Hi all!
I'm back with another update and as promised I will tell more about the setting of the story. So here it is :)
Also, did you guys it's IchiHime month? I never ever knew. Do you know what that means? More updates, hooray!
Setting of the story
The Connection is a story set in place in an Alternative Universe. The story isn't set in a certain time that is parallel with our timeline. However, the story does share similar time frames to our time. It is set in a time that is similar to the late 1800s, early 1900s. The high society in the country travels mainly by car or horse (only those who have a high status, such as royalty). Regular folk travel by foot or by bicyle. The only outskirts of certain kingdoms have operating buses, but it is a new concept for the rest of the country. There are no free ways. Also, telephone is a whole new concept for most people. In the story the telephone will be introduced together with the new development of film. Clothing varies per income class. But clothes are more early 1900s. Except Rangiku. she's a different story.
The story takes place in the country Capon, which in geography looks similar to Germany. The country is divided into three kingdoms (former four kingdoms). The mightiest kingdom is the Kurosaki Kingdom, which has been established by the Kurosaki house.
The second most influential kingdom is the Kuchiki Kingdom, founded by the Kuchiki clan. The kingdom is the home of the most nobles in the kingdom. Well known for its modern yet traditional houses and streets.
The third kingdom is the Unohana Kingdom. Unohana Retsu was given reign over the third Kingdom as there was no one suitable to fulfil this role. Given by Masaki's father as a gift of their alliance and loyalty to the Kurosaki family.
It had been 6 months since Kurosaki Kamari's birth and the little boy was very healthy. Every morning, he would scream loudly for his mother's milk. The maids would gently wake up Orihime and lead her to the feeding room, where her little prince was waiting.
Each morning, Orihime never failed to show her little son the most beautiful smile in the world. Kamari would happily drink his mother's milk and these days he happily showed his mother his smile. Orihime found it rewarding to see her baby grow as cabbage. Because Kamari was a big eater and Orihime had trouble delivering the amount of milk needed, they fed him extra with formula.
Every day at dinner, it was Ichigo's turn to feed Kamari. The little feeding time Ichigo spend with Kamari was more than enough to get close to him. As a crown prince, Ichigo had plenty of duties, but he found it important to spend time with his son every day. Orihime was surprised at how much Ichigo values his duty as a dad, but it made him even more attractive.
Besides taking care of Kamari, Orihime helped around the gardens and often spend time with the maids of the kingdom. Giving them tasks and looking for new things to decorate the castle with. Her body was finally healing and now that she was getting back in form, she was mentally also in a better place. Finally, she stared slowly to get her mind from Kamari and was ready to get on new things.
Today had been an exhausting day for Orihime. Isane and Momo were helping her renovate the new dining room on the second floor in the far-left wing of the castle. The girls were so into their work that they even skipped lunch and ended up working until dinner. It was then that Orihime decided to go back. But the girls almost didn't want to let go of her, since they were making so much progress.
"Girls, I have a family to think of." Orihime said politely, looking at Momo's and Isane's sad face. "Besides, we made a lot of progress, didn't we? Masaki-san said we have a few more weeks to finish anyway." Both maids sulked, but eventually gave in. "Alright Inoue-sama, if you insist that we should go, we will go." Isane said, a bit disappointed. "We'll rest up really good and meet you tomorrow here!" Momo said rather cheerfully, wiping off the sweat off her forehead.
"See you tomorrow, girls!" Orihime gave them once again a warm smile before walking off. Her stomach was growling, and she really could use a hot bath. Her body was sore from all the lifting and moving they had done. I wonder what Kurosaki-kun is doing tonight. He must be busy with his report again…
Mentally she sighed. Well, let's just go and visit Kumari-chan! My little angel must be fed during this time. How exciting!
Orihime couldn't help to visit the nursery before going to her room for her dinner. The sight in front of her however left her breathless.
The big rocking chair in the room was occupied by a tall, large, orange haired male. He positioned Kamari in a seating position on his lap, supporting his back with his arm. Kamari lifted his arms as if he were reaching for something. The bottle Ichigo held was now in a flying motion coming to Kamari's mouth, which made the young baby giggle and happily sucked on the tip of the bottle.
Warmth emitted from Ichigo's eyes as he proudly watched his son drink the formula he made with love. He chuckled as he saw Kamari move his head happily as he kept on drinking. Boy, you remind me of your mother when she's eating. Looking just as happy. You might not look like her exactly, but you certainly have her personality.
Ichigo interacted with Kamari as he kept on babbling during his drinking breaks, "Oh really? Do you think orange suits me? I think it suits you too! But maybe we should try another color? Just in case?" Kamari made a disagreeing sound as he shook his head. Ichigo laughed as he enjoyed watching his son.
