The girl with the auburn hair ran off without a trace, never staying long enough for me to say goodbye.

Trying my best to follow I halted when I found the road.

"Hey, Ichigo!"

"Renji," I expired an ill sigh, knowing he was going to be furious, "What are you doing out here?"

Of course he had to yell, I couldn't blame him, "I should be asking you that! I've been looking for you all damn night!"

"Uh," I buried my palm into my hair, "Sorry, I just needed some time to think about everything."

"Look, I understand it is a big decision. But tonight was meant for you to forget that stuff," Renji groaned as he threw his hands in the air, "I had a few people I wanted you to meet but you just shot that right out the window! I mean it's pitch black out here so I don't know how the hell you expected me to find you!"

"Shut up, alright? I didn't feel like meeting people tonight anyways," I grumbled.

I guess he never saw her.

"Fine, suit yourself. Not my business," He raised his hands in defense as he spoke, following me after I passed by him, "It's really late and I'm tired of running around after you, so our ride is ready to go."

I took one last look at the estate and wondered if I would be able to find her inside. She never hesitated to leave so it was possible she really had needed to return. We left for the carriage after deciding that the events from earlier were enough for one night.

On our ride to Renji's manor I started to wonder what her reasons for leaving could have been. It could of been a million things but on top of all my thoughts I concentrated on the most important of all. I failed to learn her name.

"Okay seriously, what the hell is wrong with you," Renji interrupted my thoughts, and began shaking his head, "You've been a mess ever since you got here."

"It's not that easy you know," I argued, stepping out of the carriage before him, "I don't really know if leaving behind my old life behind ideal. I know nothing about this place."

He scoffed, "Dumb ass, that's why you're here!"

"Watch the names, Renji," I warned, "Personally I don't care 'cause I love to aim them at you myself but someone might hear you and you would get in serious trouble."

I glanced at the driver as Renji spewed in frustration, "Ah! Just listen, alright? You just said you don't know if you like it here but all you've been doing since you got here is sulk! How are you going to know for sure if you don't meet people and look around?" He smacked the back of my head jutting me slightly forward.

"I said watch it, Renji!"

"Admit it, Mrs Kurosaki," He mocked me with a fake formal voice.

I sighed as he paced towards his front door,"Alright, I get it!"

"Good, because we have plans tomorrow," He turned to give me a sly grin.

"What?"

"The Inoue estate is having another get together. It's a luncheon this time," He fixed his tie while we hiked the stairs, "And since you haven't met my friend. Who knows? Maybe you'll hit if off."

"I hope this friend of yours is a woman," I remarked as the front doors opened and Renji's doorman Tessai took my coat while ignoring our behavior.

"Of course! It's like you never pay attention," Renji continued as the doorman raised an eyebrow, "And don't screw it up because she is one of my closest friends."

"Princess Inoue?"

The large man inquired and Renji nodded his head.

All three of us made our way down the hall when I had to ask, "How come you never said anything?"

"I was going to tonight but I couldn't find you," He reminded me again.

The statuesque man seemed to ponder her image, "A lovely girl."

"Yes, she is very pretty," Renji pointed to the door and gave Tessai a look to leave us to talk.

After the door shut I gave him a quick glare, "If she's so pretty then why are you tossing her over to me?"

"Well, I'm not like that with her. I did have a liking for her when we were kids," A long breath escaped him and his eyes went wide, "But her brother scared the crap out of me."

The idea made me laugh, "You serious?"

"Now I feel really so sorry for her. Since, like I'm sure you know, because of the Kings passing she has to get hitched," He fixed his shirt while hovering over the bar, "And unlike you she doesn't have the option. She has nobody there for her, so I'm going to try to get her the best damn guy out there," He poured himself some scotch and took a seat, "And if you don't like her, I'll look elsewhere."

Muddled beneath my white sheets on the edge on my bed, I dazed at the immense willow tree outside my current window. Despite the late night we had I actually slept well for once.

Instantly Renji swept the door open, "I'll meet you downstairs when you're ready, okay?"

If it had been up to me I would have been in bed for another hour, but as Renji shut the door I rolled on my side to make my way out of bed.

Replacing my pair of night pants to khaki's after having a quick shower, I covered my chest with a new dress shirt. I took my time down the stairs as Renji waited for me in the hall wearing a similar outfit. The only difference was that he had been prepared with a jacket and padded gloves for our trip.

He squinted up at me once he noticed I was almost on the first floor, "You don't mind taking the horses up there, right? It wont take long. I just thought that you would get a better tour of the place."

I gave him my greatest scowl, "Fine."

"Oh, come on. My horses didn't give you that bad of a run last time," He chimed.

"No, they didn't. It was more you that annoyed me," I deadpanned truthfully, "No running ahead this time."

He agreed and we made our way back to the stables as we had the day before.

It wasn't long before the horse seemed to recognize me, nudging me before I attempted to saddle up. I was given extra boots along with a jacket, gloves and other needed things to withstand the dirt for our travel.

