Hi all,
Thank you so much for your reviews.
Here's chapter 11. Enjoy :)
The sun rose and gently woke up a resting Kurosaki Ichigo, who was now stirring in his sleep. After a few minutes of stirring, his eyes opened and a loud groan escaped his mouth. He took off the blankets and groaned once again. It was the third time this week he woke up with morning wood.
He growled at himself as he made his way to the shower. Another cold shower, oh joy. I really must be frustrated. It's been a while…
The orange male didn't like to acknowledge that he had more than just protective feelings for the mother of his child. The past few days had been both awkward yet bliss for him. A bliss in a sense that he and Orihime had been opening up to each other, and everyday he learned something new about her. It seemed like she had forgiven him for the cold treatment he gave her during their time in the Unohana castle. And it was awkward because every time Orihime would do something nice, Ichigo's body would react to her.
And today, well, actually yesterday he began to wake up to morning wood. Thoughts of devouring her in his bedroom and dreams of corrupting her innocent mind kept on occupying his mind. In the cold shower, he watched his body calm down. The last time he was acting up like this was when he actually was a teenager and had a crush on one of the daughters of the noble houses. He of course never told a soul, but he liked to see it as a boy to man period, where his boy body was developing manly senses. His dad during that time proudly gave him all the unwanted advice he needed, which actually came quite in handy when he actually started dating.
But seeing how his body reacted the same way it reacted when he was 15 worried him quite a lot. It meant that Orihime held more power than he thought, and a time of suppressing his urge was now here. Even with the midget, his body didn't react this way without being touched.
After a cold, long shower, Ichigo dressed himself and was surprised when he heard a soft knock on his door. He was surprised to see Orihime and his mother standing before his door. He coughed weirdly before letting them in. "Please don't mind the mess." Both women looked around the room before taking their seats.
"It looks fine to me." Masaki said, Orihime nodding in agreement. "It looks nicer than mine… you should see the mess I made! On the other hand… you really shouldn't. I'm too shy to show you." The auburn haired woman laughed and waved her hands in front of her.
His eyes lit up as he grinned at her, his body leaning forward as he sat in the chair across her. "Is that so? Maybe I should come by for a surprise visit? I'm rather curious to know what I'll find there." He teased. "No way! I can't afford Kurosaki-san to see my messy nest. It'll ruin my pretty girl image!" Both mother and son snorted at her comment. "How are you certain that's the impression you are giving?"
"Well… Karin-chan told me. Also, that I should try winking more." She gave Ichigo a playful wink, who in turn became uncomfortable. He could feel goosebumps all over his body, his heart in his chest skipping a beat at the sudden action, and a certain part that just calmed down seemed to start acting up. "Ah, sorry, I must freak you out!" She laughed. Masaki was watching the whole interaction and enjoyed the interaction between the two.
"Don't listen to Karin, please. She's just spewing nonsense. So, mother, to what do I own this pleasure?" He continued, muffling away the sensual images that started popping up in his head.
"Consider yourself special, young man. It's not every day that two beautiful ladies are visiting you. Anyway, I'm here to tell you two things. First, Orihime will be following me in the next few weeks. She will be in training and working with the court ladies." Orihime nodded in excitement. "Yes, I'm truly looking forward to it."
"Didn't dad say that only few people could know about the situation? What's with that? How can she work with those gossip ladies?" He folded his arm while leaning back into the chair, his eyes focused on his mother.
"How can you say that about our court, ladies? Isane is nothing like that. She's an outstanding court lady who knows what to keep for herself."
"But still, not all maids are like Isane." Ichigo said, still eyeing his mother while resting his chin on his hand. "We are aware, but your relationship needs to be as real as possible."
Oh yeah, our relationship…
[Flashback]
A day after Ichigo and Orihime returned to the Kurosaki kingdom, they were both summoned with Yuzu, Karin and three maids which were Kotetsu Isane, Hinamori Momo and Kotetsu Kiyone. Both three maidens who showed excellent skills in serving their masters and keeping confidential information. The family and maids gathered inside the study and were sitting all around the wooden table in the room.
"Welcome everyone." Isshin started. "I have summoned you all here because our household is going through some changes. Firstly, everything we speak of in this room is confidential. This information is sensitive and when falling into the wrong hands can bring us into danger." 1
The court maids all swallowed and nodded, the Kurosaki family and Orihime nodding in agreement as well. "Now that's all clear, let's talk business. Girls, the beautiful lady on my left is our special guest, and she will live here from now on. Please introduce yourself." Isshin gave Orihime the chance to speak, giving her a warm smile.