Two eyes were fixed on the two orange haired boys. Orihime saw the entire thing and swallowed deeply. For some reason, she could feel her heart melt, watching the two males she adored so much interact with each other in such a funny way. She even giggled at their last conversation, which did not go unnoticed by her husband.
"Orihime, what are you doing in the doorway? Come join us!" "Ichigo said cheerful, patting Kamari's back who now was done eating. "I didn't want to interrupt an important father / son conversation." She stood behind the rocking chair, ruffling Kamari's hair.
"You could never interrupt us. Isn't that right, Kamari?" The baby made another sound and Orihime chuckled. These two boys made her beyond happy. She decided to take a seat across Ichigo on the couch and kept watching their interactions.
Gosh, has Kurosaki-kun always looked so manly? His arms are huge and the veins on his arm are sticking out. Does it hurt? And… the way he is smiling. Oh, and the way he is dark eyes are so filled with warmth and love. I want to kiss him again…
"We should really buy him another suit. Do you think Rangiku would like to help us?" Ichigo kept on talking, but with no response from his wife. "Hime?" Icihigo interrupted Orihime, who kept on staring at him. "A-ah!" She flushed red as she shook her head. "Sorry, I was distracted." What was I thinking?!
Ichigo sighed, but immediately gave her a smile. Kamari had burped and was now getting sleepy. "It's okay. I said, maybe we should ask Rangiku for new clothes again." Orihime nodded, getting off the couch to take Kamari from Ichigo.
"We can definitely ask Rangiku-san again." Gently, she placed Kamari in his crib, who's eyes were now slowly closing. She kept on watching him, but then felt two arms wrapping around her waist, pulling her in. Ichigo wrapped her in a hug, watching Kamari with her.
"He'll be sleeping soon. Gosh, he's so adorable." Ichigo snickered softly.
Gosh, and you're so hot.
Orihime's eyes widened as she wanted to shake her head again, but refrained from doing so. There could be a big chance that she would hurt Ichigo if she would shake her head. Why was she thinking such weird things?
Orihime, you must be sleep-deprived and exhausted from working in the dining hall today. It's not okay to think like that of Kurosaki-kun.
She strictly talked to herself until she felt Ichigo's lips on her cheek. "Thank you for being such a great mom. I love you." He kissed her temple and released her from the hug. Orihime felt her face heat up as Ichigo left her there speechless.
"Kurosaki-kun…" She turned around, stopping her husband. "Do you have to work on that report again?" She asked curiously. "Yeah, unfortunately I do have to return immediately. I wish we could at least have dinner together, but Kamari's feeding time was a lot longer than intended." Orihime for some reason wasn't mad that Ichigo had to return to his post and showed a look of understanding.
"Too bad, but at least we got to spend time with the three of us." She sweetly smiled at him. He then in turn walked back to his wife and leaned in, surprising her with a soft but gentle kiss. "Have a good dinner and rest well." Orihime smiled once again and nodded. "Yes sir!"
After having dinner alone in the room, Orihime went to the bathroom for a bath. She undressed herself and for some reason she walked to the mirror and checked herself out. A large scar on her stomach from the C section that was done.
She gently touched the scar. What would Kurosaki-kun say if he saw this scar? Would he still think I'm beautiful? Would he still want me to…
Her thoughts went a different direction, which again turned her cheeks pink. Who is this person I am becoming? Why am I thinking about Ichigo and I… and I…
She bit her lip and quickly jumped into the hot bathtub. After taking a long hot bath, Orihime made her way to the bed. It was around 11 p.m. and all she could think of was her husband and Kamari.
We should really have a picnic outside soon when Kamari can crawl. Just the three of us! — she dozed off with a warm smile on her face.
"Orihime, Orihime!" The young mother opened her eyes, seeing Ichigo next to her. "What's wrong Kurosaki-kun?" She looked at him curiously, seeing him covered in sweat. They were seated in the garden and all her husband was wearing were his pants.
"Can you wipe off my sweat for me? Working in the garden has me all wet." He handed her a towel and she quickly got up and gently wiped her husband's abs.
His abs are so hard… it looks like 6 pieces of bread. So yummy… so tasty. She was so immersed in the wiping. That she didn't notice Ichigo grinning at her. "You like what you see?" He asked her. The girl looked up and for some reason didn't feel ashamed to look at him. Instead, she daringly said, "Yes, they look yummy."
