Inner thoughts are in italic


"Isn't it about time you tell me what your so happy about?"

Sora was at his limit, for the past two days he watched his sister prance around the apartment singing to herself. On top of that she constantly was grinning like a fool with a continual blush. At first he was concerned that the red tint was from a fever but after observing her actions he came to the conclusion it was a different type of sickness, love sick. He knew this day would come eventually but he was not prepared for how soon, she was only 11. He was at an ultimate panic. He figured he would attempt get to the bottom of this while sitting down to dinner.

"I am no more happy then usual! Hey, you haven't even touched your food, I even made your favorite whipped cream mashed potatoes."

So you're going to hide it from me uh, Orihime? Since when do you hide things from your brother!?

Sora wasn't going to admit defeat just yet. He looked down at his plate; whipped cream mashed potatoes, peppered green beans, and ketchup & goldfish crusted chicken. Sora loved his sister more then anything, but he could never fathom her weird taste buds. As disgusting as some of the concoctions where, he still ate it all. How could he waste the food his sister always went out of her way to prepare just for him? Taking his fork, he dug into the mound of mashed potatoes and began to eat. After Orihime looked satisfied that he was now eating, Sora decided to press the matter some more.

"Ah… well I think your lying my little princess. Didn't I teach you that lying is wrong?

Orihime gazed at her brother with broad eyes for a moment then looked down at her half eaten plate with embarrassment. Bingo. Sora knew that she couldn't keep silent forever. He felt slightly bad about needed to know, but then again that's what overprotective brothers do.

"I am sorry. I didn't mean to lie…. its just…"

Orihime became a dark crimson and began to fidget around in her seat. This was the first time Sora had seen her this way.

"Its just I don't know Sora, I met a guy and my chest feels so tight when I think about him."

It was just as he had feared; she really was infatuated by someone. Sora's mind began to go threw a downward spiral of anxiety.

It happened it really happened! What do I do! I am not ready for another man to take me off the top! I can't hand her over just yet…wait no no no no! She is 11, marriage isn't an issue here! Wait… she is 11…she is too young to be boy crazy! I never taught her to be this way….Note to self don't let Orihime watch TV anymore. I am completely torn, part of me want to tell her that she shouldn't and then a part of me knows I need to help her short her feelings out. I cant let my own selfishness get in the way. Orihimmmeeee why do you do this to your poor brother!

"I just…want him to…."

Oh god, I am going to kill this boy…..

"Be my friend"

Wait? Friend?

"You want him to be a friend?"

"Yes, I want to be friends with him so badly it makes my chest hurt!"

Sora dropped his fork, never in his life had he been so happy Orihime was still a naïve little girl. He couldn't help but stare lovingly at his sister; she had such a big heart. He felt a little ashamed of himself for letting his emotions get the best of him. He had always been very protective of Orihime, which is part of the reason why he took her away from their parents when she was only 4. They were abusive drug addicts who had no right to call themselves parents. He had raised her himself and was more of a father then a brother. It was safe to say this his life was Orihime and the thought of a man taking her away broke his heart slightly. But Sora was 25 years old and needed to be mature.

"Then be his friend, you get along with everyone"

" But he's so much cooler then I am…I don't think he would want to hang out with me…"

"Orihime! Don't you doubt yourself! And if he doesn't want to be your friend then he's not worthy. Plus how could anyone not like you?"

"I don't know…"

Sora reached across the table and grabbed his sister's hand. He gave her a light squeeze of reassurance along with a smile. The Inoue siblings shared the same breathtaking smile that could put anyone at ease. Orihime grinned back at her brother, he always knew the best ways to comfort her.

"I'll try my best! Next time I see him I'll be sure to make him my friend!"

"I am sure you will Orihime"

Orihime resumed eating, she seemed to be composed on the outside but in the inside she was bursting with anticipation. She couldn't wait for Sunday.


Ulquiorra sat among his "friends" at their regular restaurant downtown on Saturday. He never comprehended out of all the places in Sakarou City; they always preferred this establishment for their monthly dinners together. Casa Calabria was over priced and in Ulquiorra's point of view completely inedible. He despised everything about it from the fake olive branches on the walls, horrific music playing: to loud for his taste, and the pungent smell of garlic. He had no room to voice a complaint, its not like he was the one formulating the plans and refusing to show up was not a possibility either. All were sons or daughters of local politicians with a love of gossip, not showing up would result in a confrontation with his father. Yet having known them since he was young, he barely knew some their full names, what he identified them as was their parents status and last name. Out of the seven that where gathered around him that's all he ever made a point to remember. Ulquiorra watched the candle in the middle of the table flicker about until his trance was broken by the thrill voice that belonged to a girl besides to him he knew to be Loly Aivirrne.

"So Ulquiorra, are you are you going to be attending the game with your father tomorrow afternoon?"

"I was not informed that my attendance would be necessary"

Sakarou City's home game for their football team, the Sakarou Tigers, was hardly an event worth attending in Ulquiorra's eyes. His father made it a point to go to every sporting event if able for his appearance to the public. Loly gave a slight smirk and leaned in closer to whisper in his ear.

"How about a nice date with me then? You know our parents would like that very much"

To Ulquiorra, Loly was vulgar in every way and just as power hungry as his parents. He always ignored her advances, which happened on a regular basis. She wasn't dreadful to look at with her long black hair and big rose-colored eyes, but it was her personality that was anything but appealing.

"I already have an appointment tomorrow. I am afraid I cannot accompany you, and I have informed you previously, I do not wish to date at this moment in time."

"Oh c'mon don't be a stiff! It can't be that important, why don't you cancel. Even if we don't date, that doesn't mean we cant have some fun..."

" Ridiculous, I will not cancel for something so insignificant and pointless"

Ulquiorra turned away from her to signal that their conversation was over. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Loly curse under her breath and chug the rest of her wine in her glass. She wouldn't make a scene, Loly might be hotheaded but she would never want other to know about her failed conquest to get to Ulquiorra. Finishing his own glass, Ulquiorra just wanted time to pass by faster so that it will be tomorrow at 10am, something that he found that he looked forward to more then he thought.

The evening had come to a close and Ulquiorra arrived back at his apartment. His head was throbbing from listening to all their nonsense. He knew Orihime would find the conversation about proper dress for events entertaining. Orihime thinks all girls should wear princess dresses and men tuxedos. He couldn't help but smile at the thought of her. All week he thought about that time at the beach and how he couldn't wait to see her again. He had gotten over the fact that she was only 11, she made him feel whole and there was no mask he had to wear in front of her and he could speak to her openly. He couldn't wait for tomorrow.

Ulquiorra arrived at the beach at 9:50. Apart of him was surprised that the girl had not beaten him there, as he glanced around to see if she was nearby. He carried a bag with him filled with a variety of different snacks. She was a glutton and every item inside his bag was mentioned by her during their time before. He had no idea the length of time they would be spending together today but better safe then sorry. Ulquiorra stood at the exact spot they found themselves in last time. For some reason he started to feel anxious as he obsessively checked his watch

10:20 am

She doesn't seem like a girl who would be late….

Ulquiorra decided that there could be numerous reasons to her tardiness. She might have slept in, took her longer to get here then usual, or even had to help her brother with something. All seemed plausible to him and he had faith that she would show up soon.

Orihime never arrived at the beach that day.


Why didn't she show up?! I wonder? Thanks all who commented! Means a lot!

I just want to say that I won't be throwing in to many other bleach characters. I will at points but most will be original. Next chapter is 7 years in the future!

Thanks all!