"H-Hello… My name is Inoue Orihime. It is a pleasure to meet you." She bowed her head slightly, as did the maids, and she offered them a kind smile. "That's correct. Orihime-chan is our exceptional guest and also is the one that will stand beside Ichigo when he becomes king." All eyes at the table widened at Isshin's announcement. All the females in the room saying in unison "Ehhh?!"
Orihime could feel her cheeks burn up as she quickly glanced at Ichigo. He had no expression on his face, but simply looked at his father. She could feel her heart leap in her chest as a picture of Ichigo hugging her on the balcony the night before came back to her with the promise that he would protect her.
All the other young ladies started squealing and giggling, all happy with the news that a new princess would join the family.
"Orihime-san is becoming my Onee-san, I'm so happy!" Yuzu said while tearing up. Isshin was more than content watching the reaction and called the ladies to a halt. Isane's eyes shifted to Ichigo, a curious look on her face.
"But Kurosaki-san, since when did you and Inoue-san become… I mean, that are together? What about…" Before Isane could utter another word, Ichigo shot her a deadly glare. The taller lady swallowed and immediately looked to her lap. "Isane-chan." Isshin smiled at the maiden. He knew Isane was just curious about the situation. She was a person who would only ask questions if she was really curious, also from all the maidens she was the one that Isshin trusted the most.
"Whatever happened in the past is now in the past. I will spare you all the details, but due to certain circumstances, Orihime is now bearing my first grandchild." The mighty king tried his best not to sound overly excited, since it was a formal meeting and all.
"Because having children outside wedlock is considered a sin in the royal family, Orihime-chan and my own son will be wedded, and she will stand beside our next ruler." Orihime smiled once more, fidgeting with her fingers as she was nervous. "I-I will do my best to serve you all." Orihime added.
"Thank you dear. Because we don't want to alarm the noble families, and we certainly will receive questions, I want you to keep yourselves to the following narrative:
Ichigo met Orihime a while ago, and he was amazed by her beauty, kind soul and lovely smile. They decided to date and eventually, she became pregnant. Ichigo doesn't like to be public with his personal matters, and therefore decided to keep things a secret. Now that a new heir is born, Ichigo is finally ready to introduce Orihime-chan to the public."
All three maids took notes of this. The two main characters of the story blushing lightly. "Kurosaki-sama, this is beautiful!" Momo claimed, smiling at the couple.
"Right!" Isshin replied, grinning from ear to ear. "I trust you will sell this story to all the other workers in the palace. Besides that, I want you three to aid Orihime in the final months of her pregnancy. Masaki will help her as well, but you will be responsible for Orihime-chan's needs." The girls nodded.
"Next week you will be properly introduced to each other. For now, make sure your workstations are cleaned up before the weekend." The girls replied in unison once again, "Yes, Kurosaki-sama."
"You are dismissed." The maids bowed and left the room. Soon after that, Yuzu and Karin congratulated them and left as well. Isshin took his leave too, as he had another meeting to attend, leaving the two orange heads behind.
"Everybody's already gone." Ichigo said in a neutral tone as he watched Orihime getting up from her chair. "Let me help you get back." He offered his arm, which she gently grabbed, holding his arm close to her side. "Thank you Kurosaki-san. My stomach is getting heavier by the day. It makes moving less comfortable." They both left the study and walked slowly back to Orihime's room in silence.
"Kurosaki-san…?"
"Hmm?" -
"Are you sure about m-me?"
"What do you mean?"
"W-Well…" Orihime bit her lip as she walked down the hall.
"Marriage."
Ichigo stopped and swallowed, watching the nervous wreck beside him. It was a serious decision, and he could understand her insecurity. "If I wasn't confident, I wouldn't have proposed it." He chuckled.
Big eyes met his as her mouth turned into a tiny circle. "Ah… you did?"
"I apologize for being selfish. My mother told me how you agreed to this marriage, but this must be hard for you. I'm sure you dreamed of a different life…, but this was the only way I can make sure you will be safe, forever."
Ichigo's eyes radiated once again that strong sense of responsibility and trust. His stare was intense, but Orihime could feel that he meant every word. His eyes supporting his words. It made her heart leap once again from joy and the pit of her stomach turn.
"I-I… appreciate your kindness, Kurosaki-san. I will do everything I can in my power to repay you. I promise." Orihime in turn matched his determination, as the same strong stare could be seen in her eyes. Ichigo couldn't help to smile as he appreciated her words as well.