This was the male's sign to lean down and kiss his wife. Orihime squealed in herself as she could feel Ichigo's lips on hers. His tongue begging for entrance as he could feel it tingle against her lips. She sightly opens her mouth and immediately their tongues started to wrestle as their moans became louder. Her hands still touching his abs as she could feel her body becoming hungry for his touch.
The pit of her stomach turning as she could feel a sensation somewhere down in her body that she never felt before. His moans increasing the feeling as he places his head on the back of her neck, deepening the kiss.
Thud.
"Miss Inoue-san, it's morning already. Kamari-sama wants his breakfast." Orihime groaned and woke up in shock as she awoke from her dream. "W-Where am I?" She said, looking around as she saw a maid in front of her.
"In your room. It looks like Kurosaki-sama has already left." The female blinked a few times before coming to herself, noticing that the sensation between her legs was still there. She flushed red as she waved her hand at the maid. "I-I'll be right there. Give me a minute."
She quickly went to freshen up and went down to feed her son.
During Kamari's feeding time, Orihime did not have any time to think about her dream, but the rest of the day it was a challenge not to be distracted. Everything and everyone reminded her in some reason of her husband.
It was Momo who brought up strawberry jam and how much she loved it. Isane brought up that they needed 15 of each decoration for the dining hall. And even Masaki kept on rambling about her son Ichigo during tea time.
Orihime was glad that the day ended. But she was unlucky because Rangiku was there to visit her. "Hey Orihime-chan, how's life been treating you?" They were seated in the garden, Orihime's favorite place.
"It's been going well, Rangiku-san. It seems that I've finally found my place in this household." She beamed, hiding behind her smile a feeling of nervously and a longing for her husband.
"How's Ichi doing? Haven't seen much of him around." Rangiku said rather flat and disappointed. "He has numerous things to take care of nowadays. You know how things are for the crown price. It's just his duty." She replied politely.
"Don't you miss him? You know, spending quality time?" The female looked at Orihime. She had a hard time reading Orihime. Ever since her childbirth she never showed any type of desire for an intimate relationship and Rangiku found it odd. Orihime was a girl with a gifted body, and she knew her nephew couldn't wait to make his move.
"We had some quality time as a family yesterday. It was really great." At that moment, Rangiku saw Orihime's gaze change for the first time. She had a fond look in her eyes, as if she was treasuring the moment. The older woman suddenly felt warm and decided to take a change.
"Orihime… I've been wanting to ask this for a long time. Are you interested in Ichigo in a more intimate way?" Rangiku knew the girl didn't have any experience, but with such a look on her face, she might be able to work with the girl.
However, the question instead made Orihime freak out as she turned red and shook her head. "U-Uh… well, Kurosaki-kun and I kiss… but you know. I don't think we're ready for something more."
"How do you know if you don't talk about it?" Rangiku said teasingly. "Well… Kurosaki-kun is busy, and I'm just getting adjusted to mom life." She rambled on. "Didn't you just say you finally found your place here?"
Darn it. Rangiku was unto her, but Orihime wasn't sure if she was ready. She never did this kind of thing before, and her thoughts were like something she never had before.
"I just need time." She said, her eyes closed while the flush disappeared. "My first experience was when someone forcefully impregnated me with a tube. Sometimes when I look at myself, I think of that time. It's been so long ago…" Orihime opened up.
Rangiku sighed as she started to feel bad. "M-My apologies Orihime. I wasn't trying to push you. It's just that, you're gorgeous, and your husband really loves you."
"I know." The bride smiled sadly. "I love Kurosaki-kun too. But it's just something between me and him." Just when she said these words, it had hit her. She needed to talk to Ichigo about her feelings.
Weeks passed, and it was as if Orihime were in heat. Her dreams even went further than kissing, and each night she could feel her body hunger for her husband.
It was just her bad luck that he went on a trip with the army commander. But finally the day was here. He was back, and she was going to tell him how she felt.
The whole day, Orihime felt impatient, but her kind husband didn't come back until late in the evening. Orihime was already in bed and sighed.
I don't want to fall asleep. I really really want to see Kurosaki-kun. I want to kiss and hold him.
It was 12 am and still no sign of Ichigo. It frustrated her, so she decided to go to bed anyway, and eventually, she fell asleep.
Short after, Ichigo came into the room, finding a sleeping Orihime. He chuckled while looking at her sleeping face. You take my breath away, Hime.
He then decided to take a shower before heading to bed with his wife. The sound of the shower woke up Orihime, and she groggily rubbed her eyes as she saw a male only walking around in a towel.
"Kurosaki-kun, is that you?" She said sleepy. "Hey, sweetie, it's me." He whispered, walking towards the bed. Orihime's eyes shot open as she saw in front of her a naked male that was only clothes with a towel.
