Here it is!

Chapter 8. Enjoy :)

It was if she was in the clouds. Sitting on a cloud with her eyes on a certain carrot top next to her. He was busy taking out the strawberries from the bag they had for some reason with them. A faint smile on her face as he offered one to her. His hands coming closer to her mouth as he fed her the strawberry. A sweet strawberry tasting like cotton candy. Both were suddenly distracted as a small child came running, calling out to the two. The female tried to see where the voice came from, but couldn't seem to find the child who was looking for them. When she wanted to ask the male beside her what was going on, he suddenly disappeared. Then she heard another voice calling out to her.

"Inoue-san, Inoue-san…" Orihime opened her eyes just to be met with a blurry vision of Toshiro. Immediately, she sat up and rubbed her eyes as the silver haired boy observed her from where he was standing. "Did you have a good sleep?" The female yawned and nodded, stretching her hands behind her. "Y-Yes. I had a weird dream, but besides that, I slept pretty well."

"Good. I have heard from Unohana that you fell asleep in the garden and that Kurosaki was the one that brought you to your room. Do you perhaps have trouble sleeping?" Another yawn met Toshiro as she blinked, thinking before answering the question. "I do have trouble sleeping from time to time, but it's nothing bad." Her usual kind smile appeared. Toshiro was getting familiar with Orihime's smiles. She was one of those women who were too polite for their own good and liked to mask their true feelings from others just to prevent them from worrying. He sighed as he came to the conclusion that pushing her for an honest answer would not be helpful in this situation. "If you ever have trouble sleeping, you know where to find me. I'm always open for a cup of Camille tea." Orihime chuckled. Those words were the least she expected from someone who looked like a 12-year-old kid, but she was grateful for his offer.

"Thank you Toshiro-kun. I think I'll get ready for breakfast now." The silver haired kid left her room, and now Orihime was left alone with her thoughts. Her mind roamed back to last night, where she suddenly remembered that she fell asleep next to Ichigo. The apples of her cheeks suddenly flushed red as she remembered his soft voice. The way he offered his shoulder as a pillow and how gentle he was towards her. She clasped her hands over her heart as she suddenly felt embarrassed. How was she going to face him at the breakfast table?! Never in her life has she spend a night next to or even sleeping with an adult man. Orihime suddenly halted her thoughts and shook her head firmly, saying out loud: "No, no, Orihime. Now is not the time to freak out. Kurosaki-sama was just being nice. That's what he probably is used to do. Now get yourself to that shower and go to breakfast!" She pointed to the bathroom and stormed off.

Unohana was standing near the gate of the castle. She took a white dove from its cage and tied to its leg a small tube with therein a letter. She took the dove in her hands and looked at it tenderly, whispering to it. "I trust you will bring this letter safely to the Kurosaki estate." Before letting the dove go, she gave it a small kiss. The dove soon flew off, disappearing in the blue sky. A content smile on Unohana's face as she kept watching the bird until he was no longer in sight. A soft sigh escaping her lips as Sado appeared next to her. "Sado… have you ever heard or read about an absurd love story?" The big male that was her son didn't show any emotion and started at the sky, just like his mother. "No. I don't read love stories." Unohana chuckled and turned around to the castle. "Well, you are about to witness one."

Sado followed his mother and simply decided to keep quiet. His mother and leader of the Unohana jurisdiction was an odd woman that one should not argue with. Unohana was a sweet, loving woman, but also feared by many. Her wrath is one of the cruelest things to witness, so he had heard. The male never dared to ask his mother about two things. His father and her past. From a young age, he had learned that his mother would never open up about certain things. She gave him everything he needed, but there were times he longed to know more about his past and his family. Especially, since he and his mother were different, like night and day.

