Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach. Tite Kubo does. Don't sue.

Song Suggestion: It's My Life – No Doubt

Author's Note: This chapter may seem a little out of place, but all will be explained in the long run. I don't have much time to write these days so I'm just trying to add to my fics when I can. Hope you enjoy, and if not? That's okay! I enjoyed writing it so kudos to me :)

Even though Orihime enjoyed the time spent with her newfound friends, she dreaded the thought of going back to school on Monday. With everything going on, she hadn't had the time to even think about doing her homework. And although most of her classes were Advanced Placement and didn't include any of her tormentors on the roster, the teasing would be unavoidable whether she paid attention or not.

To make matters worse, she couldn't even greet the one friend she did have ("Upperclassman Kurosaki"), because everything they did had to be kept secret. It was times like this she wished her big brother were still around. She wished she had at least one person she could tell everything to – because, this was much too big a development to keep to herself. Still, she was convinced that this was just the way things had to be for now. Thus, she resigned herself to what had to be done for the day and moved on.

Although it was unusually sunny, and most of her classmates were outside enjoying the weather, Orihime had taken great pains to get to school early, hoping to be able to hide in the safety of an empty classroom. It would give her time to think before the hallways once again swelled with students and the noise they brought with them.

Although she was the only one in the building, she got the feeling that she was not quite as alone as she'd hoped. Turning the corner to get to her locker, she realized there was some truth to her feelings and it wasn't just nerves getting the better of her.

It took her brain a few seconds to adjust before her hand flew to her mouth. Shocked, she took in the sight before her. Minoly and Loly had been hard at work "decorating" her locker. She was sure it was them because the word "HORE" was horribly misspelled and scratched in big white letters across the tan metal. In addition, there were several lewd pictures super glued to the outside.

What in Kami's name was she supposed to do? The school had no video cameras! There were no witnesses! She couldn't prove a thing unless she had both! And who would be brave enough to speak up on her behalf anyway?

Maybe she should just confront them herself and get it over with. Or maybe she should let an adult fight her battles for her – the principal maybe? But all they would do is deny their involvement and start attacking her outright.

Orihime's stomach sank as she wondered if Ichigo had been a part of this. She knew in her heart that she was just being paranoid, but a part of her wondered if this was all still some big set up. One she would never see coming.

Regardless, she felt totally and utterly humiliated. This, she decided, was the last time they would ever make her feel that way again. There was no point in feeling sorry for herself any longer. She needed to find a solution. Fast.

Right away, she removed the photographs as best she could, shredded them, and tossed them into the nearest trashcan. There were hints of body parts still firmly attached to her locker, but she'd have to wait until the end of the day to clear everything out. Later - when she didn't have an audience.

Students were beginning to file through the doors now and she wouldn't give them the satisfaction of seeing her react to something so trite. Turning on her heel, she walked straight toward the direction of her homeroom and never looked back.

Who needs a locker anyway? She steamed as she pushed herself forward.

Let them say or do whatever they want to me!

I'll just become stronger. I'll use it as incentive to practice and become the very best fighter I can be!

And who knows? Maybe I'll even win a round…

At first, the thought came out without confidence, but the more she thought about all the horrible things those girls had done to her, the more she found herself wishing it into existence.

Apparently the girls thought they had done enough for one day since the rest of the day went by without incident. Though everyone who stopped by her locker either snickered or added scratches of their own, most ignored her. Still, there was no underestimating the pressures of the "in crowd" on those who wished to climb their ranks.

Her only consolation was the look on Ichigo's face when he saw how her property had been vandalized. She'd never seen him so angry before. Of course, she was the only one who noticed it. His "strong but silent" demeanor fooled everyone else – even his closest friends. Rukia kept right on talking and laughing, taking his silence for encouragement. As did Renji. But at least Renji stopped pestering Ichigo long enough to ask what had crawled up his butt considering he was being particularly merciless during their sparring session.