"A-Am I dreaming?" She said, Ichigo giving her a confused stare. "N-No, I just came back." He laughed ad Orihime immediately jumped under the blankets.
Kurosaki-kun is here, and he's naked! What should I do? Oh! no…! Should I tell him now, or should I just jump on him?
"Hime, are you okay?" Ichigo, who was now wearing his boxers, walked to the bed and gently removed the covers. Only to find a heavily blushing Orihime, who's eyes were firmly closed.
"A-Ah…! I'm not looking! I'm just waiting for my sleep to return to meee!" She squealed. Ichigo gave his wife a concerned look. He sat on the bed and sighed.
"Orihime, what's wrong? Why are you acting like you've seen something you shouldn't have?" Orihime could sense concern in this tone and quickly sat up next to Ichigo, her eyes adverting from his body.
"Alright…" she sighed, feeling her heartbeat in her throat. "Lately, I've been naughty." She said softly, her gaze still not meeting his.
"Naughty? What did you do? Knocking something over with that clumsiness of yours?" He chuckled.
"I'm not clumsy… and no. Nothing like that. J-just different naughty." The way she was behaving was so new to Ichigo that he couldn't help but to find it amusing.
His wife was definitely cute and naughty, apparently. "Care to explain what you exactly mean by naughty?" He asked once again.
Orihime knew she had to come clean and groaned before closing her eyes and admitting, "I've been having impure thoughts about Kurosaki-kun. Really, really impure that I-I'm too ashamed to face you."
Her whole face turned red. She placed her hands in front of her face and hid it. Ichigo's eyes widened with shock, but soon his shock turned into a grin and his eyes showed a sparkle.
"What kind of thought do you have? It's only fair that you tell me." He was going to have fun pulling this out of his wife.
"I-I can't! You'll think I'm a pervert, and you won't be able to look at me." Ichigo laughed and started to touch her hair.
"I will never think of you like that. Besides, I have a secret too." He whispered as he leaned close to her. She looked slightly at him through her hands. "Really?"
"Yes. I also have naughty thoughts about Inoue Orihime." The way he told her brought a shiver to her body. She could feel her body react to his low and husky voice.
"I've been dreaming of making love to you until the sun comes up. And I've been wanting to make you feel good for a very long time, but I also knew that you weren't ready." Orihime now looked at her husband, hands removed from her face.
"I didn't know that. If I knew that sooner… I think." Ichigo interrupted her. "No Hime. I couldn't be any happier than to wait for you. It's rewarding to hear you were thinking of me too."
They just looked at each other until Orihime took the first step and kissed her husband. There was a longing in her kiss that caught Ichigo off guard. She soon after began to open her mouth so that Ichigo's tongue could access hers.
He slowly laid her down on the bed as their kissing became more aggressive. After a while, they pulled back as they needed to breathe.
"I want you… Kurosaki-kun." Orihime said panting, now opening her robe and revealing her deep cleavage and the nightgown she was wearing. He smiled at her as he took in her beauty and tossed the robe aside and slid the nightgown off her body, leaving her only in her underwear.
"I want you too, Hime." He said before reaching down to kiss her again.
The rest of the night the two of them ended up in a tango filled with kisses, thrusts and tickle wars. Ichigo, being the gentleman he is, taught Orihime new things and most of all didn't push her to do things she didn't want to. But to his surprise, Orihime was bolder than he imagined and made him feel better than ever. It surprised him that no one came to check on them, since their moans were very loud. Not that he was worried about someone interrupting them.
The next morning, the maid on duty came to wake Orihime, but to her surprise found the new mother on top of her husband. Sleeping safe and sound in his arms. The maid instantly turned red and rushed out. "Oh my! Let's not disturb them today. Just give Kamari the formula today."
The sun was shining brightly and Orihime finally managed to wake up. To her surprise, she was waking up on top of hard muscles, moving up and down against her smooth skin. It was the man she so dearly loved. Flashes of their lovemaking coming back to her. She smiled as she could feel that Ichigo was still inside her. She had asked him if it was okay to sleep like this. Ichigo turned red at her question, but agreed.
Slowly she removed her hip from him, so his member could slip out, but instead Ichigo woke up and grabbed her bum. "Where do you think you're going?" He said sleepy.
"I need to use the bathroom." She said, her hands running through Ichigo's hair. "Alright, I allow it." He let go of Orihime and groaned while he could feel his member leaving her, and watched her move to the bathroom.
Gosh, I miss her already.