"So it's a deal then. We'll become husband and wife, and we'll do the best we can for each other." She nodded and then squeezed his arm. Husband and wife. I like the sound of that…
"Kurosaki-san… I need to use the bathroom."
[Present day]
"Isn't this going to be too much for Inoue? She's almost 6 months pregnant." He frowned at the thought of Orihime being together with all the gossip ladies.
"We visited the royal physician, and he suggested that I stay active as long as possible." The girl patted her bump and then flexed her arm, showing that she was capable enough.
"You visited that bastard without me?" Ichigo said edgy. This surely was not how he wanted to start his day. "S-sorry Kurosaki-san… I didn't know you wanted to come with." Orihime looked a bit taken aback by his tone, and a sad look was in her eyes.
"Don't take it personally, Hime-chan, our strawberry here just is in a foul mood." His mother explained, continuing.
"Because you know how most maids at the palace are." She eyed Ichigo with an all saying look on her face. "I want you to visit Orihime from time to time during working hours. They should be convinced that you are in love with each other and can't wait to be married. A truly happy couple."
Orihime shifted uncomfortably in her seat, unlike Ichigo, who was looking fully confident to the girl. "That's what you came to ask? No worries, I'll come by at lunchtime when I have the chance." Orihime now shyly looked at Ichigo and smiled brightly. "S-so we will have lunch together now and then? I-It makes me and baby-chan delighted."
Ichigo melted at the sight and simply acted like it was no big deal, hiding his feelings. Not that he minded his mother's request. They were going to be family after all.
It had been almost a month since the accident, and Uliquorra's arm finally regenerated. The injury he suffered took a great toll on his body. But still, he was glad that Orihime managed to get away.
When he woke up a few hours after the accident, it was dark and no one was near the roadside. The male felt a sharp pain that went from his elbow to his arm up and increased by every movement he made. He groaned but managed to get off the ground. Looking around, he could only find the chauffeur of the vehicle, dead.
Hime… where is hime? - He stumbled around, looking for the auburn beauty. A certain voice interrupted his search and he stopped in his tracks. "I was looking all over for you."
That voice was one that he could distinguish out of a thousand voices. It belonged to his master. His master was known to be a ruthless man. A strong leader, feared by many, but unknown or rather insignificant to the kings of the kingdoms. Something that agitated the male tremendously.
"Aizen-sama." Uliquorra bowed with the energy he had left, feeling like he was run over. "Don't force yourself. I'm glad to see you made it out alive." Aizen Sosuke's charming smile appeared as he helped the guy up.
"It looks like I came too late and that you woke up too late. She's already gone." He said, pushing his glasses up as she analyzed the wound. "But don't worry, I'm not mad. On the contrary, this might work to our advantage as long as we play all our cards correct. Let's head back."
And now a month had almost passed. Uliquorra looked outside his window, the auburn beauty on his mind.
Orihime, I know you are with Kurosaki right now. I sensed his energy near you that day. That means you are still alive and probably safe. I hope to see you again in better circumstances. Looking back, I have been mean to you. We have been separated for so long, but you are still my dear friend. Stay strong, it'll be only harder from now on, but we need you.
The green eyes male closed his eyes and sighed. How he wished his words could reach his dear friend.
"Have you any idea she might be with?" Aizen creeped up behind the male, interrupting his thoughts. "I have no idea. There was no one nearby when the accident took place." Uliquiorra replied with a straight face. Aizen was his master, but he still held some loyalty to his childhood friend.
"I want you to find out where she is staying and make an appearance. She needs to know about her past. The sooner, the better." Aizen now pulled up his signature smirk. "I count on you, Ulquiorra." The male simply nodded and decided he needed a break.
Outside the city gates of where he was staying, there were druggies, begging for drugs and money. Uliquiorra didn't empathize with those people and would simply kick them.
"Young man, please spare us some money. We don't have anything to eat." An older male said. Uliquorra stared at him with empty eyes and then kicked him cold-blooded. The people screamed, but just when he wanted to leave, a hand stopped him.
"Remove your dirty hand off me before I rip it off." He said coldly. Before he could do anything else, the woman pleaded, "Please… don't be like this."
Uliquorra's eyes widened. He remembered this dark raven hair and face anywhere. "Tatsuki-san?"
Meanwhile, Byakuya was sitting in a conference room together with Soi Fon, head of the stealth force, Renji Abarai, head of the army, Rukia, next heir in line and Urahara Kisuke, head of research.
They were all sitting across each other, Byakuya sitting at the head of the table. It was deathly quiet in the room, all attendees just staring at each other. Rukia was the only one facing her brother. Her appearance calm and graceful, as if the tension within the room did not affect her at all.
