AN: So I didn't update last night because I was reading The Fault In Our Stars, I'm still recovering from it though. Anyway, enough about my nonsocial life, enjoy this chapter. I do not own Bleach or any of its characters.

Chapter 8 Orihime's Point Of View

I blink open my eyes and find myself staring at skin. I try to gather my thoughts as I place my hand on the skin, to make sure I'm not dreaming. It isn't my skin and it's so warm and roughly smooth, if that makes sense.

I still can't focus on the events of the day before. I groan, complaining to myself.

I prop myself up on my elbow and look over at the person sleeping next to me. Ichigo, when did he get here!? I take a peek at his face and feel a smile form on my face. I've never seen him look so at peace and sweet. It's rare to see him without a scowl.

I sit up and let out a dreamy sigh, unintentionally. I smack my head, trying to remember. Think, Orihime, think! What happened yesterday? That's right! Ichigo had told me to stay with him so he could protect me but why was he…

Before I can finish the question in my mind, Ichigo mutters, "Morning, Hime."

I tense up and begin to panic. Oh no, this is not good. Why had I agreed to sleep in the same bed as him? This is bad, really bad. I'm a terrible person.

"I-Ichigo, you're awake? How are you feeling?"I ask as I begin to slip out of the bed.

He grabs my wrist and keeps me from getting off the bed. "I should be asking you that, Hime."

I look back and realize, actually realize, that he is shirtless. But why? He had his shirt on when I got under the blanket with him! I can't help but ask, "What happened to your shirt?"

"Huh? Oh, my shirt. It got kind of stuffy so I took it off halfway through the night, I'm glad I didn't wake you. I didn't, right?"

I shake my head as my face grows hot. I look away from him as I say, "I'll let you get dressed while I prepare some breakfast."

Suddenly he wraps his arms around my waist and pulls me back with him onto the bed. I let out a squeak as he slowly releases his hold on me. I exclaim, panicking, "I-Ichigo! What are you doing?!"

"Sorry to surprise you, but I would like to know how you're feeling before you go busy yourself and try to avoid the question."

"I'm fine. I don't feel so scared anymore. But this is wrong," I whisper as I turn around, trying not to knee him anywhere as I make myself comfortable.

"Why is this wrong?"He asks as he stares at me. I forget the reason as soon as I make eye contact with him.

My heart pounds slower, harder. I can't breathe. Wait, yes I can, I just need to relax. Relax, Orihime.

I can see him look from my eyes to my lips, hesitating. I force myself to look away from his eyes but they only look down at his lips. I lean in a bit, unsure if he'd be okay with it.

He leans in a bit too, so I lean in the rest of the way and connect our lips; and it's like nothing I've ever felt before. You could say sparks flew for a lack of a better phrase.

I grab his face as he holds my waist. He deepens the kiss and gently puts his tongue in my mouth, letting it meet mine every so often. When we pull away, we are breathless, gasping for air.

As air fills my lungs, I realize what I have done. I turn away from Ichigo and begin to cry, mumbling an apology, "I'm so sorry, Ichigo. I don't know what I was thinking. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry."

Ichigo places his hands on my shoulders, asking, "What are you sorry for? You did nothing wrong, Orihime."

I take a few deep breaths before answering, "I kissed you and you're still with Rukia! I'm a terrible person, Ichigo."

Suddenly, he chuckles. I look back at him, questioning his sanity at the moment, and tears still flowing from my eyes. "I'm sorry to be laughing Hime, but you got most of that wrong. You aren't a terrible person and I'm not with Rukia anymore."

"What? But…"My voice fades as I remember what happened at the river between them. Did I misinterpret?

"We talked yesterday and came to an understanding. We don't feel the same way for each other anymore, we are friends and all but that's it. Rukia knows I have feelings for someone else and that someone else is you, Orihime Inoue."

I blink, unsure if I heard right. The tears stop and I look back at him. I shake my head as I say, "No…no, you can't…all those years ago…"

Ichigo rests against the wall as he brings his hand up to his forehead saying, "I know, Orihime. I realized I hurt you and I never apologized. I'm sorry and I would understand if now you reject me as well. I just want to know if you love me like I love you."

"Ichigo," I turn around and close the space between us, unsure of how to answer his statement at the moment.

I pull his hand away from his face, keeping it between my hands. He looks at me with a strange look. He isn't pleading, he isn't on the verge of tears but he does seem sincere. I smile at him as I quietly ask, "How would you like me to answer your statement of love?"

He smiles back at me as he responds, "Tell me your feelings and if you'd like to be my girlfriend."

My smile widens as I do as he says, "I forgive you, I love you and I'd love to be your girlfriend, Ichigo Kurosaki."

As soon as I accept, he grabs my face and kisses me gently. I sigh to myself as I deepen the kiss, not wanting to pull away.

At one point, Ichigo rejected me and I was hurt; but now he has stated that he loves me and asked me to be his girlfriend. At one point, I loved him. And I still do.

AN: Sorry for the short chapter but yeah, I hope you enjoyed it. There will be another update and from there, you guys can decide if you want me to continue.