Once again I am so happy your enjoying my story. I also enjoyed a comment from ascribblewithfangs stating that the characters were spot on with their personality and dialogue. Even though this story is AU, I didn't want to change the characters at all because that's why I fell in love with them in the first place. I just feel it's sacrilege changing Kubo's characters, lol especially Orihime why would I change a character I absolutely adore and who Ichigo fell in love with. So with that please enjoy a chapter of ICHIHIME. I really hope you enjoy it!

"I'm making the curry," Yuzu happily said taking her shoes off, before skipping to the kitchen. "Be ready when I call you," she shouted from the kitchen.

Karin and Isshin made their way to the living room turning on the television. Ichigo went upstairs to his old room to lie down staring at the ceiling in thought.

He thought long and hard on Ulquiorra's words that night, he wasn't sure why it bothered him it wasn't like his sister and him would ever meet again let alone be together. For one, he felt like she had a problem with the color of his hair. She was only nice to him out of respect because he was her brothers friend and she was generally a nice person. He hit his pillow in aggravation as his face hit the area he punched.

"Well that green eyed asshole still has some nerve even if I was... Argh!" He said and he roughly pulled his hair. After awhile of tormenting himself, he decided to go downstairs and see what his family was watching. Better that than listening to his own thoughts right now. He just wanted to sit and watch TV and keep his mind off the last few hours and especially about her. As he was making his way downstairs he thought he heard a woman's voice other than his sister's but he shook his head telling himself he was hearing things.

"I can put wasabi and red bean paste to the side you can add it later, just have a seat. I'm fine really I don't need help, your our guest after all" He heard Yuzu happily say wondering who the hell she was talking to that wanted those things in curry, his stomach began to lurch at the thought. Then he froze at the stairs when he heard the voice.

"Okay Yuzu-chan just let me know," he heard the familiar angelic voice say, as she nervously walked out the kitchen. The auburn haired girl didn't notice him as she made her way past him sitting on the couch with Karin. He realized he was holding his breath and he exhaled and turned around to go upstairs to his room.

When he felt something hard knee him in the back as his body hit the floor. He swiftly rose glaring at the dark haired older man, who came into the dark corridor grinning.

"You bastard what the hell was that for?"

"I was helping you enter the room it looked like you were having trouble, my boy."

"I wasn't having trouble, I noticed the food wasn't done so I decided to go back upstairs," he growled. "Well, come join us we have a guest, let's not be rude," the older man said wiggling his eyebrows suggestively. Ichigo rolled his eyes and sighed, as he was dragged roughly by his father.

"Get off me old man, I don't need your help." He angrily pulled his arm from his dad's grasp then met surprised grey eyes staring at him. With a nervous smile she quickly rose from the couch to nod hello as he did the same, " Kurosaki-kun, it's nice to meet you again, I had no idea you were staying here." He raised a questioning brow at her as he thought,'Why, did she have a problem with me staying here?'

Slightly scowling, Orihime noticed his demeanor as she quickly corrected her words, "It's not to say I find a problem with it, who am I to say anything about you visiting your family. You see... I...ummm.. I'm, just a guest...In fact forget what I said, the blue men had complete control of my mind." Reddening from embarrassment, she sat back down fidgeting in her seat. Ichigo couldn't help but smile a little with her nervous banter.

"Sorry Orihime-chan, I kept that a secret since my son has a habit of scaring people." His father said.

Ichigo narrowed his eyes at the older man who smiled like an idiot. The auburn haired girl proceeded to apologize for the misunderstanding again as his father waved it away.

Ichigo cleared his throat as he went to sit next to Karin when he felt someone under him. He caught himself before he accidentally sat on his father's lap.

"Do you mind I was sitting here," he scowled at the man knowing full well he was standing in back of him a few seconds ago. He timidly sat near the auburn haired girl who was looking down and playing with the hem of her dress nervously. He awkwardly sat down trying to avoid eye contact with her as he glanced to see his father wiggling his eyebrows again. He glared angrily but quickly stopped as he felt someone staring at him. He looked down to his side to see beautiful gray orbs staring at him, he felt himself getting warm. He quickly turned his attention elsewhere trying to hide the flushed face he knew he possessed.