"As you know, our plan has suffered a bit of a… unforeseen error." Byakuya ended the silence, looking at his subordinates. "Our subject is nowhere to be found. Even the best hitmen weren't able to find her. Someone must have hidden her."
Soi Fon stood up and balled her hands. "You had a hitman looking for her, but did not even involve the stealth force?" The slender woman now said in a feisty tone, eying the older male.
"I thought a big operation was not in order. But I was proven wrong. We need to find Inoue Orihime and our test subject as soon as possible. Urahara, what state do you think she is in?"
Two gray eyes flickered open, his arms folded over each other. "Hmm… Inoue-san is definitely a strong woman. I believe she must be alive and well. Her pregnancy should be around 6 months now. Her body should feel more pain by now."
"That means she must be entering the weakest period in her pregnancy. Excellent. A perfect way to get her back to us. Soi Fon." Before Byakuya could continue, his younger sister stood up, her hands resting on the table.
"Nii-sama." She respectfully said, all eyes now turned on the petite woman. "I kindly request to leave this mission to me. There are many other matters that need your supervision." The room suddenly turned noisy as not all parties agreed with Rukia's proposal.
"I can't disagree with you. This might be a good opportunity for you." Byakuya agreed. "Is there anything you need?"
"There is nothing I need. The only thing I request is to give me 4 months." The already noisy room even became nosier than Soi Fon and some others were objecting.
"Silence." Byakuya said in a rather cold and fearful tone. "Are you sure you can pull it off?" His cold, icy eyes meeting two violets determined once. "Of course, leave it to me."
"Rukia, are you insane?" Renji ran after Rukia, who had already left the conference room. "Renji, don't talk to me like that." Rukia kept walking, not even glancing at the male. "But Rukia, how are you gonna pull this off?"
"Renji..!" Rukia stopped and turned to him, an annoyed state on her face. "For once, have faith in me. I know what I am capable of and what I'm doing… but I do need your assistance."
Renji sulked at her words. "So you do need my help. Tsh, how surprising." He folded his arms and leaned against the wall. "So, planning on telling me what that mind of yours is hatching up."
"That's between me and my brain. You just do what I tell you to do." They both looked at each other, bursting out in laughter. "Right. Let me know when and where you want me." He walked away while giving her a wink.
Days went by and Ichigo didn't show his face for a moment, unlike what he promised to his mother, and to her. Of all people! She knew deep inside she held little significance to him, but each time she thinks of him, or when she hears someone came to visit her, her heart started racing, hoping the father of her child would promise as he said.
But today she would be different. She wouldn't get her hopes up because she didn't want her emotions to be the boss of her. "Yosh Orihime, you got this."
The court ladies looked at the girl with a raised brow. One of the older ones saying, "She really is an odd one. Are they sure your highness is in love with her? Maybe they just plucked her from the streets." The woman in her mid-40's laughed with her little group, Orihime too distracted to listen.
"B-but Orihime-san is really sweet. She has a heart of gold." One of the other ladies replied, being younger and probably not part of the in crowd. Isane was also present at the scene and just watched the situation from a distance.
"That's just a façade to win everyone over. I'm sure she's just like us. Desperate for attention." The woman replied. Before anyone could respond, all the ladies gasped as Ichigo appeared before them, bowing down immediately. "Y-your highness, we didn't expect you today here. Is there anything I can assist you with?" The older lady said, walking up to him.
"I'm here for…" he looked around and smiled, his eyes notably turning soft. Orihime was sitting at a table at the end of the room, as immersed in her task that her tongue was sticking out. "Found her! But thank you."
He waved as he walked to the back of the room, approaching his future wife from behind. "Inoue."
Orihime perked up as she thought she heard a ghost. "Who's there!" Her hands suddenly went into a karate style. "I'm not afraid to use force." She turned around and met a chuckling Ichigo. Immediately, she left her seat and bowed her head. "Kurosaki-san. S-So.. rr." Ichigo placed his index finger on her lips and leaned in, his lips reaching for her ears.
"Sorry I didn't visit earlier, Inoue. I know you must've been waiting." He glanced over to the other side of the room and noticed all the eyes of the court ladies on them. This was his chance to show all those gossip ladies once and for all that he and Orihime have been in a long-term relationship.
"Excuse me for what I will do, but please play along." He whispered before moving his lips from her ears to her forehead, giving it a gentle kiss. "I missed you." He wrapped her into a back hug, so he could stroke her stomach.
