Orihime slowly opened the door to reveal a tall, leggy and large busted blonde. She smiled as tears welled up in her eyes.

"Orihime, you bitch!" The blonde said as she gathered the crying young woman in her arms. "You've gotten even more beautiful and your boobs are as big as mine!"

"M-Matsumoto." She breathed. "W-why?"

Matsumoto ushered the girl over to the nearby sofa to take a seat. The busty blonde smiled at Orihime while brushing the tears from her face.

"You aren't as okay as you'd like everyone to believe." She said as she waved a finger at her. "I've come because I have some news. Rukia and..."

"I can't bear to hear it!" Orihime barked as she leapt up from her sitting position. She turned her back to Matsumoto and closed her eyes tight, bracing herself for impact, pain only one name could cause her. That name was Ichigo.

"...Byakuya are hosting an engagement party for her and Renji at the Kuchiki Estate."

"Oh. Forgive me." Orihime breathed in deeply. "I thought..."

"You've been away for quite awhile." Matsumoto stood up. "Now, let's get you packed!"

"I can't. He's still there... And work!"

"Honey, the way you look you'll be turning heads. Even his idiotic self can't not take notice and your precious work is covered."

That was that. The young woman could never deny her friend anything. She packed the finest clothes under Matsumoto's guidance, clothes that clung to her womanly assets perfectly. Matsumoto was determined to assist Orihime in making all the men of Karakura and Soul Society fall to their knees at the sight of her.

()()()()()

The train ride was rather long and they were lucky to have each others company. The men riding the train felt pretty lucky too, as they stared in awe at the two beauties chatting away in their seats.

"Now, I must tell you, Byakuya will be happy to see you, finally. He still asks about you. In his way."

"Byakuya..."

()()()()()

She hadn't seen him since the end of the last battle for Soul Society. He insisted she stay at the Kuchiki Estate until she was strong enough to go back to the living world. He had stayed by her bedside until she recovered from the over exertion of her powers.

When she was finally able to get out of bed, they would take walks through the gardens. Sometimes they would share a deep conversation, sometimes they would just walk side by side and revel in the peace, quiet and each others company.

She spent quite a few months with Byakuya in his estate. She knew it was silly and presumptuous, but she couldn't help feeling at home there. He made her feel quite comfortable. He truly was kind and gentle despite his hard reputation. His quiet and stoic demeanor set the masses' hearts on fire. If only the female and gay population of Soul Society knew better, maybe he wouldn't be so popular, or maybe it'd make him more so. His smile was rather nice.

When the days drew nearer to the date set for her to return home things between the two became tense. They knew their time together was drawing to a close and it would be next to impossible to stay in constant contact. He would help rebuild Soul Society and she would go back to the world of the living and resume her education.

The last night they had to spend together had finally come. Orihime decided to spend it sitting on a bench in what had become a most beloved garden.

The night was warm, there was a light breeze that gently brushed through her hair and the trees above her. She closed her eyes and sighed.

"Hime."

She would never forget the first and last time Byakuya called out to her with such affection.

"Yes, Byakuya?" She smiled.

"I will miss our talks..." He stepped closer. "I wanted to..."

"Just sit with me and enjoy this night." She patted the open space next to her. He obliged and gracefully took a seat next to her. For the rest of their time together they would sit in silence, content just to be next to each other.

()()()()()

"I was a child the last time we met."

"And will he be surprised!" Matsumoto laughed, wagging her eyebrows. "Another thing, about Ichigo..."

Just then the train stopped and their arrival at Karakura Station was announced. Both women peered out the window and noticed a familiar face in the crowd.

"Tatsuki!" Orihime squeaked. She shot out of her seat and fumbled to retrieve her and Matsumoto's luggage from the overhead storage as quickly as she possibly could.

Finally, Orihime freed herself of the train. She ran as quickly as she her legs to carry her towards her lifelong friend and threw her arms around her neck.

"It's only been a couple months!" Tatsuki chuckled.

"It's still too long. You know I always miss you!"

"Oi, Inoue." It was voice she hadn't heard in seven long years. A voice she wasn't prepared to hear. She cringed and slowly turned to face the owner of that voice.

"K-Kurosaki!" Her face lit up with the cheesiest smile she could muster. No one had told her he would be here. After many years of avoiding this boy turned into a man, she wasn't prepared.

He had grown much taller in the years they had not seen each other. His features had become more defined, chiseled. He was no longer a boy. He was an incredible specimen of a man.

He reached in to hug her. His body was as hard as ever. She could feel the smooth contours of muscle through his clothes. Over the years she had become all too aware of the male physique and his was definitely a prize indeed. His body, his smell and just him. It was too intoxicating.

She moved to get out of his grasp, but his hold on her tightened. He pulled her closer. Too close.

"I can't breath!" Orihime gasped.

"Sorry! I've missed you." Ichigo said as he released her. "You've... Grown up. A lot. You... You are..." His face became hot and red.

"WELL! We should get going!" Matsumoto gave Ichigo the stink-eye, slipped her arm around Orihime's waist and ushered everyone towards to exit.