As they walked into the caste, they met Ichigo, who now had showered and made his way to the weights room. "Good morning, Unohana-san, Sado." Sado gave a nod of recognition, while Unohana stopped walking, her usual smile plastered on her face. "Ara, Kurosaki-san. Have you slept well? Your neck seems like it has suffered a bit." The male blushed lightly as he also remembered the events of the night before. Rubbing his sensitive neck. "Y-Yeah. But I had a nice night of rest, so I guess all went well." Sado raised an eyebrow as he saw his friend answering in quite an awkward manner.

"Ichigo, are you okay?" Ichigo now turned to his friend and scowled. "I'm fine Sado. Nothing to worry about." He then turned his attention once more to Unohana and said politely while giving a bow. "I'll be headed to the weight rooms now."

"Kurosaki-san." Unohana stopped him in his tracks. "I have sent your parents an invitation for dinner this week. Please be prepared." Both Sado's and Ichigo's eyes grew wide, turning to the woman. "M-My parents?!" Ichigo was now utterly confused by Unohana. Why in the world would she invite his parents over? There was nothing the matter, right? Was there a threat? "Is there something going on, Unohana-san? Do you need protection of the Kurosaki estate again?" Unohana simply held out her hand and shook her head. "Be patient. Both of you. In time, you will know why I invited both Ichigo's parents. Until then, stay put. Be good and prepare a nice outfit. We'll have a marvelous feast." And with that, she walked off.

Days went by and the night of the dinner with the Kurosaki's was here. Ichigo was walking around the courtyard, kicking a small stone that was standing in his way, as she was still pondering on Unohana's invitation. His parents? Unohana was always so cryptic. He knew that there would be no way for him to find out what she was up to. Ichigo's thoughts were disrupted by a certain voice that danced into his ear. The sound of a high, sweet and melodic voice that stopped next to him. "Kurosaki-sama!" It was Orihime, waving her hand as she walked up to the male. He stopped walking as he could see her cheeks turn red from catching up to him. A bright smile on her face and two gray orbs that he believed were carrying a hint of happiness. Was she happy to see him?

"A-Ah! Thank you for stopping. My belly is getting heavier by the day, so I couldn't run to you." His eyes lingered on her stomach, which was notable, growing and bigger than the first time they met. Then his eyes met hers once more, and he couldn't help to chuckle. Seeing her cheeks puff up as she gasps for air. "Calling out is good enough. I'll stop any place and anywhere for you." His words made Orihime turned even more red as she started to wave her hands in front of her as a van. 'Kurosaki-sama and his kindness…' she thought to herself. Ichigo, having no clue about what he just did, decided to resume his walk again, this time at a slower pace so that the maiden beside him could follow.

"S-So! No training today with Hisagi-kun?" She walked beside Ichigo, her cheeks turning back to their original color. "Nah. Hisagi left today on a mission. Besides, there are some other things I have to prepare for. How's your day?" He turned to her, his scowl slowly fading. "It's been quiet. On Rangiku's advice, I decided to pick up knitting. She says it's good for stimulating the brain and also making baby clothes. I already knitted some baby socks and right now, I'm knitting a bodysuit for the little guy." While she was explaining about her knitting, Ichigo couldn't help but to notice the pure beauty of the female beside him. Her auburn hair that was flowing in the wind. Her bangs being held up by her blue hairpins. The turquoise dress she was wearing was hugging her curves lightly, just enough to show her chest, hips and also her now growing belly. Her dress had light sparkles on them and Ichigo couldn't help to admit in his thoughts that the person who dressed her did a formidable job. But that was not his favorite part. His favorite part was her expressions that she made during her stories. W-Wait! Favorite part?! Ichigo mentally shook his head as he kept on listening to the woman.

"I wonder if I got the sizing right. I've never held a small baby, let alone make clothes for one. Also, caring for one… Sometimes I get anxious about these things." The male beside her tore his eyes away from her and looked at the ground, nodding as he kept thinking about her worry. "Maybe you can ask one of the maids for advice. I'm sure there must be someone who has ever worked with newborns." The auburn beauty smiled as she looked at the male beside her. For some reason, her heart started racing as she kept looking at him. Their height difference a bit more than 20 cm, which meant that the auburn beauty had to look up at him to study his face. His broad shoulders sticking out like a big rock that could protect anyone. His chest wide enough to catch her in a fall. The way he tightened his jaw when he was in deep thought, his scowl appearing, made her fall in love with him even more. Besides, he was actually quite funny and nicer than expected. W-Wait, did she just think about falling in love with him?