This caused Orihime to scream inside herself. He was kissing her forehead and stroking her belly. What kind of craziness is this?! If he did anything more, Orihime wasn't so sure she could take it. The way his chest was against her back made her feel warm, her hands getting clammy from the intense feeling.
"It's okay…" she said softly, pushing out the most beautiful smile she had. "Baby and I missed you dearly as well." She placed her hands on his and looked at Ichigo. Her words held some words of truth. She and the baby did miss him.
The male was just like his counterpart, a nervous mess. He was afraid she might hear his fast beating heartbeat. But he also enjoyed the reaction of all the court lades, who were now gasping, giggling and some of them looking at them with envy.
"If we were alone, I'd give you a long kiss." Orihime playfully hit his hand and shook her head, breaking the embrace. "You know better than to do that!" Ichigo laughed hearty and openly. "Of course. Shall we go for lunch?" The female nodded, bravely taking Ichigo's hand.
Together, they walked out, Ichigo leading her to the garden, which was her favorite place. During their entire walk, he did not let go of her hand. He was too afraid that some of the ladies would follow them. Orihime didn't mind and enjoyed feeling Ichigo's warmth in her hand, smiling to herself.
When they arrived at the garden, Orihime couldn't help but to gasp in surprise as a whole lunch was set in front of them. There were sandwiches, panini's, croissants and many other pastries. Ichigo helped Orihime get seated, enjoying her reaction. "I made sure the best pastries were brought for lunch. Only the best for my favorite lady." Orihime giggled.
"You don't have to say that. We are alone now. I don't sense anyone." She smiled, her attention back on the pastries again. She had to contain herself not to drool over the good-looking snacks. The male was sitting across the table. "Go ahead. I'm not that hungry." She nodded and immediately took a croissant and a donut, stuffing her face.
"Uwaaa, this is so good!" She said with a full mouth, Ichigo barely making out what she was saying, but it caused him to laugh loudly. "I wasn't sure at first what you wanted for lunch, but then I remembered you saying something about the bakery you loved back home. That's how I came to this idea. Pastries for lunch."
Orihime's thoughts went back to the baker. She swallowed her food and shook her head. Feelings of gratefulness were filling her heart as she looked at the man before her. Ichigo had remembered little details about her. For some reason, she became curious about what else he remembered.
"What else do you remember?" Orihime said shyly, her eyes turning a light shade of pink. This caused Ichigo to tap his chin. "I remember that you believe in little space men." They both started laughing. "But there are plenty of things I don't know about you, Inoue." He looked at her with something in his eyes she could not quite read. "But I want to know you more."
"Kurosaki-san, I don't want to sound rude…" She interrupted him, Ichigo now looking a bit caught off guard. "You keep making promises to me, and it makes me feel terrible." She huffed. "Why don't you let me do something for you too?"
She moved from her seat across the table to seat next to him. Gently, she took his warm hand, which made her stomach tingle from their touch. Her cheeks turned red, but bravely, Orihime started. "Instead of wanting to know me more, I want you to know that I trust you. Kurosaki-san, I trust you and just like I trust you, I want you to trust in me too. I want to know all about you and appreciate you for who you are."
He admired her beautiful face and brushed her cheek. Orihime flinching at his touch. "Thank you Orihime." He broke their gaze and scooted a bit back, then he looked at his watch and almost cursed. "Oh no, I have a meeting! Sorry Inoue, I have to go. But I promise I'll come to visit you once again."
Orihime smiled and waved him goodbye, but deep inside her heart faltered a bit. That wasn't the reaction she expected from the male, and within herself she felt a bit confused. Then she shook her head and reminded herself. Orihime, he warned you. It was just an act. This whole lunch. Don't be too disappointed.
Little did both know that there was someone watching them from the shadows. It was Isane who had sensed that something was up and wanted to know more. She knew that the young master used to be in a relationship with the younger Kuchiki.
Just when Orihime wanted to walk back, Isane appeared before her. "Isane-san…" Orihime smiled politely and bowed. "Inoue-sama, would it be possible to speak to you in private?"
It was after work hours. The sun was setting and Isane was summoned into Inoue Orihime's room. When she entered the room, a sweet smell of strawberry and vanilla entered her nose. Orihime had just finished taking a bath and was now in her nightgown, seated at a small table, holding a cup of tea. "Isane-san, you came. I am so happy that you are here." Isane, who was quite a shy person herself, blushed and nodded.
"T-Thank you for your kindness, Inoue-sama." She took a seat and closed her eyes, sighing deeply as she prepared herself to ask that had been bothering her for the past week. No one in the Kurosaki household was willing to tell her about what happened to Rukia and Ichigo. Not even Isshin, her favorite employer, couldn't even tell her a word. The curiosity was killing her.
