Thank you all so much for your lovely words! It just gives me the motivation to continue on with this story for you :)
Anyways here's another chapter for all and I hope that you enjoy!
Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach or any of its characters
~oOo~
There was no doubt in Ichigo's mind that he had no intention of trying to even attempt at getting closer to Orihime, no matter how much she pestered him or their friends alike; he was just too stubborn to even acknowledge she was anything different from what he thought her to be. For Ichigo, he had painted an image for all noble women, especially including the auburn haired Marchioness who apparently had a heart of gold to the rest of his acquaintances. He refused to think any different.
He couldn't deny that she was indeed beautiful, definitely an individual who was easy on the eyes, however he refused to believe she was as kind as everyone thought her out to be. Even Rukia, a person who he deemed to be particularly close with himself, he thought her to sometimes have her own personal agenda of some kind.
Ichigo allowed a frown to settle on his face as he made his way through the gardens, walking past the various flower beds which surrounded him as he meandered through the extravagant settings until he came across a large willow tree at the end of the garden and ducked through its extending arms in order to be met with a bench.
Allowing himself to descend upon it he leant back, the frown softening until it was practically gone. A sombre look stretched upon his features as he allowed a hand to rest upon the hand rest beside him, looking up into the top of the tree as he allowed himself to relax.
Memories flooded back to him of the kindest of smiles, seemingly brightening the whole room with ease and giving Ichigo a feeling of elation every time it were to grace him with its presence. His mother was the only woman that he loved, and in his mind she would be the only woman he would ever love.
He wanted nothing more but to see that smile again, be able to feel its warmth coursing through him, lifting him up as delight overtook him. But no.
The frown was back on Ichigo's face as he continued to look upon the top of the tree, its soothing effects now having worn off at the thought of the source of his joy's death. There were no more smiles for him, no more soothing words. He'd done his mourning, but in a way he still mourned, longed for her to come back to him.
Soon after his mother's death women had tried to woo his father, claiming that they 'loved' him, but Ichigo could see through them. They were after his title, his money, they weren't after any kind of love. It was only a relief to Ichigo that his father's love seemingly remained for his mother, but in a way it saddened him that he appeared unable to move on.
Long fingers reached up to run through orange locks, before holding in place atop Ichigo's head. His fingers closed into a fist as he pulled at his hair lightly, trying to subside the sadness that coursed through him. There was no need for him to feel sad at the moment. It would only worry his sisters, especially if he went back feeling the way he did.
An image of Orihime suddenly flashed through his mind and his brows crinkled together, unsure of how to make out his feelings upon the girl. Why was he so confused now?
Frustration then rushed through him as his fists clenched together, lowering his head in order to stare straight ahead of himself. Ichigo attempted to steel himself, tried to push the thoughts of her out of his head as he let his eyes fall shut, but no such luck. She was right there at the front of his mind, smiling up at him, and it irked him. It was only because she was attractive, no other reason. Or at least no other reason Ichigo would want to dwell on.
She truly was a troublesome girl.
Just as Ichigo was able to shake off the majority of Orihime from his mind, he was met with her face once more, although in much more clarity. Confusion then set in as his eyes widened, brows lifting up from their usual position.
"Good morning, Ichigo." Orihime smiled sweetly at Ichigo from where she stood, one of her hands used to part the curtain of the willow as she peeked through.
She walked in further before she was stood before him, and Ichigo merely stared, unsure on why she was here. Perhaps it was a coincidence that he'd been thinking of her, and now here she was. Yes, only a coincidence.
"Good morning." He managed finally, having felt the awkward tension rise the more he kept staring. Averting his gaze he looked down at the basket she held, before looking back up to her face.
"Is something wrong?" Orihime's brows furrowed in slight worry as she tilted her head to the side. "My intuition is telling me you're upset." Nodding to herself she pursed her lips. "May I sit with you?"
"Uh- Yeah, you can sit. Nothing's wrong." The frown was now back upon his face as he watched her seat herself next to him, the basket placed between the both of them.
