A/N:

Thank you so much for any reviews, follows and favorites! I'm very honored! Please excuse the short chapters a I am posting from my tiny iPhone. My urge to write this story has won over my patience in waiting for my laptop to be repaired. I will try and post as often as I can! Here is the next chapter:

()()()()()

The drive from the train station to Urahara's shop brought many reminiscing thoughts for everyone. They passed by old hangouts, their high school, parks and playgrounds. It seemed like every inch of Karakura held some sort of memory.

The conversation was kept simple and the past was not delved into. No one wanted to strain their sudden reunion with questions and feelings. That would wait for later when all had found their bearings and settled.

"Wow, wow, wow! Miss Inoue! It has been too long and my, how you have grown! If I were a dirty old man I'd..."

"Urahara, you are a dirty old man!" Ichigo growled.

"Kurosaki, I'm offended! Anyways! I suppose we should get down to business." Urahara said flitting his fan about.

"Yes, we should." Ichigo retorted.

"Thank you Urahara, I am flattered." Orihime smiled as she bowed in gratitude for the compliment.

"See?" Urahara's eyes narrowed at the very flustered Ichigo Kurosaki. "Now, you really should get going. The Kuchikis don't like late guests."

"All this rush for an engagement party?" Orihime questioned.

"Rukia was very adamant that all should come and if we had given you time you might have run away on some 'business trip' like you have so many times before." Matsumoto chided. "Chad and Ishida should follow us shortly. I know they'll be happy to see you. Even they find time to visit with their busy careers."

()()()()()

Soul Society hadn't changed much in the seven years Orihime had been gone. Everything had been rebuilt the way it had always been and would stay for years to come. Each visit was like a trip to the past. It was a world that was stuck in one era and refused to modernize with the forward motion of time.

The Kuchiki Estate was grand and had a way of making anyone that approached it feel insignificant. It was like something out of a fairy tale. A place where only a most powerful prince could live, and he did.

"Byakuya..." He was someone Orihime had not seen since she had fled her awful hometown. She had regretted not saying goodbye to the man she had once saved, and who had saved her a countless number of times. The man she had spent so many weeks with during her recovery and a man she owed so much to. How could she even show her face here? How could he forgive her neglect and ungrateful behavior? Orihime flushed bright red with panic. To her relief the group was not greeted by anyone familiar, just a few lowly servants.

Once in the estate all were directed to their rooms to prepare for the evening's festivities. It was a formal event and everyone was expected to be adorned in their best dress.

()()()()()

Unpacking her suitcase Orihime wondered what revealing dress Matsumoto had picked out for her. As she removed layers of clothing from her bag, the light began to catch the beadwork on a garment of clothing. Soon she revealed a dress she had forgotten long ago. It was her "in case she ever happened to be at a formal party that he happened to be at" dress. A dress she had never found the courage to have a chance to wear.

After taking a moment to calm herself, Orihime looked up to take in her surroundings. They seemed familiar. The lavish drapes, ornate furniture, the bedding, the paintings, mirrors, everything in this room was familiar. It was the room she had stayed in all those years ago while recovering. With all her thoughts moving at light speed she had failed to notice when she first entered.

"Rukia." She whispered as she smiled. It was definitely Rukia's doing. What a thoughtful friend she had despite the several years of avoidance.

()()()()()

In another corner of the large estate the ruler of the household gave his last order regarding the party that would take place in only a couple of hours.

Now that the easy part of the night was completed he was left to listen to his own thoughts. He was going to see his long lost friend, a woman he felt close to at one time. Closer to than anyone he had met in his life, save his late wife. He had to get ready. He had to look his best and impress her.

He had already taken it upon himself to make sure she was returned to her room. The room she spent those many months in getting well, where they would keep each other company until she was well enough to walk with him. He had kept it the same since she left, not allowing any rearranging or new decorations to ruin her sacred place. Only a daily cleaning was permitted. He knew the servants would talk but he didn't care.

She was so young at the time and he had used every inch of willpower he had to not ruin the delicate balance of their friendship with his desire to touch her. Now she was a woman. Undoubtedly a beautiful woman at that. Soon he would find out just exactly how gorgeous of a woman age, growth and experience had turned her into.

As soon as he reached the privacy of his room he groaned and threw himself on his bed. Tonight would be a hard night. Harder than the toughest battle. He almost wished he was preparing for a battle instead of this. How could one woman, the incredible Orihime Inoue, fluster him, the calm and collected Byakuya so much?