"Sorry for disturbing you with this matter, but what happened to Kurosaki Ichigo's previous relation with the daughter of the Kuchiki house?" Isane asked, Orihime's expression turning from a gentle and kind one to unsure and doubting. "K-Kuchiki Rukia.. right?" Orihime asked for confirmation. Isane nodded yes and took a sip of her tea.
"Isane-san, I'm sorry, but I do not know a lot about the situation. I just know that she betrayed Kurosaki-san." The gray haired female's eyes widened. "B-Betrayed? How?! They were m-madly in love."
Orihime lowered her eyes, starting at her lady gray tea that didn't seem to taste that good anymore. "Well… she took something from the Kurosaki and tried to use that against him. I-I can't really go into details."
Isane was already more than happy that she knew a bit more about the situation and wasn't expecting Orihime to tell her all. It wouldn't surprise her if the Kurosaki's didn't tell her the details. "That Kuchiki… and they were so madly in love" She sighed.
Orihime studied Isane's face and felt herself shrivel up like she wanted to disappear. Each time that name Kuchiki Rukia would bring a feeling of unrest within her. This whole thing started with her. The man she is marrying and the father of her son loved and even perhaps still loves this woman.
Orihime's curiosity once again took the best of her, and she felt this was the right timing to ask about his previous lover. "Isane-san. Could you please tell me something about the relationship of Kurosaki-san and Kuchiki-san?"
"Lemme think. Oh yeah, well, I know that they have known each other for a long, long time. Even before I came here. Probably around two years ago, they became really close and intimate. Always when I was on evening duty, I would see Kuchiki-san sneak in and early in the morning she would sneak out. Her family can't of course not know that those two were together." Orihime swallowed upon hearing this.
"Why can't their families know?" She asked. "Haven't you read about the history of our kingdom's?"
Ichigo was walking down the corridor of the palace. For some reason, Orihime's words during lunch didn't sit well with him. It was as if his heart weren't able to accept her words, unlike his body, who was willing to accept her with all she had. He groaned as she walked towards Orihime's room. He felt guilty and wanted to talk to her and apologize for leaving during lunch so suddenly.
Just when he wanted to enter, he could hear Isane's voice through the door.
"Ichigo-sama was always happy and in love. His eyes would always shimmer and by night when they were alone he would always prepare something romantic for Rukia-sama. It's a pity to see it went south. Inoue-sama, I'm happy we could confide in each other. I never talk to anyone in the palace, but the curiosity was killing me."
So much for not gossiping. He thought to himself. Angrily, he barged into the room, shooting deadly stares at both women. "Nice to know that I'm keeping you both up all night." Isane turned pale as she immediately stood up, bowing down in front of her master. "Forgive me, Kurosaki-sama. What I did was wrong."
Ichigo scoffed and growled. "Make sure this never happens again." Isane looked up at the furious male and nodded. She glanced one last time at Orihime and immediately left the room.
The other female now was looking down at the hands in her lap. Slowly, she looked up and met Ichigo's dark eyes. She knew he had all right to be mad at her. He found her speaking with one of the maids concerning his love life, while she should've asked him instead. But with the way, he suddenly retracted himself after lunch made her worry and brought all dark thoughts with her.
She stood up and bowed deeply (as far as she could) in front of the male, looking for her voice that seemed to have disappeared. "M-My apologies, Kurosaki-sama." She said softly, looking at his velvet burgundy shoes. "I should have contained my curiosity, but you.."
The male who was watching Orihime was taken aback by her cold and soft voice, her gestures, and once again he felt that his anger probably worsened their relationship again. "I didn't give you a reply during lunch." He sighed. From their first encounter, he had a hunch that Orihime was sensitive to things like this.
"If you have questions or doubts, why didn't you come straight to me. I would've told you." Ichigo said earnest. "Inoue…" She stood back up from her bow and took a seat, biting her lip. Was this the right time to ask? Even though it would break her heart, she needed to know more about his past and the female that for some reason kept giving her a bad feeling. She needed to know about the one that hunted her mind.
"Please tell me everything about your relationship with Kuchiki Rukia."
Ichigo was now sitting on the sofa in Orihime's room, a cup of water in front of him. "When I was about 13 years old, I had a hard time fulfilling my duties as a prince. The pressure was killing me, and all I wanted to do was play and forget about my royal duties. I was such a pain." He chuckled, watching his future wife, who was listening to him. She was looking beautiful in the moonlight.