"Dinner's ready," Yuzu chimed in bringing the pot of curry on the table. Ichigo relieved of the distraction quickly followed everyone to the table. He looked up to see the auburn haired girl slowly walk towards the family already taking their seats, as she stopped abruptly noticing her face becoming pale. She caught him glancing at her as she looked to his side nervously. He furrowed his brows wondering what frightened her when he glanced at his side to find an empty seat beside him. Now she was afraid of him he thought as he began to scowl placing food on his plate.

"Come now Orihime-chan! There's a seat right here near Ichigo, don't worry he doesn't bite," then he leaned close to his son and whispered "hard" as he quickly leaned back and wiggled his eyebrows for the umpteenth time.

'I swear I'm going to rip those thick eyebrows off his damn face,' he thought glaring at the perverted man he called father.

Orihime was having a hard time trying to concentrate, she had no idea Kurosaki-kun was going to be there. She had agreed to stay over and Yuzu pleaded with Sora for her to stay. She had been excited when she first entered the home, their father was hilarious as always making her laugh but now she became uncomfortable. Even though she'd been told how beautiful she was by family, friends, and other admirers she always been subconscious of herself. She would wear loose clothing to hide her curves. Now she felt that the dress she wore to the party was a big mistake. She continued to notice his avoidance of her, And she would catch him scowling from time to time. She actually found his scowl to be hilarious and cute but now she felt it had been directed at her because he was annoyed by her. She began to feel tears begin to form as she tried very hard to push them back.

"What is wrong my dear, Orihime-chan, you haven't touched a thing, " the dark haired older man asked with a worried expression.

'Oh... I'm fine... I was just... it's nothing," she laughed awkwardly before looking down at her plate.

"Were you thinking about your brother?" Karin asked.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Yuzu added.

She hadn't been thinking about her brother but the memory of seeing his disappointed expression at the party soon caused a wave of guilt and sadness.

"I'm sorry Orihime-chan! I didn't mean to pry you don't have to talk about it if you don't want to," Yuzu solemnly said.

Orihime felt she could confide in them they always treated her kindly, she hesitated not wanting to speak in front of her crush but shrugged her fear away.

"I'm just afraid that I disappointed him, I had no right keeping secrets from him he's done so much for me."

"Why did you keep it a secret?" She heard her crush ask her as she froze for a moment glancing at him then towards the girls.

"I was also afraid he'd tell me I couldn't be with him."

"With him you mean the guy you like, did you tell your brother who it was?" The blonde twin asked.

The auburn girl slowly nodded 'no', " I promised to tell him when I was ready."

"He probably wasn't okay with that," Ichigo spoke to her again, she felt a knot in her chest that hurt at his words as her eyes went downward.

"Ichi-nii, why did you have to say that," Karin glared at her brother.

"I wasn't trying to be rude, Sora probably reacted in the same way I would of if you girls neglected to tell me the punks name." Karin continued to glare as Yuzu huffed at her brother, the auburn girl started to giggle.

"Karin, Yuzu! Kurosaki-kun is right Sora has every right to be 's not quite upset just hurt, but I promised him I would confide in him and he was okay with that." She gave a genuine smile towards the sisters.

"So Orihime-chan is this fella worth all the trouble?" Isshin asked starting to sniffle as he began to tear up, making his son's eye twitch in irritation.

"I'm not sure," she kneaded the back of her head in embarrassment.

"Why's that Orihime-chan?" Karin said softly ignoring her father's sobs.

"I wonder if causing my brother so much heartache for a person that... probably wouldn't accept my feelings in return," she laughed sadly as she continued,"I'll tell Sora who it was and never reveal it to that person. You see it's better this way, Sora would probably not approve in first place and it be uncomfortable for all of us if that person knew how I felt." She smiled pumping her fist as she started to put wasabi and red bean paste in her curry, ignoring horrified stares.

