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Here's Chapter 9. A bit shorter than I hoped but, nevertheless, enjoy!

Ever since his mom left the dinner table, Ichigo felt that something wasn't right. His mother was acting strange, and he wanted to know why. As soon as dessert was over, he took the chance to follow his mother, only to see her walking to the garden, meeting Orihime in the process. The way the two were communicating and interacting was nice, and it actually brought a smile to his face until the following words were heard:

"If I may be so free… Orihime, I'm the grandmother of your baby."

It was as if Ichigo's world had stopped for a moment, with confusion being the main emotion he felt. 'Grandmother? This can be right.' He thought to himself. It was then that his body acted on his own and he walked towards the two, his tone being a bit rough and loud. "What the heck is his supposed to mean?"

Orihime was just like him in a state of confusion and just stared at his mother. Masaki then looked back at her son with a calm smile. "If you're joking, it's not funny." Ichigo said, his scowl deepening. It looked like his words brought Orihime back to reality. The girl smiled sheepishly. "W-Why, are you saying this, Kurosaki-sama? You are confusing me and Kurosaki-san…"

Masaki didn't expect her son to be also in the garden and had imagined this to be very different. Orihime seemed like an understanding girl, her son, on the other hand, could be quite unpredictable. Would he run off in anger or shut himself in the room for a week? Or would he just laugh it off and be fine? Who knows?

The queen took a deep breath before giving her son a stern look. "Ichigo, Inoue-san, please follow me." She stood up and waited until the others followed her. Since the setting changed, she needed to make sure that as few people as possible would get wind of the situation. She brought the two to the library of the Unohana estate.

Just as expected, Orihime entered the library in awe, taking a moment to take it all. However, no one was paying attention to her. Ichigo was still frowning and deep in thought. His thoughts were stopped when he heard his mother say, "Take a seat, you two."

Both took a seat at the round table in the middle of the room and kept silent. The air was thick and heavy. Orihime and Ichigo awaiting in anticipation on Masaki's speech.

"Before we start, I want you both to promise me that this information is strict for those within this room. If the information is becoming too much, please bear with me. No one will leave until I say so." Orihime gulped as she was suddenly afraid of what could come next. "Don't worry Inoue-san." Masaki said, noticing her fear. "Everything is fine."

"Then why are we sitting here? What's going on?" Ichigo said sternly, meeting his mother's eyes. "Your father and I recently did a discovery about a series of tests the Kuchiki kingdom has been carrying out." As soon as he heard the name 'Kuchiki' Ichigo tensed up, his hands turning into fists. "Orihime is a result of one of these tests. Or rather, I should really rephrase, but she's carrying one of the results." Hearing Masaki discuss Orihime and her child, made memories of her time in the facility return. She bit her lip as she nervously was pulling her finger.

"What has that to do with me?" Ichigo grumbled, feeling his blood boil once more. Masaki ignored his insensitive comment and continued. "Your father, the king, and I received information from a reliable source that Orihime is pregnant with your offspring." Orihime's eyes widened as she could not believe her ears. What was this supposed to mean? Why would Urahara-san do that to her? What is the reason for this? The girl decided not to make eye contact as she looked down at her belly, unsure what to feel in this situation.

Ichigo, on the other hand, knew exactly what he felt. Confusion was still lingering, but it was slowly overtaken by anger. "How in the world did this happen?!" He raised his voice, containing himself from slamming his fist on the table. "We believed that Kuchiki Rukia was the person who made this possible." By mentioning Rukia's name, Masaki knew she was walking on thin ice, eying her son as she felt deeply for Orihime who was now not even looking at her, but hiding her face behind her bangs.

"R-Rukia… did WHAT?!" This was it. Something in Ichigo snapped as he couldn't contain his anger anymore. Blood was rushing through his veins, his heart almost on fire from anger. He stood up and made way to the door, not even taking a glance at the girl beside him. "Ichigo!" Masaki yelled, following her son. Right before he reached the door, his mother caught up to him, touching his back gently. "Ichigo, you promised not to leave until I was finished."

"What is there to finish?! Is there more?" Masaki sighed, but was soon after surprised as Orihime stood before her, eyes still not showing. "E-Excuse me, Kurosaki-sama. C-Can I leave? I need to lay down." Orihime said softly, just talking loud enough to be heard by Masaki. She looked very pale. "Sure. You guys can leave. This must've been too much." She let go of her son, who immediately stormed off. Orihime gave Masaki one last nod before slowly walking to her room.