"There was a period where I would run away at night and spend my night somewhere in the woods near the Unohana kingdom. In that area at that time there was a group of orphans living there. They were being about 3/4 years older than me, so they kindly took me in at night. That is where I met most of my dearest friends. Renji and Rukia were among those people. Renji is Rukia's closest friend and also her guard." Ichigo closed his eyes as she tried to image the two friends he had back then.
"Deep at night we would roam around. Sometimes we would make fire, other times we would build snowmen, and sometimes we would even try to steal food. I mean, they were orphans, after all." It looked like reminiscing about the past brought Ichigo in a better mood. Orihime thought even that for a moment, she saw a small smile on his lips.
"For years we kept on meeting secretly until one day everything changed. I remember going out on my 16th birthday. I mean, it's better to celebrate your birthday with friends, right? Rather than sitting in the palace. Anyway, I sneaked out and managed to reach the woods, just to see everything in flames.
[flashback]
A 16-year-old Ichigo was wearing his usual scowl on his face, shorts and long sleeves. He made sure that there was no symbol of the Kurosaki house on his clothing. Last time he was almost caught by Grimmjow.
The road to their usual meeting place was still about 3 km away. The young boy ran with all his might to the woods, only to see smoke coming from one place. "Isn't that…?" he mumbled to himself as he suddenly realized the smoke was coming from the woods where his friends are.
Quickly, he made his way to the woods that were so hot that everything around him was melting. He coughed as he could feel the smoke surrounding him. "RENJIIII, RUKIAAA WHERE ARE YOU!"
Ichigo screamed and screamed. He looked within the burning woods, but the smoke made it impossible for him to see. "RENJI IT IS ICHIGO, SCREAM IF YOU CAN HEAR ME!" Ichigo heard a cough not far away from him. It was a girl with light blue hair, barely opening her eyes as she tried to utter a word. "I-Ichigoo…"
Tears filled Ichigo's eyes as he watched one of his friends lying on the ground. "H-Hold on! I'm going to get help." He dragged the girl to a safe place and decided to return to his house to get help. Before he did so, he once again screamed for his friends, without any answer in return. In all stress, Ichigo wiped his tears and ran back.
As soon as he returned to the kingdom, he ran to his father's study. Smears of ash on his face. "D-Dad, we n-need to go to the woods. T-There is a huge fire there."
The same night, the fire was put out, and only two people were found in the fire. The fire brigade came to a conclusion that there were no other survivors. Ichigo clenched his fists as he refused to believe his friends were dead.
Every day, Ichigo would sneak out again to go back to the burnt woods, believing that one day he would meet his friends. Then after 3 months on a snowy day he saw a girl sitting in the snow, wearing a white yukata with red flowers on them. Beside her standing a boy with red hair. Ichigo's eyes lit up as he ran up to them. He could recognize them anywhere. It was his two friends.
"RENJIIIIIII, RUKIAAAAA!" Like a happy puppy, Ichigo ran to his friends, not noticing that beside them was standing a male with the palest skin he had ever seen. A rude and cold stare in his eyes. Rukia whispered something to the man, and he simply gave a nod.
She walked together with Renji to Ichigo and beamed at him. "Ichigo!" She said, pulling him into a big hug. "I'm so happy to see you." Renji grinned and patted Ichigo on his back. "Ya ain't a real man with those tears." Ichigo rolled his eyes and started to spar with Renji. "Let's see if you can block my super punch."
Ichigo approached Renji and tried to land his right fist on his cheek, but every time Renji dodged just in time, eventually ending the fight with a kick in Ichigo's stomach that caused him to fly to the other side. Rukia immediately ran to his side, concerned about her friend. "Ichigo, I keep telling you that you shouldn't challenge Renji. You're still too young to beat him." The orange boy scoffed at her words, but immediately smiled as he saw her concern. "Don't be so worried about me, Rukia. By the way, you look amazing. Did you get new clothes or something?"
Rukia looked at the male with snow-white skin and helped Ichigo up. "Let's go for a walk." Together, the two walked for a while. "Ichigo, I have something to confess." Rukia said softly, looking down at her toes. "That man… you see is my brother. H-He took me and Renji in." Ichigo's eyes roamed and landed on the man, who overflowed with an aura of power and might. "Apparently he was looking all over for me. He wants me to live with him, and he also allowed Renji to come. M-Maybe if you're nice, I can ask him to bring you in as well?"