Ever since the moment Ichigo and Orihime consumed their marriage, it was as if they were both walking on clouds. If Ichigo were at the castle, Orihime would visit him together with Kamari for lunch. They would sit together in the enclosed courtyard and eat. Sometimes Yuzu or Karin would visit their little nephew. Both girls being very fond of the little baby.
It was on one particular day that Karin noticed that something changed between her lovely brother and his wife. Karin and Yuzu joined the two for lunch. Karin snagged a toast from the table before her brother could take it, sticking out her tongue to her bother.
Normally, Ichigo would make a snappy remark, but this time he simply smiled at Karin and continued taking a small bun from another plate on the table. Karin gaped at the reaction as she saw Ichigo looking fondly at Orihime, squeezing her hand briefly before taking cheese from one of the silver plates.
A huge grin appeared on her face, nudging Yuzu and whispering in her ear. "I think Ichi-nii finally scored." Yuzu, who is the innocent one of the two, glared at her sister and pouted. "Don't talk about Onii-chan like that. It's none of our business." Yuzu politely said with a slight hint of anger in her tone. "What about the bet? Yuzu, don't think you can fool me with your innocent love for Ichi-nii. If you were really so innocent, you wouldn't participate in the bet." Karin was so focused on her toast and sister that she didn't realize she wasn't whispering anymore.
"What bet, Karin-chan?" Orihime asked, taking a bite of her pink glazed donut. "E-Eh…" Karin's eyes widened, and she quickly looked at Yuzu, who simply turned her face away. "It's a bet for a football game! Yeah, Ginta-kun wanted me and Yuzu to participate in a bet for which team would win. Yuzu normally never bets on anything, but we wanted to challenge her."
Yuzu shot her twin another deadly glare, but Karin looked relieved. It looks like Orihime was buying her story. "That sounds fun! Next time, can I join the bet as well? I have never done such a thing before, but it sounds fun. And Yuzu-chan, if you do not want to participate in a bet, you really don't have to. Don't do things against your will, okay?" Orihime now touched Yuzu's hand softly and stared into her eyes. A look of care and sisterly love in her eyes.
Karin smiled and now turned her attention to her older brother, who was now trying to feed Kamari some greens made by the maids. The little orange haired boy, however, kept on rejecting the food and threw the spoon with his mushed carrots and avocado in the grass.
"Come on, Kamari, you have to eat something?" The little boy started crying as she shook his head, his fist hitting the small table. For some reason, Yuzu felt herself panicking as she heard the baby cry and kept looking at Orihime's calm but happy face.
"I can't do this. We lied Onii-chan and Orihime-nee!" Yuzu stood up, her face flushed as all the lunch attendees were watching her. Even Kamari stopped his crying to listen to his dear aunt. "I'm sorry, but I can't lie to you two." The honest honey haired girl remarked, looking at the table.
"N-No… Yuzu!" Karin looked at her sister, knowing what would come. "The bet isn't about Ginta-kun's football game. It's about something else." Karin was now sweating as she was scared both Orihime and Ichigo would not appreciate it. Ichigo now smiled warmly at his sister, walking to Yuzu's side as she placed his hand on her shoulder. "Like Orihime said. You don't have to tell us anything if you don't want to. We won't keep it against you, Yuzu."
"Y-Yeah! Yuzu, you don't need to tell **it." Karin said with emphasis, trying to make eye-contact with her twin. "No." She firmly turned her away from her sister, folding her arms over each other. "I don't want to have a relationship build on lies with Onii-chan and Orihime-nee! Besides, you're just afraid for the consequences."
Yuzu was between the two of them, always the one with the moral compass. Karin knew that, but for once, she wished her sister changed. It was already a miracle that she joined the bet with their parents.
[Flashback]
After Orihime and Ichigo's wedding, the now Kurosaki family of four returned to the castle. "It sure was a beautiful wedding. I couldn't stop crying." Yuzu said, holding her mother's hand. "That's because you have Ichi-nii issues." Karin said in a flat tone, her arm leaning against the car window as she looked at the night sky.
"That's not true, Karin-chan! You're always bullying me with Ichi-nii." Yuzu pouted. "Be nice to each other. You two are the only ones we have left now." Masaki said in her motherly tone. She was sitting in between Yuzu and Karin in their black car.
"Did you see the look they had in their eyes when they saw each other at the altar?" Masaki asked her husband, who was sitting in the front. "Hmmm, yeah, I did." A genuine smile appearing on Isshin's face as he recollected that brief moment. "It was as if the world stopped and all they could see was each other." He turned around and looked at his wife, admiration in his eyes.