"Orihime." Ichigo suddenly stopped and sighed, rubbing the back of his head. "Since you shared your worry with me, I want to share mine with you as well. I'm sure you heard about the dinner of tonight." He said. "Yes I have. Unohana truly surprised me when she invited me. It's with your parents, right, Kurosaki-sama?" He nodded, another distress sigh leaving him. "Unohana invited them and for some reason I'm feeling really uneasy. She never invited them over unless it's critical."

"Important in what way?" Orihime asked. "Lately, there have been many riots in various kingdoms. I can't say too much, but I'm afraid I will have to leave soon and go back to my kingdom." There, Ichigo had said what was bothering him. From the day Unohana invited his parents, he knew and felt in his whole being that there was something up. It had to do with the Kuchiki's and them raiding villages again. It couldn't be any different, and that meant he would have to leave Unohana's place. Leaving Sado, Rangiku, Toshiro, but most of all the girl he started to open up to. Inoue Orihime.

Orihime looked at him with surprise. She knew that the day would come for him to leave, but she couldn't deny that she was actually enjoying her time with Ichigo. Being together in the garden by night, taking glances at him by day, causing her heart to race and her mind dreaming off. It made her feel alive, more alive than in the past couple of months. Without Ichigo noticing, she masked her disappointment and turned around, smiling once again. "It's just a feeling, right? That doesn't mean that it will happen. I'm certain that whatever the reason is, everything will be alright." She then looked at his hand and wanted to take it so badly, but she hesitated. Were they close enough to have a moment like this?

"Thanks Inoue." Ichigo's gaze softened as he watched her in the shining moonlight. "Your words actually make me feel a lot better." This made Orihime blush, her left foot moving in the sand from shyness. It was as if he were saying all the right things to her tonight. Could she hope and dream, even though he was probably leaving soon?

"You're welcome, Kurosaki-sama. It's funny, but a month ago, my life was horrible. I didn't even dare to dream being someplace else, and now I'm here, wearing beautiful dresses, eating well and being with such nice company. I couldn't be happier."

There the two were standing in silence. Ichigo watching Orihime as she was watching the sky. Her favorite thing to do. Both carrying feelings, thoughts and words they weren't able to share at that moment.

While Orihime and Ichigo had their little interaction, Unohana was standing in front of the window of her study, next to her standing Kurosaki Ishhin.

"So you mean… that girl. That girl, she is the one?" Isshin's face was stunned as he was hit by surprise. Unohana had told him a few moments ago that the girl he was desperately looking for was in plain sight, at the Unohana kingdom together with his son, whom she was expecting a child with. "I-I can't believe it! And she's with Ichigo right now. She's a true beauty. Wonderful, marvelous! This means that the Kuchiki's will not succeed in their plan, right?" Unohana watched the king turn from a depressed state to happiness instantly. What pleasant information can do to a king that was nearly in despair.

"I am not sure if you are quite cleared from any threat of the Kuchiki. The threat might even become bigger as soon as they know that this girl made contact with either one of us." Isshin wasn't listening to the female beside him. All he could see was the girl standing next to his idiot son. Smiling as the sun beside his strawberry. "Do you think she likes him? I have quite the skill to know when a woman is interested in my son. With Rukia, I also knew right away." Unohana had her usual smile plastered on her face as she once again said firmly, "Kurosaki-sama." Isshin turned around and met her smile, his demeanor immediately changed. "Sorry. I was just taken by the beauty of my future daughter-in-law." The female shook her head lightly. "As I was saying, the threat might increase."