"Well, whatever it is, I'm sure that this picnic will cheer you up! I prepared it myself." Orihime beamed proudly up at him, a hand placed on the top of the basket, "Since we're friends now I figured it would be alright if I came round unannounced! That's what Tatsuki always does when she comes round mine."
Ichigo tried to hold back the small twitch of his lips as his mouth attempted to curl into a smile, amused at her childish nature as he looked down upon the basket. "Alright then." Was all he could muster as he watched her excitedly open up the basket.
"Well, I suppose I lied a bit when I said I made it by myself," Orihime let out a sheepish smile, "I didn't make the pastries, but I made the sandwiches! I also brought a blanket, but I suppose there was no need for it since we're sat on a bench!" She held the blanket which had been within the basket as she smiled down at it, before directing her gaze to Ichigo.
He merely stared at her, before grabbing the blanket from Orihime and laying it flat against the ground. He then took the basket and placed it in the middle, swiftly seating himself upon the top of the blanket. Lifting a brow he looked up at Orihime, who was still seated upon the bench. "Why are you still up there?"
A giggle then overtook her as she brought a hand up to her mouth, which only made Ichigo's eye twitch as he stared up at her, "Find this amusing, hm?" He quirked a brow, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Most definitely! I wasn't expecting you to do that." She let out a giggle once more before she stood and, gathering her skirts, seated herself on the other side of the basket. "I've made several sandwiches because I wasn't sure which one you'd like. I also brought wine."
Ichigo peered into the basket with interest, before looking over to woman in front of her. "Why are you doing this?"
Pausing in her motions to remove the bottle she looked up at Ichigo, blinking owlishly as she stared. "What do you mean?"
Ichigo stared back at her, truly confused as to her motive, "You've never made any effort to do this with me. Why now? I don't understand."
"Well, I..." Orihime slowly removed the bottle and at it in her hand, catching her lips between her teeth as a small blush spread amongst her cheeks, "I thought that since... since we were friends now, well... I mean... would you have preferred it if I didn't?" She peered at him through her lashes, slight embarrassment beginning to build up at the thought of her presence being unwelcome.
Releasing a sigh Ichigo brought his hand up to rub at the back of his neck, averting his gaze to the side. His brows knit together as he pondered on what she just said. Well, he certainly wouldn't have minded still being alone, but didn't hate her being with him at the moment. "No, I don't mind it. Just forget what I said." He glanced back to the girl who was staring down at the bottle of wine, seemingly particularly interested in it.
Relief flooded through Orihime as a smile plastered to her face once again as she looked back to Ichigo. The two sat in silence like that for seemingly forever, the smile never once leaving Orihime's face as she watched Ichigo, before she noticed him reaching for her and she froze, the smile faltering in the slightest as his arm extended out towards her.
Their fingers brushed as his hand clasped around the bottle of wine, and Orihime felt her face flare up as she retracted her hand suddenly as she watched Ichigo take the bottle of wine from her.
"What? It's not gonna open itself." He muttered, trying to push the thought of their hands touching out of his mind as he focused on opening said bottle.
Orihime released a nervous laugh as she fiddled with her fingers, staring down at her lap as she tried to force the blush to subside, "Silly me! It seems I started to daydream again, I really must stop that, Tatsuki says she's surprised the fairies haven't come to take me away, what with how much I appear to be with them!"
Ichigo quirked a brow as he listened to the girl ramble on about fairies and how lovely they were, and how she wouldn't mind if they came to take her and turn her into a fairy herself. He couldn't help the slight smile which graced his lips, only a hint of a smile, but still a smile nonetheless.
Retrieving the glasses he poured the red liquid into one, before handing it over to Orihime. She blinked as she suddenly ceased her rambles, looking from the glass to Ichigo, who stared at her questionably. Letting out another laugh she took the glass and sipped at the contents, averting her gaze the the side.
He was unable to comprehend the situation, pouring himself a glass, the two now sitting in a somewhat comfortable silence. How was it that she was able to make him feel so at ease? So calm? He was also uncomfortably aware of how he was sat and what expression his face took upon, but also of her and the soft natural curve of her lips... a bright blush suddenly came over Ichigo's face and he was thankful she wasn't looking at him at that moment.