"Ewwww, you two get a room! Don't think I didn't see that stare of yours." Karin replied grumpy, but mentally she was grinning. Seeing the love her parents had for each other and now seeing the love between Orihime and her brother made her heart warm. One day, she would experience the same thing, hopefully with her boyfriend Ginta.
"Do you think they will get it on tonight?" Karin asked, looking outside the window. "Well, knowingly, my son will definitely try tonight. I do hope it's a home run!" Isshin immediately replied. Masaki and Yuzu turned to each other and sighed, shaking their heads.
"Isn't it their business?" Yuzu asked, trying to find support from her mother. "It is. But as a parent it's just fun, right Masaki?" Isshin laughed loudly, causing Masaki to snort cutely at her husbands' reaction. "I'm sorry, Yuzu, but I do have to admit. Seeing how Ichigo and Orihime were spiraling around each other the past few months was fun. It's just a matter of time that they will open up and they…"
"Mom, please don't say it."
"Yeah, I don't want to hear it."
Both parents started laughing, hearing their twins say the same thing. "Alright, we will stop talking about it. But how about we place a bet?" Masaki said, looking at her family. The car they were in came to a stop.
"Honey, are you feeling a bit edgy tonight?" Isshin asked, an evil smirk on his face. "I like where this is going." Karin joined in. Everyone was now looking expectedly at the youngest Kurosaki. Sometimes she would hate the shenanigans of her family, but it surprised her that her mother came this time with an idea. She looked at the eyes filled with hope and hung her head, sighing, before looking back at her twin and parents. "Okay, let's do this!"
[end flashback]
Ichigo was staring at Yuzu with a look of confusion on his face. Why was she talking about? A relationship of lies? He never saw his sister like this before. "It's okay Yuzu. Don't worry, whatever happens, I'll always love you." Orihime nodded, agreeing with her husband. "Yes Yuzu-chan. We're here for you."
The girl sighed and then loudly yelled: "Mom, dad, Karin and I made a bet to see how long it would take for you two to become intimate, like a real husband and wife!"
…
It was quiet, as only the birds could be heard chirping. But they soon left as they could feel the atmosphere changing. Both orange heads were baffled with Yuzu's confession. Ichigo's expression darkening. It was then that Orihime and Kamari broke the silence. Both of them bursting out in giggles.
It was on moments like these that Karin was happy with Orihime as her sister-in-law. The woman was so meek and kind that she wouldn't harm a fly, let alone the little sister of her husband. Orihime laughed heartily. Ichigo looked puzzled at his wife and son, but soon his dark expression changed into a smile. It was a very faint smile.
Yuzu and Karin both looked relieved at the two as they even started giggling. "It wasn't intentional. It just happened at the moment." Karin added.
"Who was the one that opted for this bet? It must've been dad or you." Ichigo turned to Karin. A scowl on his face. "No. It was mother who suggested it."
Ichigo's face turned from a shock into a look of ultimate horror. His mother, of all people?! She was just like Yuzu. Kind, innocent and always respectable.
"Dad must've badly influenced her." He muttered under his breath, wiping any shock off his face. "It was just for fun. I think mom just wanted to bring in some exciting in our lives." Karin said, who now was holding Kamari. The little boy waving his arms and legs, having the time of his life.
"So… what was the outcome? Who won?" Their sister-in-law was still munching on her face, crumbs on around her lips. It made the three siblings chuckle at that sight.
"Well, dad had a lot of confidence in Ichi-nii. He said that Ichigo would score within the first week of your marriage, but of course, he didn't expect Kamari to turn up." Karin laughed darkly.
"I really have no idea about these things, but I said maybe in about a year? It looks painful to…" Yuzu blushed heavily, shaking her head. It warmed Ichigo's heart to see Yuzu like this. It was an indication that she was just as innocent after all.
Karin snorted at her sister. "One year? Gosh, Yuzu, you have a lot to learn." Ichigo now narrowed his eyes to his other sister. "What do you mean, Karin? Do you have something to tell me?"
Karin immediately turned her attention to Kamari, ignoring her brother, but sweat was appearing on her forehead. "What about Masaki-san and Karin-chan? I'm really curious."
"Hmm, well, I think mom predicted that it would take 3 months. I'm the only one who guessed right. 6 months. Ne, Yuzu?" Yuzu nodded. Both orange head now flushing read.
"W-Well… I didn't mean for it to take so long." Orihime blurted out, biting her lip. Ichigo then immediately walked to Orihime and took her arm, causing her to turn her body in the chair towards Ichigo. Looking up to hear husband. "You don't need to apologize. It's ridiculous that my own family makes bets about my personal affairs!"