The room was spinning and time was ticking by, but Orihime still couldn't sleep. Hours had passed since Ichigo's mother brought the news about her being pregnant with Ichigo's child. A few weeks ago, she had just met him, and now he is the father of her child? It felt as if the oxygen in her room was running low, and Orihime decided to go to the garden. Once she was seated on her now favorite bench, she looked lifelessly into nothingness, her mind wandering again. The moments they shared now seemed far, far away. The way he was smiling at her a few hours ago at the dinner table. How kindly he offered his shoulder for her to sleep on. "Kurosaki-san really looked angry…" Orihime said to her baby. "I'm sure he'll be fine tomorrow morning."

The whole night, Orihime stayed up in the garden, being alone with her thoughts. As soon as the sun rose, she made her way to the front of the castle, hearing loud grunting coming from the courtyard. It was Ichigo standing there in his battle pants, training with his katana as his bare upper body was soaked with sweat. He was swinging his katana roughly as if he were venting. Orihime kept watching him, observing his expression, the way his abs moved and the way he was swinging his arms. She was a bit caught off guard when she suddenly saw Ichigo's eyes meeting hers, only to be met with two ice-cold brown eyes.

"O-ohayo, Kurosaki-sa…" before she could even finish her greeting, he walked past her, taking his towel and walked off. His cold demeanor made her body stiffen as her eyes were filled with shock. Is he disgusted with her? Her heart suddenly sunk.

Ichigo's cold behavior kept going on for a couple of days and each night Orihime was sitting in the garden, hoping in her heart that there might be a coincidence to meet Ichigo, without any success. It was the fourth night of Orihime sitting in the garden, alone with her thoughts once again. The only difference was that once again she was looking haggard and slowly, but surely Ichigo's behavior was getting to her. The sweet, kind prince turned into a cold man overnight. She was fine if he wouldn't approve of her, but ignoring her presence was even worse. All these past days he had been ignoring her and right now, she never felt more alone. The father of the baby inside her despised not only her, but also her baby. Orihime managed to keep it dry all these days, but this particular night she broke down and sobbed softly.

"Onii-chan… why isn't this nightmare ending?" She covered her face with her two hands, making sure no one would be able to hear her. The memory of her brother warning her for royalty coming back to her. "Royalty is bad news, Orihime. People like us don't belong with those people, so please, don't fall for a prick like that." The tears kept flowing as she smiled sadly. "I'm sorry Onii-chan, but my heart keeps getting in the way. It became curious about Kurosaki-san, and now I want him to notice me. Even if he doesn't want me, I just want him to see me…"

From a distance, Rangiku was watching the girl together with Masaki. "Masaki, don't you think it's a bit cruel to leave her like that?" Masaki nodded and agreed with the other auburn head. "Yeah, it's been four days, and she's reaching her limit." Masaki felt deeply for the girl as she felt guilty, seeing her tears. "Should we have a girl's night? I know we are not exactly young, but we should make sure she can get back up to her feet."

Ichigo was sitting next to the window of his room, his elbows resting on the armrest of the chair, his fingers gripping his hair. The male had been sitting there for the past couple of hours. His anger over the days turned into sadness and betrayal. Rukia's backstabbing was even worse than he had ever imagined. The woman he opened his heart to, shared little secrets with and steamy nights. Only to be betrayed and met with horror. She stole something that was his, but also robbed him of his dream to one day start a family, either with her or with someone else. He didn't even have a choice, and now he was becoming a father, against his will.

That was not even the big problem, the problem was that he was betrayed. Every time he thought back to Rukia and the moments they shared, Ichigo felt he was becoming insane. He would scream and redirect his anger towards his training, but after 4 days his energy was depleted and all he could do was sigh and stare into nothingness. It was as if his heart were shattered in a thousand pieces all over again. Tears wouldn't even come, no she wasn't worth his tears.

Orihime? The girl he met a few weeks ago was far from his mind. Her lovely smile didn't seem to matter to him anymore. No one could be trusted.

Rangiku, Masaki and Orihime were seated on the bed in Rangiku's room. She had a big queen size bed, large enough for the three to sit on and relax. Just like an aunt, she had been observing Orihime and worried greatly about her. She ate very little, slept very little, and this could have negative effects on the baby. Her way of consoling Orihime was to spend the night with her, chatting about all different things, but mainly also to find out what was bothering her.

And now the three women were chatting and talking, Orihime mainly listening to their stories. "Orihime, now it's your turn. Tell us your honest opinions about Unohana's clothing style." Rankgiku asked, leaning closer to the girl. "I-I'm sorry… I don't really have anything to add." She smiled weakly, the two other woman looking at each other.