They quickly didn't press the girl as the conversation changed, the rest of the night was about funny skits in Laugh Hour, Kurakara high faculty members, and the twins aspiration for the future. Orihime helped Yuzu clean up and after watching TV, everyone soon retired upstairs to get ready for bed.

Ichigo had waited for everyone at the house to fall asleep before he went to shower himself. He let the cold water cool his body, it had been overheated from seeing her at the party and now she was here with his family. He hit the tile wall as he rested his head on the cold surface. He also was upset seeing her sad over this guy who had no idea who she was. He never met someone with so many good qualities, all the girls he'd been with were so selfish and spoiled at times. He soon became a relationship for his sexual urges probably why it seemed he'd been with so many, as he never seemed to be satisfied. Who the hell was this guy, and if she felt her brother wouldn't approve of him he was probably some asshole. He tried to argue with himself why he felt this jerk didn't deserve her feelings, that he so selfishly wanted for himself.

He finished drying himself off and his tousled hair putting his towel in the wash. Chest bare he only wore shorts. His body was somewhat cooled by the shower but his mouth was still dry, he decided to get a glass of water. As he neared the kitchen he heard a noise that sounded like muffled sobs. His eyes focused in the living room, as he saw someone sitting on the far end of the couch. Auburn hair that fell on her knees that were hugged together by creamy soft arms.

"Orihime?" He said swallowing hard. He saw her squeak as she jumped composing herself as she quickly whipped her eyes. He couldn't see her tear stained face in the dark but he heard her crying.

"Kurosaki-kun, I'm sorry I didn't mean to wake you," she said avoiding eye contact. He sat across from her as he saw her eyes look up to look at him then slowly settle down to his bare chest, he saw her eyes widen as she began to fidget. He grinned at her nervousness, was it because she saw him bare chested?

"You didn't wake me, I've been up I just wanted a glass of water," he saw her nod and then bite her lip. He could feel his body temperature start to heightened.'So much for a cold shower,' he thought.

"Oh, I couldn't sleep either so I came down here to not bother Yuzu or Karin."

"Hmm.. Were you crying because of him," he said through gritted teeth.

"Him? Oh ummm...yes"

"Why?"

She looked at his amber eyes with longing as she smiled, "I was wondering how kissing him would feel like, but then since I've never kissed before..., I was afraid he'd want someone more experienced." She pouted as she wrapped her arms at her waist.

Ichigo was glad it was dark he was sure his whole face was red, he ruffled his hair agitated.

"Look Orihime, your so worried about what he thinks your forgetting to take your feelings into account. Who gives a shit about what he thinks there's nothing wrong about being inexperienced," he said confused when he heard her giggle.

She smiled at him which made him begin to smile, "Thank you, Kurosaki-kun! That makes me feel so much better."

"Good! Now let's go and get some sleep," they both stood up as he motioned for her to go first as she followed. He was distracted as he admired the sway of her hips from behind that he didn't notice she suddenly stopped. He bumped into her as he grabbed her shoulders to prevent her from falling forward. He felt the heat rise from his hands touching her shoulders and her whole backside was pressed against his groin.

He groaned trying to control the strain that was deep within, hoping she didn't feel anything.

She slowly turned to find his eyes completely shut unaware she was looking at him. She liked the feel of him especially when she felt his strong hands on her shoulders. While his eyes were still closed she found the courage to lean in closer as she slowly pressed her lips against his.

He felt her lips touch and everything else didn't exist anymore, he couldn't control himself as he brought her closer wrapping his arms around her. He hungrily deepened the kiss as she made to open her mouth with a soft moan. He felt her tongue clumsily search his mouth, at first hesitant but followed his lead kiss for kiss. She lifted her hands searching as they circled around his neck then one reaching up to grab his semi-wet hair. Her fingers kneaded through his hair, using his shoulders to support her as she stood on her toes wanting to deepen the kiss.