For some reasons, the twins couldn't take their brother serious and just looked at the couple with a warm look in their eyes.
"But it's typically the Kurosaki family." Orihime said softly, her eyes looking down as a light blush was on her pale skin. A beautiful charming smile gracing her face. Ichigo noted that this was the most beautiful looks on her face he had yet seen, besides the looks she would give him in their bedroom, of course.
"They love to tease their favorite strawberry prince." Her eyes fluttered up, taking Ichigo off guard. He didn't expect her to look up at him. It was if there was a teasing gleam in her eyes, and he couldn't help but to burn up. His ears turning red.
Karin and simply put their hand over their mouth, looking at each other. The sight in front of them was adorable, but also a bit too much for them.
"Ahem… we'll let you two be alone. Yuzu and I will take Kamari to the nursery." Both orange heads turned their heads.
"N-no…" Orihime wanted to stop the two, but Ichigo interrupted her by pulling her up to her feet and bringing her into his arms.
"Let them be. I'm sure Kamari wouldn't mind spending time with his aunties." He whispered in his ears, his hands resting on Orihime's hips.
"Hmm, what should we do then?" Orihime hung her head back, tilted, looking into the dark chocolate orbs of her husband. "I still have 30 minutes. So, I let you choose, Hime." The way he slowly said her nickname in her ear sent shivers throughout her entire body.
She tiptoed and kissed her husband. Her soft lips grazing against the rougher ones of her husband. His heavy wooden musk scent once again intoxicating her. But before she would lose her mind, she quickly stopped herself and pulled away and looked around as if she were looking for something.
"Eh… the blue men invaded my brain again. They must really like your perfume." She awkwardly couched, turning around. Ichigo kept watching his wife with an amused grin.
"Just come to my office, Orihime. We won't get distributed there."
Later that evening, both Orihime and Ichigo were exhausted from their activities around the castle. After lunch, Ichigo had to join two big meetings with his dad and have dinner with the heads of the noble families.
Because his marriage is not yet announced to the kingdom as the birth of his son, Orihime did not attend the dinner with him. But it didn't mean she wasn't busy.
They were finally finishing up restoring the dining hall, and it looked spectacular. Orihime was pleased with the changes and took up a new project. Masaki had given Orihime a tower in one of the wings of the castle. Masaki said that Orihime could do whatever she would like with it.
Orihime intended to make it a place for Kamari once he grows up. A place where he can go to if he would ever feel pressured. Just thinking about her son growing up made her emotional.
The project made her passionate, and for hours on end she could just stay in the tower and work on her ideas.
Finally, at 2PM, she decided to go back, and she fell asleep next to her already sleeping husband. The warmth emitting from his skin helping her find the way to the land of dreams.
In the same wing of the castle, Kurosaki Kamari was sleeping safe and sound. He was always being watched by one of the court ladies. One of the ladies would sleep in the same room so that they could attend to him if he would cry.
On this particular spring night, a soft thud could be heard near the balcony, but both the baby and maid were still asleep.
Someone dressed as ninja Yoroi snucked into the room. The person looked around and immediately made its way to the crib, taking out a handkerchief to place over the baby's mouth. But Kamari was instantly awake as he could sense someone near him.
The scent of this person was unfamiliar to him, and he immediately started crying and screaming, waking up the maid in the process.
Groggily, the maid sat up, her eyes widening as she saw someone trying to take the baby. She soon took out a sword under the bed and pressed the blade of the sword against the ninja, asking calmly.
"Why are you here and who sent you?"
The ninja cursed and pushed the maid to the ground. The maid lost it balance and ended up on the ground with the sword beside her. This ninja definitely was a male, as his body weight was crushing her.
He pinned her down on the ground and took the sword. The maid started yelling, but in a moment the ninja took the sword and sliced her throat. Blood gushed everywhere as the body was twitching and slightly moving.
The ninja with his cold eyes ran to the baby and swiftly picked him up as he silenced him by forcefully pressing the handkerchief against his mouth, putting the baby to sleep. Together with the baby, the ninja disappeared into the deep night.
The following morning, Ichigo woke his wife. He himself had just been wakened up by Giriko. Never had he seen his butler with such a concerned look on his face, and he knew the man since his birth.
"What is wrong, Giriko?" A stern look on his face. "Please wake the madam. I would rather like you to see this together." Ichigo knew that he couldn't refuse Giriko and went back to his wife.
Orihime, who was still dreaming and smiling, woke up groggily. "Hnnn, Ichigo, I want to sleep some more." He smiled sadly and kissed her temple. "I know, but Giriko came by. Something serious is happening, and they want us to be there." Orihime immediately sat up and pulled the covers off herself. Noticing the seriousness of Ichigo's look and behavior.