In order not to loose myself I remained close to the road, though Renji knew which way he was going continue and advanced further. We both were making our way towards the fields on his property. He was enjoying the ride completely as he moved outwards from the path several times.

I turned to give him a questionable stare, which he was close to missing, "Where will we keep the horses?"

"The stables! Of course we're allowed! It's no problem," His horse trotted passed mine as he gave it a kick.

In my efforts I decided to catch up this time, getting closer as we neared the corner.

After a bit of racing in the field we let our horses slow themselves since Renji had a quick idea to make a pit stop.

I was a bit worried as I looked at my watch, "Are you sure we wont be late?"

"Maybe a bit. Don't worry, we'll still make it in time," Renji caught his breath after jumping from the strapped saddle, "I just wanted you to see the ocean on this side. Besides, the horses are a bit exhausted."

Instead of leaving my horse I encouraged it to move closer towards the water.

"Beautiful."

I suddenly pictured the girl from the night before as I took in the view. The dress she wore, her face, and her smile all came back to me. The words she spoke to me still ringing in my ears as I stared at the water below.

I hoped it might be possible to see her again.

"-Might change your mind about leaving," Renji ended his statement making me realize I hadn't been listening.

I swallowed, "I'm sorry what?"

"I'm just saying that this is a great place to live," When I looked at Renji he appeared completely drained. Taking a quick swig from his canteen before he jumping back on to his horse, making himself comfortable on his saddle, "Well, let's go eat."

After finally arriving, taking off our gear and getting the horses set inside the stables, a black haired woman came to peak in on our set up. Her arms were crossed and the rims of her sleeves rolled up to show off her dirtied hands.

"You're a little late, Sir Renji."

"Ah! Miss Arisawa! Nice to see you," He smiled at her unexpected arrival and put some more of the saddle parts down on a nearby bench, "Where is Orihime?"

"I've been waiting for you men to show up so I'm not quite sure. Last time I saw her she was inside," The woman waited for me to finish before leaving with Renji, "A few people have left already but we still have visitors."

After Renji gave Tatsuki a warm thank you, he introduced me to the helper of the home. She was friendly, feisty and definitely not afraid to speak her mind, which was nice to some degree.

She accompanied us both towards the residence, shuffling us to the back patio where a few remainder guests conversed, only to leave to find her mistress.

Slightly distracted by all the faces I requested, "Renji, what does this Inoue girl look like?"

"Hm? Orihime," He joined me at one of the patio tables, positioning himself comfortably before responding, "Well, she's got these bright greyish blue eyes. Her hair is very long and brown, wait no, I would say it's more of an auburn."

The blood in my body solidified once I realized how stupid I had been. Not even once did I even considered that she could have been the Princess. Shamefully I held my head in my hands before hearing a well known mundane voice.

"Good morning, Gentlemen."

I dropped my hands to see a girl with recognizable short black hair, "Rukia?"

Renji cut in surprisingly, "Back again I see?"

She snickered towards him, "Why not? It's a gathering."

I was a bit baffled and curious to know how that happened, "You two know each other?"

Rukia waved a delicate wood and paper fan to cloak her face, "I met Renji at the ball last night. He was looking for you, you know."

Renji half nodded then glared at me so I changed the subject, "Is the King here as well?"

"No, last night was enough to tire him," She smiled to herself over the appearance of the King inside her mind, "He's been so busy lately."

Knowing that I might soon be stuck in a deep conversation I took a step back and tried to separate myself, "Pardon me but I was just about to go see someone."

"Non-sense," Renji jumped and frantically grabbed my shoulders to keep me from moving and put on a forced smile, "You two should catch up and I'll go grab her!"

Rukia watched us as we fought and I moved his arm off me, "Renji, can I talk to you for a moment?"

We excused ourselves from Rukia and told her to take a seat as we moved further off the patio. I made sure to drag him far so I could loudly scrutinize, "What are you doing?"

"Nothing," He cocked his brow, "Rukia's a good friend of yours so why can't I grab my friend?"

"First off, I never expected Rukia to be here and I don't want to see her right now," Renji looked completely shocked so I answered the question that illuminated from him, "She's something from the past and I want to focus on the future right now, okay?"

He backed off, shrugging, "So?"

"Second, last night I ran into another woman," I revealed, then gestured to myself, "I enjoyed our time but our meeting had been cut short."

"What," He yelled, startling a nearby girl, "I thought-"

"Keep it down," I calmed him and waited for the right moment to speak, "She had auburn hair."

Visibly it slowly sunk in as his expression changed.

"No friggen' way," I shushed him once more, "Ah, man! Well forget what I said and go try to find her! I think it would be better for you too seek her out so you can get some alone time." He began to adjust his tie and dress shirt before trailing off, "You owe me one for talking to Rukia. Last time it was a bit awkward."

"Ya, ya," I pat him on the back with resemblance to a shove, "Just stall for me will ya?"

After he walked away I hunted for the back doors. Slowly slinking myself through the guests, I knew Tatsuki had been searching for the Princess herself this whole time, but she reappeared empty handed.