Feeling her chest pressed into him more, feeling only sheer cloth against his bare chest. Wanting to touch more of her he slid his hand under her shirt feeling the front of her bra. Soft lace and Soft mounds he felt as he explored with his hands. He felt her body react as his fingers brushed against her nipple. He broke the kiss from her as his lips trailed down her chin and neck. His hands lifted her shirt over her chest as he saw her gorgeous mounds heaving up and down. Leaning down to kiss the top of her bra he slowly lifted revealing her bare nipple he drew into his mouth arm supported her back as he continued his assault on her breasts.

His fingers moved down to her panties to slid them between her legs finding her surprisingly wet entrance. He flicked her hardedened nipple one last time as he lifted his head to take in her muffled moans with his mouth. She responded with a more aggressive kiss and arching her hips forward as his finger slid across her nub. He felt her legs weaken as his arm continued to hold her up as he continued to rub her vigorously eliciting a chorus of moans. He suddenly placed his large middle finger deep within her feeling her tight entrance.

"Your so tight and wet, Orihime," his seductive voice said as he groaned.

His fingers fingered her slick entrance as she opened her eyes to look into his amber ones as she breathlessly spoke.

"Is...mmmm. Is that bad, Kurosaki..kun?" He found her voice so sexy saying his name as he harden imagining her screaming his given name. Looking at her worried expression waiting for his response brought him back to reality. He stopped his ministrations, as he continued to stare at her watching her face change from heated to disappointment.

"Did I do something wrong, Kurosaki-kun?" She sheepishly said as she slowly fixed her bra and clothing. She became nervous from his silence. She slowly put her hand on his chest trying to see his expression that was hidden.

He stiffened at her touch as he grabbed her hand lifting it from his chest enveloping her fingers with his.

"I'm sorry, Orihime...I should of controlled myself more," he somberly said as he looked up to see her. His guilt worsened as he could see her heated face as her expression seemed confused, he felt disgusted with himself taking advantage of someone so pure.

"Kurosaki-kun, I...I kissed you first it's not your …" she felt his grip on her hand tighten as he shook his head in disagreement as he let go.

"Please! Don't say that it isn't my fault, just go upstairs before we do something that we'll both regret."

He saw her eyes widen as they began to form welts of tears, she bowed hesitantly as she walked away quickening her pace.

Ichigo heard her soft sobs as she ran up the stairs, he palmed his face soon regretting it as he smelled her arousal on his hand. Her scent was all over his hand and it was intoxicatingly sweet, he groaned from the bulge between his legs that was aching so badly.

"I don't know if I can survive another day," he slowly walked up to his old room as a man filled with so much guilt. He was not only regretting what he did several minutes ago, he was going to regret what he was planning to do in his old room to release his sexual frustration. He closed and locked the door.

Ichigo decided to stay the next morning, he didn't want to break his promise of staying to Yuzu and he didn't want Orihime to feel like it was her fault for his abrupt leaving. She was partially the reason he wanted to leave but he couldn't bare to hurt her even more. Breakfast has been awkward as he somehow ended up sitting again next to the object of his desire. He would catch her grey eyes for a moment and as they drift down to his lips quickly flustering and turning away. After breakfast the family and guest got ready for their traditional Sunday beach visit, now it was called any Sunday Ichigo decides to visit. Yuzu packed the lunches as Orihime helped her with snacks and refreshments. Karin stood navigating Ichigo and their dad on where things should go in the trunk, causing her brother to yell at her for not helping.

"Shotgun," Karin shouted from the passenger seat of the car.

The orange haired man didn't voice his opinion in fear of upsetting the auburn haired girl so he sat near the window. It became more uncomfortable when Yuzu asked Orihime if she could sit by the window agreeing to sit in the middle. As she scooted in, he caught a glimpse of her apparel she wore, a violet flower patterned mini skirt with a white fitted tank top. He could only see the top violet string of her bathing suit that tied around her neck. Sweat began to drip from his forehead as he gripped the door handle, counting to three before he broke it. He decided to sleep even if it was an hour drive.