"I think it's time I tell you about Ichigo. I know you're dying to know what exactly happened, right?" Rangiku gave Orihime a wink, Masaki simply offering Orihime a gentle smile. Orihime nodded, a sheer of curiosity in her eyes. "All this thinking will eventually wear you out, and I know you Hime You're too polite and gentle to ask what happened. You must be so confused."

Orihime didn't feel like crying, but Rangiku had exactly described how she felt, and it brought tears to her eyes. Masaki grabbed Orihime's hand and gently stroked it. "I apologize for dropping the bomb like this." The girl shook her head and wiped her tears. "It's okay Kurosaki-sama. Don't worry."

"It's only natural that she gets to know the truth!" Rangiku said playfully. "Well, you know, that sometimes idiotic son of Masaki here used to have a relationship. They broke things off a few months ago, but strawberry boy hasn't really gotten over it. I mean, that's what we thought until we saw how he was enjoying himself with you these past few weeks." Orihime's mouth turned into a 'O' shape. "It's been a hard couple of months for my son. I was truly happy to see how he was enjoying himself with you, Orihime. It seems that he cares greatly for you. That's why I feel guilty for bringing such news to both of you." Masaki added.

"Masaki-san, eventually they had to find out, one way or another. You just did your job." Rangiku said to lift her spirits. "Anyway, Ichigo was doing terrible. I think he must be mad because he is betrayed by his ex-girlfriend. The woman he dated was actually the one that stole Ichigo's, you know. Now to hear that her family and her used it to impregnate a stranger. Gosh, I would be mad too." The female began using her hand as a fan, she was getting hot from imaging someone doing the same to her.

"S-So Kurosaki-san must be really sad and angry." Orihime interrupted, looking at the two women. "Of course! Imagine someone you love doing that to you. I would rip them apart if I could!" Rangiku now looked like a mommy lion being out for a hunt, and her expression made both woman giggle.

"Kuchiki Rukia really is something else. She would kill and steal for her brother." Rankgiku sighed. "That's the name of his ex-girlfriend?" The name piped Orihime's interest. "I think I've met her. Yes, I'm sure it was her. A petite woman with black hair and bright violet eyes?" Masaki nodded. "That seems about right. Where have you seen her Inoue-san?"

Orihime placed her finger on her chin as she was thinking back, her pregnancy brain not really helping. "I-I think it must've been around the time I left the facility to go to the new place. Kuchiki-sama was also present."

"That explains a lot." Rankgiku huffed, folding her arms. "It must've been her brother pressuring her. Truly, Rukia is just another one of his little brainwashed minions." Masaki immediately called Rangiku to a halt. "Rangiku-san, that's no way to speak about Kuchiki Rukia-san. I do not agree with her tactics, but she should discover for herself what is right and not. Right now, Orihime is caught in the middle of this mess. Something she does not deserve."

It was at that moment that Orihime started to admire Ichigo's mother once more. She graceful turned Rankgiku's words around and was even taking her side. Both women here were like a gift that she did not deserve.

"Orihime, no matter what my idiotic son does, I want you to know that both my husband and I are ready to take you and the baby in. We want you to come to the Kurosaki Kingdom and spend the last months of your pregnancy with us. You're birthing a Kurosaki, after all." These words were like a candle warming Orihime's heart. Masaki truly was kind and without any hesitation she took the offer. There was no other place she could turn to now.

"We'll take care of that annoying strawberry later." Rankgiku added, wrapping Orihime into a warm hug.

The following morning, Ichigo was getting dressed when unannounced Sado entered the room with a cup of thee. "Drink this. It works miracles for muscle soreness." Ichigo scoffed as he took the mug from Sado, taking a sip and spitting it out. "WHAT IS THIS? DUDE! It tastes like horse piss!" Sado simply held up his thumb, snickering inside. "Have you actually taste horse piss?" "You don't want to know what I've tasted without knowing. The guys from the army are insane." Ichigo shivered as Sado shook his head. He didn't even want to think about it.

Sado was a very simple man. Ichigo was his first friend and person to treat him like a normal human being. Because he treasured their friendship more than anything, he would always be honest with Ichigo. His best friend didn't always like that, but it was Sado's way of showing that he cared, and he was about to do the same.

"You know, you've been pretty harsh these last days." Ichigo looked at Sado, expressionless. "What are you talking about." "Hmm." Sado was pondering on how to bring the point across, but since he hated to spiral around things, he decided to take the direct route. "Inoue-san? You pretty much ignored her these past few days. It's not nice to lead someone on and then quit cold turkey." Ichigo cocked a brow at his friend. "Leading her on? I didn't lead anyone on. Besides, things have changed. That was before I knew what happened. How can I trust her? She may be one of the Kuchiki minions in disguise. Maybe Rukia sent her here on purpose."