Letting out a cough Ichigo put his glass on the ground precariously, before reaching into the basket to retrieve a sandwich. He didn't even think of what was inside as he took a bite, before his face paled after several bites as he looked down upon the awful sandwich. What was in this thing!? Noting that Orihime was now watching him he forced a smile as he chewed, swallowing thickly after he'd finished.
"Oh! That was one of the ones I'd made without help!" Orihime beamed as she watched Ichigo intently, "Do you like it? I know I've been told I have odd tastes, but I just love the mix of leak and mashed sweet potato in a sandwich!"
So it wasn't deadly, that was a relief. Just who was this woman? "It's... lovely." He managed out as he watched the other half of the sandwich, before looking up to Orihime, "Would you like the other half?"
"Oh, no no! That's yours, besides there's another in here somewhere." And with that she started rummaging through the basket, before she brought out her own sandwich.
Dread coursed through Ichigo as he looked from his sandwich to Orihime, before he put the whole half into his mouth in order to get it over with and chew the whole thing, swallowing quickly. Orihime merely stared in amazement at how quickly someone could consume food. If she were to eat like that her mother would definitely not be happy.
"Wow! You must really like it Ichigo, I'll be sure to make more next time!" Orihime beamed up at him, happy at how well this was going.
Wait, next time? More? Ichigo had to try and hold in the groan that threatened to come out, his stomach feeling queasy all of a sudden.
"Would you like another? Or perhaps a pastry?" Before she could begin rummaging through the basket once more Ichigo snapped the lid shut, making Orihime jump as her gaze snapped up to his, "Huh?"
"How about a walk?" He rushed out, standing up suddenly, his glass of wine now forgotten as he extended a hand out to Orihime.
"What about the food?" She looked down to the basket almost sadly, before accepting the hand which was in front of her.
Ichigo however miscalculated just how light Orihime was and had used far too much of his strength to help her up to her feet, resulting in her staggering up and flying towards an already disorientated Ichigo. His arms flew around her as she was pulled towards him at an immense force, and before she knew it her face was buried in his chest and the two were falling backwards, Ichigo's balance having been compromised.
With a thud the two fell. Letting out a groan Ichigo lifted his head, trying to get up only to find Orihime still above him, her face still buried into his chest.
Orihime was finding it hard to breath as she stayed limp, almost too scared to move as her face burned a deep crimson in embarrassment, her hands clutching onto the front of his shirt.
"Uh... Orihime?" Ichigo managed out, his own face having turned several shades darker from the red which was currently taking over his complexion.
With a squeak Orihime lifted herself above him, staring at him for several excruciatingly long seconds, before she finally managed to lift herself onto her feet, her legs wobbly from what had just happened.
Ichigo stared up at her, now resting on his elbows as he watched her fiddling with the front of her dress nervously, chewing on her lower lip as she looked anywhere else but Ichigo. He was unable to comprehend this woman, truly confused, unsure of what to make of her. Was she really as innocent as she was making herself out to be? Was she really this pure? It was incomprehensible to him as he stood up slowly, dusting himself off as he did so.
"I'm sorry about that." He finally managed out as he watched her continue to fiddle with her skirts, her face still the same sheer red.
"It... it's alright." Orihime forced a smile up at him before her gaze returned to the floor, however as she did so she noticed the red stain that was now on her blanket.
Eyes widening she was down on her knees once again as she stared at the offensive stain, blinking rapidly as though to fend off tears as she lifted the blanket, as though it would aid in getting rid of the stain.
Watching her Ichigo felt his gaze soften, before he lowered himself on his knees beside her, "I'm sorry, that was my fault. I was careless. Perhaps I can get you another?"
Shaking her head she didn't take her gaze off of the blanket, "It's not your fault, it's alright." Reaching her hand up she quickly wiped at her eyes, and a sigh escaped her, "I'm sorry, I must seem really childish to you. It's just... well, you see, my brother Sora, he got this for me from his travels when I was younger. Perhaps it can be washed out..."
Ichigo felt a sting run through him as he remembered Orihime's brother, brows furrowing as he watched her, concern suddenly running through him. Without thinking he placed a hand on her shoulder, to which she flinched and he cursed himself for being so forward.