"Kurosaki-kun"

Her voiced echo in his head as her breast heaved up and down with a flustered face.

"Kurosaki-kun"

She moaned out his name as she moved her body forward to his fingers that were already deep within her. Removing his fingers he saw her pouted face, he grinned tasting her juices. Glancing at her embarrassment as she parted her legs more inviting him, he found his face was inches from her moist center. He licked between the slits erupting a loud moan.

"KUROSAKI-KUN!"

Then her image began to fade but her voice still remained. He opened his eyes finding himself in the back seat of a car. He turned to find her lovely eyes staring at him with a worried expression before she shyly smiled.

"I'm sorry to wake you, Kurosaki-kun. It was either me waking you or your father, although I should of let you enjoy your dream you seemed so content," she said as she climbed out of the car.

He froze wondering if she could read minds, but as he left the car, he smiled at the absurdity.

"See Yuzu that's the stupid smile he had in his sleep," he scowled at his dark haired sister as red stained his cheeks.

"Come on Ichigo let's get the stuff out of the car, set the umbrella up and scan the shores for hot girls well in your case sweaty men."

"Come on Yuzu, Orihime-chan there's a spot right there," Karin pointed as she walked over her father who limply twitched on the floor from an elbow to the head he received from Ichigo.

After everything was set-up, Ichigo took a quick dip into the ocean to tell his sisters how the water was, but he used that excuse to cool off his overheated body from that dream. He walked back feeling the stares from women on the beach, but one in particular caught his attention as he saw her redden looking everywhere but his face.

Orihime couldn't help but stare at the chiseled chest dripping wet from the ocean, he wore red and black shorts, she could feel her face flush as she looked away. She took a quick glance as she saw him grab a towel whipping his face dry.

"The water is cool not too cold," he told his sisters. They started to remove their shirts and shorts revealing their bathing suits. Yuzu wore a baby blue one piece with matching bathing shorts. Karin wore a boy swimming shorts that were black with a matching black bikini top revealing her busty top. Ichigo glared at the whistles from the men who eyeing his sisters, which frighten them away. Isshin returned from the restroom already changed in his dark blue swimming trunks, Orihime noticed the man's chiseled chest and he was wider muscular wise then his son, she couldn't help blushing the man was attractive. 'That' s where Ichigo gets his handsome features and physique from' she mused to herself.

"Look Ichigo, father of three and still making young girls blush," as he posed in front of Orihime flexing his biceps as the auburn haired giggled.

'Come on, let's all take a family dip, you too Orihime," as he ran and jumped into the ocean his daughters following in suit.

Orihime lifted her white tank to show a violet bikini top with a small white heart on her right. She then proceeded to remove her skirt revealing short violet mini bottoms that had a big white heart on her left bottom. She bent down to put her clothing in her bag as she heard muffled groans. She turned to find Ichigo looking down rubbing his head.

"Are you okay, Kurosaki-kun?" She stated.

He nodded," It's hot, I'll be there in a bit." He said never lifting his head, with that she left. He lifted his head slightly as he watched her hips sway with every step. The heat returned full force it seemed hotter than the sun's rays that were hitting his skin. He got up as he walked behind her making her jump a bit at his presence.

"So you decided to join in after all," she said still glancing at the ocean.

"Yeah, it was getting too damn hot," he said as he saw his dad waving from afar.

"I know what you mean," she said as she jumped into the ocean and popping back up. He saw the water glistening off her body as the sun's rays touched her curves just right. He quickly jumped in to cool off, as he popped up he felt a splash of water on his face. He heard the beautiful giggle coming from her as she spoke, " Your right Kurosaki-kun it is very cool." She continued to smile as she swam around happily. He wondered how she could still smile at him after doing those things to her, hurting her. Orihime sensed his discomfort so she continued to cheer him up.

"You know Kurosaki-kun, your making the same face as a shark," she giggled ,"Except it be strange to see a shark with an orange fin." She stifled a laugh with her hands but couldn't control the giggles.