Ichigo shook his head and smiled. "Nah, I like it out here. But I'm glad that you found your brother. Siblings are great, and now you're not alone anymore." Rukia fondly smiled and nodded eagerly. "I-It's a bit unusual for me, but it all seems okay."
The tall male coughed, which hinted that it was almost time to go. Rukia, Renji and Ichigo said goodbye and for one last time he looked at Rukia and the emblem she was wearing. It was one with a white horse and a Sakura flower on the left. The man was wearing the same emblem on his right arm. He waved goodbye, knowing that it wasn't goodbye.
"After that incident I thought we would meet again, but we only met a year after. Meanwhile, I discovered that the emblem she was wearing belonged to the Kuchiki family. Our families are known to have a lot of bad blood between us. There used to be a war and after that war our families became enemies. Just our luck." Ichigo chuckled bitterly, taking a sip of his water.
"Rukia and I met after a year again by chance. She looked exactly how I felt. Lonely and lost. It was the first time we talked about more things than just… childish stuff. I came clean about my identity, and that is when we made a pact that we would change the course of the future."
Ichigo stopped as he gritted his teeth, feeling his chest tense up as he once again closed his eyes. Orihime looked concerned at him, but decided to remain silent. He probably needed a moment for himself.
"W-We talked about reuniting the kingdom. Reuniting the families and restoring peace to Capon. While making our plans for the future, I fell in love with her. I felt she was destined to be my queen, and from that moment on I treated her like that. I trusted her with all I had, with my heart, and was willing to give her anything. Later on, I found out that it was just one-sided."
Ichigo opened his eyes surprised as he could feel something wet on his cheek. A tear trickled down. Orihime now felt her chest tighten as she could feel Ichigo's pain, which was somewhat unfamiliar to her. Just like him, tears were trickling down her cheek as she watched the male before her.
So vulnerable yet so many, strong and beautiful. Orihime finally broke her silence. "You couldn't control this. It is not your fault." She said softly, reaching out to the male once again. "But if I didn't give in, I could have spared everyone… I could have spared you, your village."
"Because the army that protected your villages stopped their protection because of my relationship, your village had been shattered. Because of my stupid heart! How can I ever trust it again."? Ichigo now raised his voice, guilt filling his eyes as he felt he said something he shouldn't have. The male was crumbling down under Orihime's stare.
Orihime was taken aback by his words, but quickly got out of her daze and shook her head. Right now, it wasn't time for her to feel anything but the pain of the man in front of her. Ichigo was broken.
He developed feelings for the woman in front of him, but now all these feelings of lust, confusion, guilt and love were tearing him apart. He was afraid to love, because of Rukia. He wanted to lean into Orihime's warmth because she is pure, but she did not deserve this. Without him noticing, all the feelings he held in were coming out as Ichigo started to cry.
He kneeled on the ground, his body shaking. Orihime now cried too while watching Ichigo crumble down. She didn't quite comprehend how he was responsible for her village, but she decided to wipe her tears and be there for the father of her child.
Orihime went to the ground and tightly embraced Ichigo. "It's alright, Kurosaki-kun, it's alright." She kept on repeating as she rubbed his back. She brought his head down to her chest and stroked his back. Ichigo was now calming down as like a little boy who was curled up against his mother.
The whole night the two were just sitting on the ground, embracing and spending time in each other's arms while their minds were wandering through space.
The following morning, Ichigo felt something heavy against his chest. It was Orihime's head, resting against his chest. He admired her rosy cheeks and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. She was breathing softly. After a moment of admiration, Ichigo noticed they were sitting on the ground, a very uncomfortable position to sleep in. He laid Orihime down on the bed and decided to sit beside her. He kept watching her form.
"Kurosaki-kun…" Orihime said softly, opening her eyes.
"Hmm, you're awake."
They both smiled at each other.
"You can trust in me. I'll carry your heart for you. When in doubt, I'll make sure to stand beside you. You can lean on me."
She held up her pink for a pinky promise. The way she was looking at him tugged Ichigo's heart and for the first time it wasn't his body speaking but his heart.
"Please don't mind if I do."
He took her pinky and smiled gently at Orihime. It was then that a sudden feeling of possessiveness came over him and his mind said.
I want her to become mine and mine alone.
Ooooooh Ichigo is becoming so possessive. I like that ;). Also, he's become more bad hahahaha. By the way, what do you guys think of the new bleach anime? I loveee it! So many IchiHime scenes and I can't wait for certain parts to be animated. So, definitely looking forward to that.
Please share your thoughts about this chapter and the story with me by leaving a review. You guys are amazing and really keep me going. Have a wonderful day wherever you are.
:)