Alrighty chapter 2! Going good so far, thank you so much for taking the time to read this and getting to this chapter! Hopefully I'll have way more out in the near future, trusting I don't suddenly get a writers block ahahhh...
For the purposes of this fic, and because I say so ;) Ichigo is gonna be a little bit older than Orihime! Not all that much though, only a couple of years.
Anyways I won't ramble, onto the story! I hope you enjoy.
Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach or any of its characters
~oOo~
It was a beautiful day outside, the wind gently blowing through the trees and the flower garden, rustling leaf and petal alike, caressing them gently with its tender touch. It blew in through the opened glass doors into the sitting room in which six men sat, talking over the recent politics and the events which took place in the Colonies, at least they were soon to no longer be called that, a war sure to happen between England and the country which wanted independence.
"They'd never make it without us, surely. Their economy would crumble as soon as we stopped ruling them." One of the men suggested calmly, his raven hair parted elegantly in the middle, pushing up his glasses out of habit more than necessity.
There was a chorus of agreement to this statement, the Colonists would have to make up their own economic system in order get themselves up and running, and even then it would taken years for it to be able to fully functional.
"What about you, Ichigo? You've been quiet this whole time. Do you think that we should grant the Colonists their freedom?" The raven haired man inquired, eyes hidden from the light in which reflected off of his spectacles.
The attention of the five other men in the room was now directed upon the scowling orange top sat on his lonesome upon one of the many seats available within the room, gaze directed towards the garden outside, hair ruffled by the gentle breeze which rolled in. Noticing everyone's attention in the room was now on him, he glanced back to the other men and quirked an inquisitive brow. "Huh?" He decided to smartly say.
"Do you think we should grant the colonists freedom?" Uryu Ishida's question was once more repeated, Ichigo having evidently not listened to the entirety of the conversation the five other men had been having.
"I think they should do what they want. If they crumble it's not our fault, they wanted it in the first place." The 23 year old man stated matter-of-factly, hand reaching up to his unruly hair in order to pass through it, mussing it up all the more.
"Bah, he's just saying that because he doesn't care! All he's thinking about is a certain auburn beauty, isn't that right Ichigo." Grimmjow was now upon him, Ichigo's head caught between his arm and his body as he ruffled his hair up further.
Laughter erupted from the men, particularly from Renji Abarai, finding it hilarious that Ichigo was thinking about the woman which he had told him countless times he hated. Renji of course would tease him that love was sometimes confused with hate, only to be met with abuse from the other man.
Barks of refusal left Ichigo as he struggled within Grimmjow's hold, punching him several times so as to escape his grasp.
As soon as he was rid of the offenders arm he stood up straight, sorting his clothes out so as to not gain an unwanted crease and appear unruly, a trait he only saved for his hair. "I was not thinking about that vixen!"
"But I don't understand Ichigo! She's the sweetest, most beautiful, most voluptuous-" Keigo Asano was cut off but a swift kick to the face, sending him flying off his seat, "Why me!"
"I don't want to hear anything more about that woman." Ichigo let out a huff, decidedly storming out of the room so as to get some fresh air within the gardens.
He shoved his hands into his pockets as he walked, the scowl as prominent as ever as he wandered about. Ichigo was minutely aware of the presence next to him, however paid the individual no mind as they both walk soundlessly together through the gardens.
"It's okay to think about her." Yasutora Sado spoke up finally, however Ichigo did not reply. He knew that already, he just didn't know why.
Why is it that after seeing her one week ago, she has been able to occupy his mind every day. Why did she have to plague his thoughts, why did he have to go to that stupid party! It was evident she was definitely attractive, but that was it! Right?
Running a hand down his face he let out a frustrated groan, before dropping said hand and glancing over to his long-time friend. It seemed out of all of the individuals within that room, Chad was the only one that could calm him enough to be able to get a coherent conversation out of him when he was like this.
"Who knows, maybe she's thinking about you too." At this Ichigo couldn't help but scoff. Why would Orihime Inoue want to think about him? He was always horrible each time they met, always finding some way to pick on her or make fun of her, so why now did she plague his mind so?
"I really doubt that, Chad." Ichigo released a puff of air resembling a laugh as he placed a hand on his companion's shoulder, his lips twitching up in the slightest.