"What do you then suggest?" Isshin replied. "I would recommend taking her to your kingdom and keep her away from the public eye. Keep her safe there until the baby is born. Once the newborn is here, we can plan further." Isshin frowned, rubbing his chin. "That's an idea. But what about getting these two married in secret as well? Even though I love my son very dearly, I'm not sure if the kingdom would accept a child out of wedlock." Isshin knew all too well that even though he was the king, the people in his kingdom wouldn't be fond of Ichigo coming back home with a child who was made outside of marriage, even he was not at fault. Whatever it takes, he needs to protect the dignity of his son and family. "That's up for you to decide. Now, Ichigo isn't aware of Inoue-san being the mother of his child. We should be careful bringing the news to them."

"Let me do it." Another female voice entered the conversation. It was Kurosaki Masaki who was wearing a beautiful dark blue night-gown, her auburn hair in a high ponytail which enhanced the natural beauty and features of her face. Her face being accompanied by blue sapphire earrings. "Masaki…" He had already seen her, but still, she managed to take his breath away. "I know Ichigo and how he can be at times. Also, let me speak to the maiden as well. I'm sure she'll be able to warm up against the grandmother of her child." Masaki chuckled as she saw how her husband was looking at her. "Isshin, close your mouth. It's not nice to gape." Unohana laughed softly as she watched the king beside her. "Alright. That seems like a good plan. Masaki-san can speak to Inoue-san after dinner. However, you handle Ichigo is up to you." They all nodded and left to the main banquet hall.

"Please all stand". The Harald screamed loudly, taking out his trumpet to announce the main guests of the evening. About a half hour ago the banquet had started, Orihime was now standing next to Rangiku in her maroon red maxi dress, the bump showing slightly through the dress. Since she was in the presence of royalty, Rangiku made sure Orihime looked her best. She powdered her face and made sure Orihime's lips would look alluring to all the men in the building. Her lips were glazed with a sheer gloss that carried a red tint. It made her lips plumper and slightly bigger. Her hairpins held up most of her hair, her bangs hanging beside her face, accompanied by two small diamond earrings she borrowed from Rangiku.

"If I didn't know better, I would think you are royalty." Rangiku said, beaming at the girl. "I did such a great job!" She patted herself on the shoulder. "D-Don't you think it's a bit much? I want to leave a good impression." Orihime whispered to the female beside her. "And why's that? What reason do you have to leave a good impression on the Kurosaki's? Oh please, don't tell me it's because of strawberry boy?" Rangiku's question caught her off guard as she stumbled, her cheeks turning red from the question. Rangiku's eyes widened as a grin appeared. "Hmm, put on your most beautiful smile, and they're yours."

Right as Rangiku stopped talking, the doors of the banquet hall opened. Revealing Ichigo in a regular black suit with a gray handkerchief in his pocket. His shirt was fully buttoned, and he was wearing a gold emblem on his right arm which carried the symbol of the Kurosaki household. Behind him, both the King and his beloved queen entered the hall. Isshin wearing a navy suit with gold emblems all over his suit. On his right part of his chest, showing the Kurosaki symbol. The usher ushered them to their seat, and all invitees were asked to join them at the table.

Orihime was 5 seats away from both the King, queen and their son, which she still couldn't believe is a prince of a kingdom in her country. During dinner, it just looked like all parties were exchanging pleasantries. The main conversation was about the hunting season, which apparently was around the corner. It was a topic so out of Orihime's reach that she found herself wishing that she studied a bit more about royalty and their hobbies. Out of nowhere, she began to feel out of place.

Rangiku was checking up on her from time to time, which was very kind, but the topics of their conversation made her realize she came from a different world. Her world existed out of her village. Everyday people would make their living by selling goods on the market, working in shops, in factories and by working on the land.