Moments later, the butler was leading the couple towards the nursery. Ichigo held his wife's hand firmly. He could feel his heartbeat accelerating as they kept on walking.
Orihime suddenly noticed that the route they were taking led them to the nursery.
I-It can't be, please tell me it can't be.
It was then that her motherly sense kicked in, and she let go of Ichigo's hand and started running towards the room. "Kamari-kun!"
Giriko and Ichigo ran after Orihime. Ichigo calling after her, but it was too late. Orihime walked into the nursery and let out a loud scream as she was surrounded by the maids and Isshin and Masaki.
They hadn't even noticed that Orihime entered the nursery, but there she was now, on the ground looking at the sight of a covered body on the ground, blood splashed everywhere in the room.
Masaki crouched down and tried to calm Orihime, but the female couldn't even comprehend the sight in front of her. She then shook off her shock and turned to Masaki.
"Where's Kamari, where is my baby?" Masaki looked at her husband and calmly said, "let's go somewhere else, dear."
Ichigo stood behind the crowd and was now also seeing the left behind sight in the nursery. His eyes hardened as his fist clenched. He then walked to the head maid and gripped her color.
"WHO THE HECK WAS IN CHARGE? SUMMON THEM AND BRING THEM TO ME."
The head court lady immediately bowed down when Ichigo let go of her collar, crying and pleading not to be killed. Isshin now stepped in, pulling Ichigo away from the sight.
"Calm down. A crow prince should never be this rude to his subjects." Ichigo glared at his father, a deadly glare in his eyes.
"With all due respect, but I'm not standing her as a crown prince, but as a father. I DEMAND TO KNOW WHERE THE HECK MY SON IS!"
Hearing Ichigo scream brought back the lid of memories Orihime pushed away. She was still sitting on the ground, but out of nowhere, she started to hug her knees and hide her head in between her legs. Rocking her body in the process as she kept muttering to herself.
"Isshin, we should really bring them to another room." Isshin nodded, signaling the guards to help him.
Both parents were now seated in a private room. Two guards standing guard outside, making sure Ichigo and Orihime couldn't just leave the room.
"We understand the shock you both are going through must be immensely. Masaki and I will do anything to find the culprit of this horrible case." Isshin started the conversation while watching the two new parents.
"Thanks, dad, but we don't care about all that. We just want to know what the heck happened in that room! Where is Kamari!" He once again raised his voice, Orihime looking expectantly at her parents-in-law.
"We believe that Kamari has been kidnapped. There were no signs of blood or injury around the crib. The blood in the room is mainly from the maid who is… brutally killed." Isshin said bitterly. "Any clue who it could've been?" Orihime asked, biting her lip not to burst out in tears.
"We are still looking into things, so I can't say anything for sure. But we do have a clue who it might have been." Orihime now immediately turned curiously at Ichigo, patting his arm to gain his attention.
"You know too, do you? Don't tell me it's the Kuchiki family." Masaki looked with sad eyes at Orihime, who's tears were now smiling over. Her whole face became stained as sobs started to emerge from the young mother. Her lip quivering.
"I-I… shouldn't have come here. It's all my fault this happened. If I never came here and just went back… Kamari wouldn't go through this. I only got him because of that sick person. I have to get my son back from that monster!" She yelled while standing up. Ichigo quickly stood up and harshly yelled. "INOUE!"
Immediately, the girl came to a stop and looked with wide eyes at her husband. Never in the little time they have known each other had he raised his voice to her. Another quiver came to her mouth as she started to loudly weep. Ichigo barely managed to catch her as her body fell to the ground once again.
He brought her to the chair and hugged her tightly. "I'm sorry I yelled at you." He kept on repeating. His parents watched the scene in pain, and Masaki almost let out a tear. It hurts to see her son and his wife going through this awful situation.
"I'll make sure to get our son back. I will get this bastard for messing with our son. But I need you to stay here and stay put. Don't you 'ever' blame yourself for this. Got that?" He looked at his wife, who was still crying, but she managed to comprehend Ichigo's words and nodded.
"Dad, I will get back my son. I beg you, do not stop me."
Ichigo's eyes were determined, and no one more than Isshin knew what that look meant. His son wasn't going to take no for an answer.
"Go ahead and take Zangetsu with you. We'll be waiting here for you."
"Thanks dad."
Gyaaah! There is so much going on. While I'm writing this, I'm also working on the other chapters, and it's going to be crazy! Their love making is a bit meh, but I promise I'll make it up to you all! And a happy Bleach Monday =)