The last thing he expected of her was for her to smile at her, of which she did. Releasing the blanket she placed her own hand over his, appreciation evident on her expression as she looked up at him, "It's okay though, thank you."
Ichigo suddenly retracted his hand and he stood up, clearing his throat as he turned away from her, "Come on."
Blinking up at him confusion crossed her features, before she stood up and walked over to him, "What about the-"
"I'll have people fetch your things and wash the blanket." Looking down at her he could tell she was about to protest, but she stopped as he held a hand up, "It's the least I can do."
Pressing her lips together she looked back down at the basket and blanket, before she turned back to him with a broad smile, clasping her hands in front of herself, "Alright! Thank you, Ichigo."
"Yeah..." He watched her closely, then swiftly turned away and walked to part the canopy they were enclosed within. He waited there for a moment before looking expectantly to Orihime.
Realising what he wanted her smile seemed to brighten all the more before she walked through the parting he had made for her, and soon the two walked in step next to each other as they went at Orihime's pace slowly through the gardens. He couldn't help the gentleness that seemed to overcome him when she was around him, it was like instinct.
Ichigo tried to pay her no mind as they walked, before she stopped and bent down in front of him and he almost bumped into her. Blinking curiously at her he looked to what had caught her attention, only to find her touching one of the petals of a red tulip, a slight smile gracing her lips.
Looking up towards Ichigo her smile grew that much more, before she looked back to the tulip she was touching, "Flowers are so soft and delicate..."
At her words he pushed back the thought of them also being of the same likeness to her. At that he frowned, before clenching his fists as he forced his gaze away from her. What was he thinking? Why was she still here? What was he doing, walking around his garden with a girl, no less Orihime.
"I... I think it's time that you got going." He managed to say, and she slowly stood up at these words, only there was no hurt in them. There was only happiness.
"Alright, you must be busy after all. I suppose it is time I take my leave." She fiddled with her hands in front of her, before looking back to the willow tree.
Reading her intention he waved a hand at her, shaking his head, "I'll have it cleaned and everything returned to you by tomorrow."
"Thank you, Ichigo. I had a lovely time today." Ichigo had to look away from the sunny look which she had upon her face, steeling himself to his resolve that he couldn't get any more involved in this girl.
"Yeah... me too." He decided to say, glancing at Orihime from the corner of his eye as she lingered, before turning to leave.
At that he silently followed her, and they walked in silence back into the large Kurosaki residence. Before they knew it they were both at the front door and Orihime was curtsying to Ichigo, to which he bowed to her.
As soon as Orihime left Ichigo began banging his head against the door, a loud groan passing through his lips. Why did this have to happen to him? Why couldn't she go and do this to another man? Why him?
Unable to comprehend her actions he rested his head against the door, letting his eyes fall shut as he tried to compose his thoughts. There was no way in hell he'd ever fall for Orihime. Ever. She was just trying to be friendly after all these years. But why had he acted so differently today? Why had he had to give into her?
"My God! Ichigo, was that Orihime I just saw getting into one of our carriages!" Came the loud boom of his father's voice, and Ichigo paled, dread flooding through him.
Not this. He could not be dealing with this right now, and at that decided to make a run for it through the halls before his father decided to tackle him and interrogate him, perhaps even talk of marriage. Ichigo needed space right now to think and brood on his lonesome, without the help of his father adding stupid thoughts to his head. And so he avoided his father for the rest of the day, even avoiding eating at the dinner table that night, having hidden himself away.
There was no way in hell he would talk about this with his father.
~oOo~
Phew! That's chapter three finished finally! I actually really enjoyed this chapter, it's just getting Ichigo's character right is a bit difficult, especially when interacting with Orihime! Truth be told I had to re-watch some of the anime to get to grips with it somewhat ahah.
Anyways thank you so much for reading, please don't be afraid to give constructive criticism, I know I can be prone to make mistakes!
I'll try to get the next chapter out ASAP, thanks once again :)
Edit: Always remember to proof read! I noticed several silly mistakes in this and I apologise I didn't deal with them before I released this chapter!