It wasn't until the last bell rang that the boy in question disappeared, leaving everyone to catch up for their usual WacDonalds hang out session. Orihime thanked the Heavens for the peace that came back to her as soon as she was alone again.

Now she could face the unwelcome task of cleaning everything out on her own. She was afraid to even open her locker, dreading what she might find. Had they found a way to pry it open? To ruin the things that meant so much to her? Had they destroyed the books and papers and writings that had been her only friends for so long? She had been too afraid to even peek at them this morning. But now she was ready for whatever she found.

Taking a deep breath and closing her eyes, she prepared herself internally before entering in the combination. But to her surprise, there was nothing there to see. The locker was completely empty - devoid of its contents. Yet, the metal sparkled with a shine – as if it had been recently cleaned rather than desecrated.

The only explanation she could find came in the form of a note at the bottom of the locker. A note, whose envelope was the same shade of gray and blended right into the bottom of the open space. She had to look twice to make sure it was even there. Her heart leapt as she opened it and read the contents.

Dear Orihime,

I'm the one that took your things. Meet me at the usual place. 8:00 pm. We have a lot to discuss.

You Know Who

Orihime sighed. It was definitely Ichigo's handwriting. But what was he hiding? And why was he being so secretive? And why did he take all her stuff? Although she wanted to believe the best in her friend, she didn't know what to think. It was all just so strange - even for him.

On the same token, deep within Orihime, a new bravery was bubbling up: a bravery that overtook all her fears. No matter if it was joke or simply a misunderstanding, she was strong enough now to believe in herself and get to the bottom of things. If anything, all that she'd been through thus far had taught her not to tolerate being pushed around.

And while yes, she had avoided the ones who had defaced not only her locker, but her entire life, she would have the final say. And as for Ichigo? He was going to respect her, no matter what side he was on. And she was going to find out the truth from his very own mouth. Of that she was certain.

As the school began to shut down, Orihime exited her way out of the building, hoping to grab some dinner before their meeting. She just prayed she could keep it down despite what might happen.

At sunset, Orihime found herself nearing the park's entrance. What she didn't expect was to be ambushed. She found a hand over her mouth and a nudge to the side. It didn't take her long to figure out it was Chad as his voice rumbled against her telling her not to be scared and not to talk. If he hadn't been projecting like crazy, she would have put up more of a fight.

Just before he lifted his hand, Nell appeared in front of her, motioning Chad to let go. Chad did as he was told and so did Orihime. In lieu of an explanation, Nell held out a pen and a notebook with a message scrawled on it:

"Everyone is watching you. Remember your real friends are here too."

What's going on? Orihime wrote back.

I can't tell you yet. Just be yourself and all will be explained afterwards.

That was all Nell had time to write.

"I don't understand!" Orihime whispered. But her two allies had dropped back into the shadows. She did however sense their spiritual pressure along with Momo's and Rangiku's coming from behind.

It was then that she noticed Ichigo himself, standing in the middle of the open field beyond the break in the trees. She was still hidden from view, but he knew she was there just the same. Having no other choice, she stepped into the clearing and joined him.

"What's this all about?" She asked, trying to remain friendly.

"Orihime!" The upperclassman bellowed theatrically, attempting a quick wink that she only caught the tail end of. "So, you actually had the guts to show up then. Good. I was starting to think you'd chicken out."

"I'm here now!" She announced with more confidence. "Please just tell me what's going on!"

Ichigo ignored her request. "If you want your things, you'd better go get them. I hope you like swimming! Because that's all the help you're going to get from me." he added, laughing a little too hard as he looked with her towards the nearby canal.

At first she thought this might be his idea of another training session. But then, off in the distance, she distinctly heard whispers and giggles. There was no doubt that everyone was indeed watching. And she had a pretty good idea who everyone was.

Orihime braced herself and marched even closer to meet them all head on. She wouldn't let Ichigo of all people bully her. Not when he had the potential to be such a good person.