The big man couldn't believe what he heard. His friend was usual quite predictable, but this was not what he expected. Sado then grabbed Ichigo by his collar. "Ichigo, how can you believe that?" He let his collar go. It was only meant as a sign, as in 'get yourself together'. "You know what Inoue-san went through. That she was locked into that place against her will after her village got raided, which is partially your fault. She even became pregnant against her will. Besides, do you really think the Kuchiki's would leave her out of their sight?"

Somewhere in his mind, Ichigo knew that Sado was correct. He was the reason why Orihime was taken away from her friends and family and that her hometown had been made equal to the ground. He hated when his friend was lecturing him like this.

"Both of you are in this situation against your will, but get yourself together. You're doing more damage that can work against you eventually."

"Nicely said, Sado-kun." Isshin was standing in the doorway, watching the interaction between the two males he adored so much. "It seemed like you beat me to it." Isshin let himself in and took a seat beside Ichigo on the bed. "Ichigo, Sado isn't wrong. I'm sorry about everything. I just heard about the news myself and your mother wanted to handle things, which turned out a lot different than we thought." Isshin chuckled, patting his son on the back.

"I know this comes as another burden. An unexpected one, for sure, but this is part of bearing the weight that has been given to you as royalty." Ichigo sighed and rubbed his face. "Dad… I never asked for this. Inoue never asked for this… Isn't there a way to undo this?" Isshin shook his head. "No son. Unfortunately, Inoue-san is just a victim dragged into our mess. It's only fair for you to make sure nothing happens to her, at least to the birth of your son." Ichigo groaned softly. "I know you will do well, because protecting those you care for is what you do best."

"Now I feel like a total ass." Ichigo groaned once more. "Well, luckily, you will have time to make it up to her!" Isshin laughed suspiciously. "What do you mean, dad?" Ichigo's usual vein popped up on his forehead. "I want you to travel with Orihime to the kingdom. Just you and her. Your mother and I will leave this afternoon, so we can prepare. It would be too suspicious if we all travelled together. I want you to come with Orihime a few days after we left. The last part of her pregnancy will be carried out in our estate, where you can keep her safe."

Ichigo's dad always came up with the wildest idea's but for some reason he wasn't opposed to travelling alone with Orihime. A couple travelling alone would not catch that much attention. Also, this would mean they could actually make it up to Orihime and get to know her better. After all, she was the mother of his child.

"Sure."

Later that afternoon, there was a small crowd assembled in front of the castle. They were all there to wave the happy couple Kurosaki Isshin and Kurosaki Masaki goodbye. Before they left, Masaki gave Orihime's hand a small squeeze. "I'll see you soon, Orihime. I can't wait to welcome you to my home." The girl was already grateful for Masaki's kindness, but to be hearing that she was actually looking forward to her coming was causing a beaming smile. "I-I'll look forward to seeing you again, too."

Isshin gave his son just a regular pat on his shoulder. His eyes already said enough when he started at his son. Ichigo gave him a firm nod, and they all said goodbye. As soon as the car left, the majority of the crowd made their way inside, except the two orange shades.

"Inoue…" Ichigo began. Orihime turned to him, an understanding expression on her face. "Kurosaki-san must've had a really hard time. No wonder you were so cold to me!" She smiled, but this time her smile did not reach her eyes. "I want to apologize. My behavior wasn't the best, I admit that. But I did some soul-searching and I want to start afresh. First we met as total strangers, but right now, we have something in common." Orihime wasn't sure how to feel about Ichigo's words. "Let's start over as friends and partners." He extended his hand towards her. Hesitantly, she took his hand.

"Nice to meet you, my name is Kurosaki Ichigo. It's a pleasure to meet you." Orihime couldn't help but to giggle at Ichigo's introduction. "My name is Inoue Orihime, but you can call me Orihime."

Both were now shaking each other's hands, staring at each other while the world around them slowly faded away.

And so, their journey continues! I'm sure you guys all hoped that Ichigo would be more than thrilled to have Orihime as the mother of his child. I'm sorry if this chapter did not meet your expectations, but that is what writers are here for ;). Anyway, after seeing some reviews I just couldn't bring myself to wait another month to post the next chapter. Luckily, I was in the writing flow, so I pushed this chapter out in a few hours.

I hope I can manage to post the next chapter before my holiday in October! Thank you for your lovely reviews, it helps me to keep writing.

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