiatsu again, but failed to locate her, leaving him open and exposed, empty like a shell.

Then, his cries of despair blared through Karakura on a pitch-black night.

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Blitch out x

P.s. Hope you enjoyed reading. Thanks for all the follow and favs and reviews! Be kind with reviews and keep them coming.

Responding to one of my dear anonymous readers who was confused why Ichigo went from "loving" Rukia in chapter1 to not, in 15.

It is called revelation, honey.

The purpose of Chapter 1 was a quick introduction, (like a prologue), its aim is to draw attention, planted with hooks, where events are dramatised to evoke emotions and intrigue. It was brief and doesn't have sufficient details for reader to jump into conclusions until I dish out evidence from different POV as the plot unfolds throughout every chapter.

Example of a hook: "Rukia had left for soul society." It doesn't mean Rukia was Ichigo's first choice. She was his best friend and mentor, maybe he wanted her advice?

And yes, they seem out of character but I think it's possible precisely because they're still young. They are allowed to make bad decision, they act mature because of circumstances, but really they're just young adults finding their way.

Have fun picking up hints and joining the dots! But most of all, enjoy the journey!

Thank you.