"Why are you doing this?" Orihime demanded, on the verge of tears. She held them back for her own sake.

Ichigo smirked from the shadows, secretly impressed at her tenacity. "I'm not blind. I see the way you look at me in school. The way you stare. You should know better than to even to bother looking my way. I love Rukia! Not you. It was me who trashed your locker and destroyed your things. Consider it a warning to stay the hell away from me. And don't ever let me catch you staring again!"

"I don't care who you like!" Orihime shouted, enraged for the first time in a long time. "I'll mind my own business if that's what you're so concerned about! But you should know I don't stare because I like you. I stare because I feel sorry for you. I stare because it doesn't look like you're being honest with yourself – let alone anyone else!"

"How would you know anything about honesty?" Rukia demanded, stepping out of thin air and startling the girl in front of her, shaking with rage. "We all know about your little crush."

"Why are you bringing up feelings that were long gone by the time he even met you?" Orihime cried out in sheer frustration.

"AH-HA! SO YOU ADMIT IT!" Rukia pounced, growling like a dog with a bone.

"The only thing I'll admit to is making a huge mistake. A mistake in thinking Ichigo could be any different from the rest of you. You've made your point. Now leave me alone!"

"I REFUSE!" Rukia shouted. "I still don't think you're taking this seriously. If you want us to leave you alone, you're going to have to fight for it." Assuming a fighting stance, herself, she stuck her sword directly at Orihime's chest. "I CHALLENGE YOU TO A DUEL! YOU HAVE TWO WEEKS TO PREPARE FOR THE SCHOOL FESTIVAL! WINNER TAKES ALL!"

"WHAT COULD I POSSIBLY WIN?" Orihime yelped, quite a bit louder than she intended.

"You win the right to talk to me." Ichigo's smile was strained, but level. "Since you like to stare so much, maybe you'd like to be part of our group." He invited.

"You've got to be kidding…" Orihime grumbled. "I have no interest in you or your mean spirited friends!" She mumbled back, fully intending to pointedly walk to the park gate and then run home.

Only this time, Minoly and Loly appeared to block her way, along with the rest of the boys.

"Come on Inoue," Renji laughed, addressing her directly for the first time ever. "Think of how much better your life could be. We don't want to be your enemy. We just want you to stand up to us. Fight for what you believe in – even if it is just Ichigo."

"I don't want to fight for Ichigo." She stated, dead set against letting them see her cry.

"Good. Because the thought of speaking to you every day is bad enough as it is." The spiky haired boy continued rudely. "But I'm willing to let bygones be bygones if you can defeat Rukia here. As it stands you don't have much of a choice."

"So it's not enough that you want to humiliate me in front of your friends, Rukia? You have to humiliate me in front of the whole school too?! Well,if that's what I have to do to regain my honor than so be it! I'm through running from you. But if I win, I don't want to be around you or your horrible group of friends. All I ask is that you leave me alone. Don't talk to me. Don't make fun of me. Don't trip me in the halls. Don't touch my stuff. And most importantly? Don't. Come. Near. Me. Ever. Again." Orihime enunciated each word with ever fiber of her being.

"You're on!" Rukia gaslighted, starting a blaze between them as the rest of her friends stepped out of the shadows and into the light. "Let's go, Ichigo! We've done what we came to do. She's not worth any more of our time."

"Agreed." Ichigo postured, intentionally rolling his eyes. Who it was intended for was anybody's guess. "Stay here Inoue. I want to make sure you don't follow me home like you follow me around at school."

It was just as well that he asked that of her because the stunned girl couldn't have moved even if she'd wanted to. All she could do was watch Ichigo and his friends leave her lying on the ground, mouth hanging slightly open.

What have I gotten myself into? She mumbled aloud, before closing it. Plopping down on the ground and burying her head in her hands, she began to cry in earnest.

It was true that she was done being bullied. She just never thought Ichigo would be that bully.