~oOo~
"Of course he's thinking about you, my dear! Who wouldn't think about someone as beautiful as you." Rangiku grinned at the Marchioness slyly, sipping at her glass of wine as she lounged against the kitchen counter.
Orihime sat upon one of the stools by the large island in the middle of the room, currently very interested in her hands as she listened to Rangiku, chewing on her lower lip as a light blush crossed her cheeks.
"But he's always so mean to me. I doubt Ichigo would ever want to think about me, but what's wrong with me! Why after all these years of knowing him am I thinking about him!" Orihime pouted at the older woman, before letting her face rest in her hands as she shook her head wildly. Letting out a gasp her eyes widened as she shot up straight, hand covering her mouth in shock, "What if he's an extraterrestrial being that was sent down from some strange place called... called... zorb! And-and his lone purpose is to harass me!"
Orihime was convinced that this was the truth, and she slammed her fist down onto her open palm, a look of determination set on her face, "Well if that's the case then I will befriend him in hopes that his evil plans go down in ruin!"
Rangiku couldn't help the laughter that left her at the quirky Marchioness' words. Only she would be able to come up with something so ridiculous. "What a wonderful plan, Orihime. And how do you plan on wooing our dear Lord Kurosaki?"
"Oh no, Rangiku! I'm not going to woo him, simply show him that I'm... I'm... what am I?" Orihime tilted her head as she placed a finger to her lips, looking into the distance in thought.
"Worthy as a lover?" Rangiku quirked a brow, her grin growing broader at the deep crimson her mistress' face went.
"No Rangiku! Worthy as... as a friend!" Orihime smiled broadly at her most trusted maid, eyes twinkling happily as she planted her hands calmly on her lap.
"Hmm, maybe. I think it would be much more exciting to be his lover though." Rangiku mused as she seated herself down in the stool opposite Orihime, crossing one of her legs over the other as she crossed her arms over her chest, obviously thinking over the subject, "Yes, definitely more exciting."
Orihime was oblivious to the thoughts going through her dear friend's mind, however was distracted as one of the butlers came in and bowed to Orihime, at which she straightened. "Lady Inoue, Lady Kuchiki." And with that he exited, only to be replaced by a raven haired woman walking in.
"Rukia!" Orihime grinned, standing up in order to take the shorter woman into her arms for a hug.
"Hello Orihime, Rangiku." Rukia happily hugged her friend back, before the two of them sat down. "So, what're we talking about?"
"A certain Lord Kurosaki." Rangiku said before Orihime could say anything, much to the mortification of Orihime. Rukia was a dear friend of Ichigo's, and was the one who had introduced Orihime to her.
"Oh really now. Well, I promise what's said in this room stays in this room." Rukia said, much to the gratitude of Orihime. It wasn't that she didn't trust her, it's just that it was slightly awkward talking about this certain topic. "So, have you decided you finally like him?"
Orihime's face once again flared to a pink hue, and she shook her head vigorously, "Definitely not! I'm going to try and become his friend."
"His friend?" Rukia quirked a brow, helping herself to a cup of tea that was placed in front of the women on the island. "Ichigo Kurosaki, friends with a woman? I'm of course an exception, but at times I feel like he doesn't see me as a woman."
"The nerve of some men." Rangiku scoffed, uncrossing her legs and then re-crossing them to the other side.
"It won't be easy, and I'm not really sure where to start..." Orihime trailed off, fiddling with her hands as she watched both of her friends.
"I can show you how you can woo him." Rangiku wiggled her brows at Orihime, who merely tilted her head to the side in confusion.
"Woo him? Well, I mean, maybe I can try to woo him, but not in a romantic way! Although... the only time I ever see him now is at parties! Our families are too busy to ever get together anymore." Orihime's lower lip jutted out as her shoulders slumped, truly unsure on how to pursue this idea, "Maybe I should just give up..."
"Give up? That is not the Orihime I know! We don't just give up when we haven't even tried! You could invite him over for tea." Rangiku couldn't help the sly smile that crossed her lips, and Rukia gave her a curious look.
"Invite him for tea...? He would never accept that... besides, wouldn't it look a little weird? Like I'm... like I'm trying to court him?" At the idea of courting, especially with Ichigo Kurosaki, her mind started to wonder, and she bit her lip nervously as the thought of them walking through the gardens together flashed through her mind... shaking herself out of her reverie she steeled herself, lips jutting out in thought.