Orihime looked at her plate and looked at the food, thinking back of the people who would work tirelessly to prepare the harvest and processing of fruits and vegetables to the villages. She stopped eating and swallowed. The tears burned behind her eyes and to prevent them from falling she dug the nails of her right hand into her left hand, distracting her from pain. Once she calmed down, she looked up and her eyes met two certain chocolate brown ones, radiating a warm expression. It was Ichigo who had noticed Orihime's behavior. He offered her a quick but gentle smile. He knew that she was struggling at that moment to mingle. From the moment he told her his parents were coming, he noticed she was getting nervous, something that he didn't really understand. What was the big deal about meeting his parents? But he also knew that Orihime came from a different life and had been through a lot the last couple of months. Being with so many people should not be easy for her.

When Orihime saw Ichigo's smile, a warm sensation filled her heart. It was as if in the big mass of people (even though there were only around 20 people present) there was someone who noticed her. Someone who did not forget her. Someone who took the time to give her a smile, and from all people it was the man she… she… it was complicated. Quickly, she masked her blush by looking down, shoving a spoon full of soup into her mouth.

The small, discreet interaction did however not go unnoticed by lady Kurosaki. She was sitting next to her son and, a few seats across, Orihime Inoue. Not only her son, but she had also observed the maiden and noticed that she was quite of out place. Even though she was out of place, Orihime reminded her of someone, but she couldn't quite place it. But when her son offered her a smile, Orihime changed, and it brought a faint smile to Masaki's face. She knew that her son was quite the womanizer, but he wasn't one to offer simply smiles to strange woman and became curious.

The evening went by and dessert was served. It was Orihime's favorite, and she couldn't wait. Like a little child, she was humming while eating her chocolate pudding. Just when she wanted to take another bite, one of the servants approached her with a little card. "Please tell no one about this." She nodded and opened the card under the table so that Rangiku wouldn't notice.

Meet me in the garden in half an hour.

— K.

Orihime almost chocked on her spit as she read the card. Was this from Ichigo? No… that couldn't be. Why would he do something so secret? "Are you okay?" Rangiku immediately handed Orihime a glass of water. She quickly gulped down the water while looking across the room, noticing 20 pair of eyes upon her. Immediately she stopped drinking and bowed respectfully her head, mumbling "My apologies." Isshin chuckled. "Unohana-san, who's this lovely lady that's joining us for dinner tonight? I haven't seen her before." Unohana made a gesture to Orihime to introduce herself.

She quickly caught the meaning of the gesture and nodded. "My name is Inoue Orihime." Isshin nodded pleasantly, not noticing that his wife was suddenly becoming pale, her eyes widening as. She quickly went back to her usual composure and signed the usher. Then she stood up and said, "I'm sorry, everyone. It's been a wonderful night, but I wish to go for some fresh air." Isshin looked worried at his wife, extending his hand. "Do you want me to come with?" She smiled and shook her head. "No need, dear, thank you." Ichigo frowned as he also started worrying about his mother.

It wasn't that Masaki wasn't feeling well, but instead she wanted to make sure that her mind wasn't playing tricks on her. Masaki made her way to the library, and quickly she walked to the history section of the library. Unohana was a big fan of books, so her library was filled with almost 20,000 books. Normally, visitors would stand in awe in the middle of the room, but Masaki didn't even have time for it. "Please get me a history book of the 4 kingdoms." She said, her tone emphasizing that she was rushing.

The usher took one of the ladders and made his way up to the top. He managed to find the book she was looking for and returned a few moments later. Masaki grasped the book from his hand and immediately began to browse through the book. Her mind racing.

Inoue, Inoue… It can't be, right? Where did I hear that name again? But she must be… they look like two drops of water.

Masaki suddenly stopped, her fingers tracing down the pages as a sudden gasp left her mouth. She placed her hand over her mouth. In the book there was a picture of Orihime. Well, not exactly Orihime, but someone who looked just like her. Under the picture, there was written:

The members of the Inoue family.

Princess Amalia Inoue, married to Hans Sosuke.

Masaki felt herself get light-headed. Luckily, the usher was there to support her, and she quickly got back to her feet. "Sorry…" She kept on scrolling and reading until it was time to meet the girl in the garden.