"Tatsuki," She looked at me with curious eye, trying to remember my face.

"Prince Kurosaki," She confirmed as she curtsied.

"That's okay, that's not necessary with me," I quickly tried to stop her and reminded her again, "Where's Miss Inoue?"

She coughed, looking a bit displeased, "She's busy talking with another gentleman at this moment. I ask that they have some time for themselves."

"Another gentlemen," I uttered. Tatsuki seemed to be analyzing my expression, "Please excuse me."

Regardless of what she told me I ran passed her to search the inside hall.

"Wait," She stomped her foot and began an echo as she called out, "Sir!"

I distinguished no persons in the bottom hall which made me quest the nearest set of stairs to the second floor. It occurred to me that they could be in any room even though I had already been trying my luck. Alluding the carpeted halls till a couple came into view, distant and well suited. They hadn't fully completed their conversation and yet the man suddenly turned to acknowledge me, quickly flashing a careless glance my way.

The girl he was with peaked over his shoulder to see what caught his attention as I walked towards them, clearly surprised to see me. Her auburn hair had proven my theory correct as I made my way to her.

The man bowed once I was close enough to hear, "I will meet with you soon, Princess."

"Yes," She stuttered, "Soon."

He passed me with one swift turn before quickly peering at me with his green eyes. Ignoring him, I focused my own on her. Perceiving that she had seemed as nervous as I, I managed to keep my breathing calm.

"You," Staring up at me she questioned, "How did you?-"

I laughed slightly, "Well Renji knows who you are apparently," Finally speaking her name I added, "Orihime."

She stole a quick gasp and let go of the loose strand of auburn hair that she had tightly tangled between her fingers. Quickly brushing passed me she spoke softly and sorrowful, "I asked Tatsuki for no visitors."

"I-I'm sorry," Her words had me thrown. It made me realize that I had possibly gone too far, "Should I leave?"

"No," She raised a frantic palm to reassure me, "I'm sorry, I don't mean it like that."

I was finally close enough to see the beautiful grey in her eyes that Renji had fondly mentioned when she gazed up at me. And as I searched them, something told me she was also close to tears, "Are you alright?"

She gripped her arms tightly, "I-I am fine. Though I really should-"

She went to turn to leave till I placed my hand on her small glove-covered wrist, and pleaded, "Please, don't go like last time."

"There you are!"

Mrs. Arisawa's crisp order from behind me made me let go, "Mr. Kurosaki, I have to ask you to leave."

Orihime looked at her in wonderment, "Tatsuki, it's quite alright!"

"No, it's not," She pointed at me, "You don't just fly passed people!"

"Tatsuki," Orihime begged.

I gave both of them an apologetic look even though it had taken a long time for Orihime to look to me.

"No, she's right. Pardon me for the interruption."

I backed away and stared at the floor, biting my lip in frustration as I realized I messed up my meeting with her yet again. Seems I easily forgot that the princess had been too overtaken by her role at this point. No matter where she goes there would always be a suitor waiting.

"How did it go?" Renji annoyingly yelled and pushed from the table to meet me. Gesturing to Rukia while we were still far enough away for her not to hear he whispered, "You're killing me here."

"It didn't go over too well," I couldn't look at him as I answered his question, "We should probably go."

He stared at me confused, "What! What did you do?"

As he yelled Rukia decided to re-greet me, bent between us while holding a curious expression, "Is everything alright, Ichigo?"

"Yes, everything's fine," I lied, "But I think I'm going to leave the party a little earlier than planned."

"What? No way," Renji threw an angry fit, "I rode all this way to be here for Orihime so I'm going to see her!"

"Fine by me," I spoke calmly and took a seat at the nearest table.

Renji towered over me before growling, "Fine."

After watching Renji storm off Rukia nervously chuckled before taking a seat next to me, "It appears to be one of those days, hm?"

I sighed as a response and lent my head back towards the blue sky.

"It is a very beautiful place I must say though," She continued, "Are you enjoying your stay here?"

"Well Rukia, it's been," I paused to think of a good word, "Frustrating?"

"I see. Sorry," She thought out and suggested, "You know, you should go on a nice long walk to take your mind off things."

She made me think back to my long walk with the Auburn haired girl again.

Feeling completely pathetic and bothered by what happened, I couldn't figure out what I had done wrong. Envisioning the dark haired man from earlier, I promised myself that I would kick his ass if I found out it was him that made her cry.

"Yeah."

She played with her dress, "Is your father back in Karakura?"

"That man has been driving me crazy," I raised my hands to support the back of my head, "I don't really care where he is right about now."

She sat back slightly offended, "You take things too seriously. Just focus on the positive and I'm sure you'll make the right decision."

"Thanks Rukia."

When I complied she smiled, "Would Renji and possibly yourself like to come to dinner at our current residence tonight?"

I widened my eyes at the small table, wondering if it would really be a smart idea. Soon deciding against it, "If you don't mind, Rukia. I don't think I could accept another invitation to a dinner party."

Before I could see her expression she replied, "That's alright."

I still hadn't made my final decision and I was running out of time.