"Hmm... how about I plan a little get together?" Rukia suggested, quirking a brow as she took a sip of her tea.
"A get together? You mean with multiple people?" Orihime pondered this, bringing her finger back up to tap at her chin as she thought on it, before beaming brightly at Rukia, "That's a wonderful idea!"
"I thought you might like it." Rukia mused, "I was planning on having one anyways, but this will just make it all the more fun."
~oOo~
"Lord Kurosaki, a letter has arrived for you in the post." A butler came into the study Ichigo currently sat reading a novel.
"Thanks." Ichigo took the letter from the butler, who bowed and left the room curtly.
Opening the envelope he swiftly removed the letter inside, the writing on the front familiar. Reading the contents he soon released a sigh, throwing the letter and envelope onto a nearby table.
He really didn't enjoy going to these kind of things, but he supposed if it was Rukia it would be with people he at least tolerated being around.
Or so he thought.
~oOo~
When Rukia had mentioned a get together, she at least thought there would be more people than this...
Currently sat within the room where Orihime, Renji, Rukia and Ichigo, and that was all.
Orihime couldn't help but feel the awkwardness between her and Ichigo, and she definitely wasn't the only one that felt it out of the two.
The ever-perceptive Rukia saw the tension between her two friends and shot Renji a pointed look as she sipped her tea, who only met her gaze with confusion. Sharply she motioned her head to the two orange-tops who looked anywhere but each other. Looking over at them Renji gulped, before looking back to Rukia. What could he do?
Rukia had to hold the groan that almost left her before standing up quickly, "If you'll excuse me, I just remembered something I need to do!" Rukia laughed hastily, before grabbing at Renji's arm, "Come on Renji!"
"Wait why do you ne- Ow!" Renji was stopped by the hard pinch that was administered to his under arm and went with her quietly, and in their wake they left two very unsure individuals.
Rukia had at least thought that with Renji there Ichigo would say something, but apparently that wasn't the case.
Sitting there for what felt like eternity but was in fact two minutes, Ichigo stood up and coughed awkwardly, glancing at Orihime from the corner of his eye, "Well I guess I better-"
But he was cut off but Orihime standing up too, "Wait! Uh- I..." Her face went deep red as she stared up at him, before looking down at the ground. What an interesting ground, definitely more interesting than what was happening now. Definitely.
Ichigo quirked a brow, before an easy smirk came to his face, "You don't want me to leave?"
Orihime chanced a glance up to him, before looking away again and meekly nodding her head.
Ichigo was dumbfounded. Well he definitely hadn't been expecting that kind of reaction, especially not from Orihime. "Well, alright then." And with that he sat down, picking up his forgotten tea, "I suppose you have something you'd like to talk about then?"
Unbeknownst to the two, a certain red and raven haired duo were currently outside of the room, their ears pressed to the door, the shorter of the two fistpumping in victory.
"Not really." Orihime laughed nervously, still not having sat down as she fiddled with the front of the skirt of her dress, biting her lip as she continued to stare down at the ground.
Letting out a sigh of somewhat frustration Ichigo leant back in his seat, his ankle now resting on the top of his knee as he stared up at the blushing girl, "You can sit you know."
Her eyes widened as her face colour deepened once more at the embarrassment of being so foolish, and so she swiftly did as he said and sat back down, continuing to fiddle with her skirts. This was definitely not how she had planned for this to go. 'Get a grip of yourself Orihime! He's just another person! Talk about something pleasant!'.
"The weather's lovely today..." Internally slapping herself she looked out to the window, hoping that that would be sufficient.
There was a yell heard from behind the door and the two's attention snapped over to the door, before Orihime laughed sheepishly as she glanced over at Ichigo.
He let out a sigh as he reached a hand up to rub at the back of his neck, brows furrowing as he directed his gaze back at Orihime. "I'm pretty sure Rukia's come up with some sort of plan to try and get us to be friends or something, but it's not going to work. We both definitely won't be friends."
Orihime felt her resolve crack as she let out a shrill laugh, waving her hand at his sporadically as she shook her head, "Oh no, no! Definitely not!" She couldn't help the high pitch her voice had taken, but then she faltered in her motions as her shoulders drooped, her lower lip caught between her teeth. "Actually I... I would uh..."