It was late at night and the stars were plastered to the sky. Orihime was sitting on her usual spot as she waited on Ichigo. The dinner had just ended and everyone went on to the ballroom to get in a dance. Being in the fresh air made her happy. Even though the room was big, she felt stuffy. Now she was just happy to sit outside, rubbing her belly while enjoying the wind of the night.

A few moments passed and Orihime could her footsteps coming her way? Her eyes lit up like a lamppost after 10 PM as she turned around but instead seeing Ichigo she met the eye light brown of Ichigo's mother, Kurosaki Masaki. As she was thought, Orihime made a deep bow as she met the woman. "Q-Queen Kurosaki, it's an honor to meet you."

All Masaki could do was stare at the girl while thinking about the picture she saw in the book. Indeed, she is an Inoue. Her hair is the same, her smile, even her frame. The only thing different is her eye color. Masaki shook her head and smiled lightly. "Y-Yes, it's also a pleasure to meet you, Inoue-san. Please take your seat." Orihime obeyed the words of the queen and sat down. Curiously she looked at the queen who seemed a bit nervous and unwell. "Are you doing okay, Kurosaki-sama?" Masaki nodded and smiled. "Is it okay if I sit beside you, Inoue-san?"

"O-Of course! You don't need to ask me." Orihime moved to the other side of the bench to make room for the queen. Now that she was up close, she could see clearly that Ichigo had inherited his warm smile from his mother. "Q-Queen Kurosaki, it's for the first time meeting royalty." Orihime said, giggling softly to herself. "I mean, meeting a female member of the royal family. Kurosaki Ichigo-sama is of course an exemption."

Masaki looked at the girl and saw her smiling face, her gray orbs carrying nothing but purity. Then she saw her little bump as she sighed and decided to smile back at her. Now Masaki could understand the commotion her husband was making and that there could be a possibility for her son liking the girl beside her. Should she tell her about the pregnancy? About her lineage? No, it was too soon.

Masaki hated it when she had to decide and decided to stick to the plan. "So Inoue-san, I heard you made quite the journey. It must've been so tiring, you being pregnant and all." Orihime looked at her stomach and nodded shyly. "Y-Yeah…"

"How far are you along?" Masaki asked, observing Orihime's reaction. "Right now… I'm around 22 weeks? I'm not sure. I still have to get another check-up. Why do you ask?" Orihime suddenly felt a weird sensation in her stomach, a feeling that she couldn't shake off.

"It seems you are doing well." Masaki said gently. "Do you mind touching your stomach?" No one besides Rangiku had asked to touch Orihime's stomach, and for some reason, she wasn't opposed to the idea. She nodded and giggled as Masaki slowly but gently laid her right hand on her stomach. Orihime could feel her insides getting warm as a thud could be heard. A slight groan escaped her lips as she did not expect to feel a kick!

Masaki's eyes widened and started laughing as she once again felt a less strong kick against her hand. "Woah! The baby just kicked me! And what a strong kick that was. Are you okay, Inoue-san?" Orihime nodded. "It was just so unexpected! I can't believe he just kicked." Masaki grabbed Orihime's hand and looked Orihime in the eyes. "The baby must've known grandma is here."

Orihime turned her head slightly to the side, giving Masaki a puzzled look. "G-Grandma…" Masaki could feel the tears coming to her as she knew that she had some explaining to do. "If I may be so free… Orihime, I am the grandma of your baby." Orihime still puzzled couldn't grasp the situation. Both women were suddenly disturbed as they saw a familiar carrot top stranding behind them.

"What the heck is this supposed to mean?"

What is happeninggg? Stay tuned for the next chapter of... The connection! Thank you so much for reading. This chapter was hard to write because I had no idea how to advance the plot. But somehow it worked out. I'll try to upload a bit more often next time. Please review and let me know what you think of this chapter. Looking forward to reading your responses.

See ya!