He found himself smiling at her ridiculous description of an orange finned scowling shark. He started to swim around her glancing at her from the corner of his eye. He saw her moistened lips and water falling down her chin to her chest, then he looked into her eyes.

"You know you don't have to try to cheer me up, Orihime, not how I treated you,"

"But...Kurosaki-kun has always been very kind to me."

"How can you still think highly of me when I stole..." He choked on his own words as he closed his eyes trying to concentrate on what to say.

"My first kiss," she began to redden as she finished his sentence.

"I stole more than that Orihime, and I could of …. never mind."

She swam closer, eyes still fixed on him.

"Your trying to protect my innocence no matter how much it bothers you?"

"Protecting! Hmpf, I did such a good job last night."

"You stopped before it went any further, Kurosaki-kun."

He watched her grey eyes happily admire him as she smiled brightly.

"The issue is Sora has been a good friend of mine like a brother, circumstances drifted us apart, now we have our bond again and I fuck it up by...Shit, he trusted me and I..." his aggravation showed as he felt the waves crashing into him.

"I... I understand it's...it's just that have you ever felt ashamed of wanting something, something that if attained could ruin everything around you. You think to yourself that it is wrong so why not stop, but you've wanted it for so long that it's all you think about." She looked off into the distance as she faintly smiled.

Ichigo did want something like that for so long, being with her nothing mattered and he felt content. He searched for happiness for so long after the death of his mother, once he found it he didn't want to let it go. Yet he felt selfish for wanting her, wanting to be happy no matter the consequences. But now he only cared for her happiness even if it hurt him. He closed his eyes inhaling deeply and then exhaling. He opened his eyes to find her staring patiently at him, he moved closer to her to move a strand of hair behind her ear.

"You know if he means that much to you, that's he's constantly on your mind and makes you happy. Your brother loves you unconditionally and he'll learn to accept it. If it makes you happy and that's all a brother ever wants for his sister and cares about. Does he make you happy, Orihime?" He wearily said moving his finger across her chin before removing it. He saw her eyes close as her cheeks redden as she bit her lip when he removed his finger.

"Yes, he does more than anything," she said with no hint of hesitation.

"Then tell him how you feel and I'm sure he'll accept, your absolutely beautiful Orihime inside and out. He'd be an absolute jackass to turn you down."

She stood pumping her fist with determination that made Ichigo grin. He also stood nodding his head as he began to sluggishly walk away.

"Kurosaki-kun!" He heard her say in a low tone.

'Damn her sexy voice,' he groaned internally as he turned to find her hands behind her back as she bit her lip.'I swear she looks sexy on purpose.'

"Yes!" Was all he could manage to say.

"I first saw your picture when Yuzu showed me in grade school then we met in passing and ever since then my feelings for you have grown to appreciate , respect, crush, admire, lust over, and something so much more. Meeting again face to face now that I'm older nothing has changed. I hope that you would accept my feelings... Wow, at first I thought it be hard to do but once I started the words just came out so easily," she looked up to see Ichigo staring at her dumbfounded, her courage started to falter.

Still looking at her intensely he made his way through the waters, slowly heading towards her. He was several inches from her face before he slightly breathed out in relief and grinned.

"Of course," he said as he used his hands to grab both sides of her face and leaned in to give her a deep kiss. He encircled his arms around her giving her a hug as he lifted her, receiving a squeal of delight between kisses.

The kissers were oblivious to the world around them, they blocked out Isshin's crying to his late wife. Karin's shouts of disbelief of her loser brother being the guy, and Yuzu's surprised tone of "Ichi-nii and Orihime-chan ...kissing?"

In that moment nothing else mattered, It was just him and her in each other 's arm and that moment he was afraid to let go.

Two things I loved writing about this chapter aside from the hot interactions between Orihime and Ichigo (blushes). One: Orihime's interaction with Ichigo's family (I wanted to frig-gen see KUBO). Two: Writing about Ichigo's dilemma with Orihime at the beach. Until the next chapter. Thanks again for reading. Hope you enjoyed I do love reading your comments.