Ichigo couldn't help the dumbfounded expression which crossed his face, brows surely to have gone through the ceiling above them as he stared at the nervous girl in front of him. Surely not...
"It wouldn't hurt would it?" Orihime steeled herself, a determined look crossing her features as the smile disappeared from her face, looking at Ichigo fully as she spoke, "I'm sure we could be really good friends too, even if I am a woman! Just like how you are with Rukia."
"But Rukia's not-" A thud at the door stopped him from finishing his sentence as he swallowed thickly. She wasn't even trying to hide the fact she was there!
Orihime thought his expression softened in the slightest as she watched him, before she continued on, "We don't have to be anything more than friends, even though I'm sure our parents would rather we were, but I'm fine just with that! But if you refuse then that's fine, because I'll try even harder to get you to accept me as your friend Ichigo Kurosaki!"
Ichigo couldn't help the twitch of his lips at the expression that was on her face, her fists pumping into the air, her determination definitely evident as she did so, "Alright, alright. We can be friends."
"I understand that you would feel that way but-... wait, what?" Orihime's eyes widened as she looked over to the other. That was it? No big fight to convince him? No long journey of determination through blood, sweat and tears to convince him?
Suddenly however his eyes darkened as his eyes narrowed at her, Orihime feeling the full force of his scowl as she felt the blood drain from her face as he stood up, "But if I notice any funny business at all, then I'll cast you aside."
Slowly she nodded, and with that he left the room, and Orihime felt that she could breath again.
Soon after Ichigo had left, Rukia came bounding in, an expectant look on her face. "Well?"
Orihime blinked incredulously, staring at the door in which Ichigo had exited and Rukia had entered, unsure about what had just happened.
"I-I think... we're friends?" A sheepish smile passed her face as she looked up at Rukia, unsure of herself as she stared at the grin that spread across her friend's face.
"Phase one is complete!" Rukia exclaimed, putting her hands on her hips as she grinned smugly at the door Ichigo had exited previously.
"Huh? Phase one? Wasn't that the only thing we were trying to accomplish, Rukia?" Orihime blinked owlishly at her friend as she tilted her head to the side in curiosity, watching the other.
"Oh, of course. I got carried away." Rukia flapped her hand, however the expression was still on her face. That definitely wasn't the only thing she was trying to accomplish.
~oOo~
Ichigo couldn't help the blush that had spread across his cheeks as he paced the room he was currently in, hands balled up in fists at his side. Renji and himself were currently in another part of the Kuchiki household. Renji watched Ichigo in amusement as he leant against a wall, hands crossed over his chest.
"What's the big deal? She asked to be friends, so what?" Renji shrugged at Ichigo, although his friend didn't cease in his pacing.
Suddenly he stopped and turned to face Renji, anger seeping into his expression, "The nerve of that girl! Who does she even think she is anyways? She's only a Marchioness! What makes her think she can look at me that way and speak in that way and make me feel... whatever it is I'm feeling! If she thinks for one minute that I'll..." Letting out a groan of frustration he reached his hands up to tug at his unruly strands of hair, going back to pacing around as his blush deepened.
"Oh?" Renji quirked a brow as he grinned broadly, "Is Ichigo falling for Lady Inoue?"
Ichigo turned rapidly to Renji, pointing an accusing finger at him, "No! There's no way I would ever fall for someone like her! I am a Duke, and she made me feel so... so powerless! Just watching her stupid expression... her stupid, endearing... Gah!" He went back to pacing once again, muttering to himself as he glared at nothing, "I wanted to say no but I said yes! Who even asks someone to be their friend anyway?"
Ichigo's obvious dilemma within his head was hilarious to Renji as he laughed quietly to himself. It was definitely obvious that this wouldn't be the last Ichigo would be seeing of Orihime, whether he liked it or not.
~oOo~
There we go! This chapter was really difficult for me to start... and finish! I don't really like it but hey I'm just going with the flow here! Sorry if it's crappy but it's just the beginning of course, it'll hopefully start to get juicy in the near future! I know this is the next day but I just felt the need to write.
Please please tell me what you think and how you think I could improve the story, I would love suggestions!
Thank you so much for reading :)