AN: I feel like I'm disappointing you guys (T.T) since I'm not getting many reviews. Oh well, let's hope this chapter isn't crappy then. I do not own Bleach or any of its characters.

Chapter 12, Orihime Point of View

I listen intently when Ichigo speaks about his conversation with Uryuu and explains a few things about Senna. I feel like he is leaving something out though. I ask hesitantly, "What did you and Senna talk about, apart from her saying she missed you and for you to dump me?"

Ichigo avoids making eye contact with me when he responds, "Just that."

I don't ask further questions about it but I believe she might've threatened to hurt me or something. I change the subject, "So I make you feel more human?"

He chuckles and answers, "Yeah, something like that. I guess human in the sense that you don't see me as a monster. I can tell you things about myself and even though it should repulse you, you accept it. You accept me."

"Of course I do, Ichigo. You aren't a bad person. You are not a monster."

Ichigo smiles at me, making me smile as well. "Can I ask a few more things about your past and vampirism?"

"Of course, but I want to ask you a few things as well." I nod as I think about what I should ask him first.

"How long have you been 27 years old?"

"I'm supposed to be 28 this year so just a year. I'm not one of those super old vampires, don't worry." He laughs nervously.

Ichigo really didn't want to be a vampire. He still had his whole life ahead of him and now, he's stuck at 27 years old forever. "Do you have relatives? How are you able to be out in the sun, now that I think about it?"

"My mother cast a spell on this watch, so I could be out during daylight time. She is a witch."

"What? A witch?" I ask confused like and surprised. There are witches too?

He nods, "Yeah. Usually witches are threatened and forced to cooperate in making such items. I simply told my mother the whole story."

"The whole story? After Senna framed you?"

"Mhm. She told me she could help me hide but I couldn't burden her or the rest of my family. So she spelled two items. Anyway, apart from my mother, I have a father and two younger sisters."

I want to reach out to him and comfort him but I can't bring myself to do it. "You haven't seen them in a year huh?"

He shakes his head. I'm about to apologize to him for asking when he suddenly asks me about my family, "So tell me about yourself, Orihime. Any family?"

"Hehe…well not really. I don't know my parents because my brother took me into custody when I was three because my parents weren't taking very good care of me I suppose. And my brother, Sora, he was in a car accident several years ago and passed away."

I look over and find Ichigo staring at me with a worried, yet shocked, expression. I wave my hands around as I explain, "It's alright, don't worry. I lived happily with Sora for the time he was around and I managed to get by. I mean I do have a job and pay my own rent now obviously."

"Orihime," Ichigo says worriedly. "I'm sorry for sugarcoating it but really, I'm fine now. Don't worry Ichigo."

"Alright, enough of all this gloomy talk. Let's go out," Ichigo says while standing up.

"W-What? Go out? Where?" I begin to panic as I think that I can't go out in my running clothes.

Ichigo ponders for a moment and then says, "Go change into something comfortable. And pack a picnic basket. I'll be back soon. I'm going to change as well. Is there something you'd bring that you don't have here in terms of food?"

"Mmm…red bean paste and bread! I have everything else apart from that," I say enthusiastically, not noticing him sweat drop at the mention of red bean paste.

"Well, if you say so. I'll be back then." I nod as I head to my room to change.

I continue thinking about where we are going and I finally figure it out when I spot the river. I smile as I follow Ichigo down the steps. I used to come here all the time.

Ichigo lets out a breath of air as he plops down not far from the river bank. I set down the picnic basket before sitting down, making it so it sort of separates us. I still have no idea how I'm supposed to act around him. Like he said, we aren't officially dating but…

I take out the small blanket and begin to set the food out. Ichigo looks over at me and decides to help. We both reach for the last item in the basket and I end up touching his fingers with the tips of mine.

I blush lightly as I pull my hand away quickly. Why do I react this way even though I barely touch him? Ichigo smirks as he takes out the item and sets it by the rest of the food. I laugh nervously as I ask what he wants in his sandwich. "Don't worry about it, Orihime. I'll make my own and you make yours."

"If you say so," I say. My eyes light up instantaneously as I get the bread and smear red bean paste on it before filling it with some other items I brought.

I don't even notice Ichigo staring at me as I finally bring the sandwich up to my mouth. "Bon appétite!"I exclaim cheerily as I take a bite of my sandwich.

"You have an interesting taste in food."Ichigo says as he takes a bite of his sandwich. I blush lightly as I continue to eat.

After we finish eating, I put the things back into the basket. I sigh as I look into the river. It's so beautiful. I bet it's just as beautiful when the sun sets. I notice that both Ichigo and I have our hands on either side of us.

I inch my left hand closer to his right hand. And somehow, I know he does as well. I ask quietly, "You said your mother spelled two items, right?"

"This watch I wear all the time." He nods towards his right hand.

I look and notice how much closer our hands are. I gulp as I whisper, "What's the second item?"

"Something for someone important. Whenever I make the decision…maybe one day you'll find out," Ichigo whispers back as our skin finally makes contact.

I refrain from pulling away and instead let my fingers lace with his. "Am I important to you right now then?"

Ichigo holds onto my finger more tightly as he looks over at me. "You are the most important person to me right now, Orihime."

My eyes widen as I see the sincerity in his brown eyes. My heart rate slows as he continues to stare at me. He leans in slowly, looking from my lips to my eyes, as if asking permission. I begin to close my eyes as I lean in as well, giving him permission.

I can feel my face grow warm as his lips connect with mine. This isn't like those other kisses that were intense and full of lust and hunger. This one is sweet, soft and gentle. He pulls away and breathes a 'wow'. I smile and blush a bit more deeply.

"I had no idea that a kiss like that could feel so amazing,"Ichigo murmurs as he tucks my hair behind my ear on one side.

Suddenly, Ichigo is serious. He releases me and stands. He looks around before grabbing the basket and helping me up. "What is it?"

"Go home, Orihime. I'll see you there later," Ichigo whispers while kissing my forehead.

I blink, dumbfounded by his command. I do as he says however and begin to walk home. I'm sure he'll explain when he comes over later.

AN: Well…this isn't considered a cliffhanger, right? Anyway, I'll try to update soon, please review.