A/N: (Blitch in Bimbo tone: OMG guys, have u read chapter 350?It's out today! It's like so way cool!) I WILL PROTECT HER. Ichihime all the way! OMG this is a dream coming true. Fingers crossed tho' I just hope Hime doesn't act retard'ed and chicken-out cos she's scared of him… Hmm'…

p.s. Sorry about the re-uploading guys, I wanted to include all my reviewers in this chapter u see... and it's again dedicated to my loyal supporters. mwuah ~

Disclaimer: Kubo owns Bleach, pas moi!

Chapter 7

Scene 1

"What's the matter Ichigo?"

Is there something on my face?

Why does he look like he'd seen a ghost?

Shivers ran down her spine the way he stared at her with his trademark scowl on his face– a mixture of concern, confusion, curiosity flash across his eyes.

Abruptly, he screwed his eyes shut and turned his back to her.

She hurried by his side but widened her grey orbs to see that he held out a bag of goldfish and shoved it to her casually.

"Wha-…. Ooh!" Holding the bag cautiously, a huge grin spread across her face as she focused all her attention on her little prize.

"Thank you Ichigo! It's so adorable."

You're so bright and orangey, just like Kurosaki-kun! Oh wait… come to think of it, Ichigo has the same hair color too!

"It's so beautiful!"

She exclaimed and her lips were curved into an angelic smile, that smile that made his heart flutter.

"Aren't you adorable, little Kurosaki?"

Ichigo scowled instantly.

"You're not naming the little creature that!" folding his arms across his chest. "So… who's this Kurosaki guy to you?"

His head had been spinning from reluctant realization.

Could it be that the Inoue he had by side all the time was the very same Orihime-chan? Part of him hopeful, part of him skeptical, but he was dying for the truth all the same.

The auburn haired goddess scratched her head in thought.

"Well… As far as I can remember, Kurosaki-kun was my hero! He protected me." she nodded to herself. "I planned to marry him when I grow up."

Blushing stupidly, she sensed his body tensed.

Frantically, she waved her free hand in front of her, knowing that she should soothe him before his vent his temper at her. His bad temper was quite unpredictable… … like what happened at his birthday party.

"Wh-what I meant was… when… I was a silly little girl! I don't even know if he's alive. I don't even know if he remembers me. Please… don't be mad at m-mmh…"

Pressing her slender frame against the oak tree, he cupped her face and silenced her with his lips.

She didn't understand what got into him that night. Why was he asking such an insignificant thing? His reaction was unpredictable, but she wasn't complaining. In fact, this was the best kiss yet.

Her head was spinning from his desperate kisses. The way he took in shuddering breaths in between the deep kisses, the continuous tongue battling and sucking was blowing her mind away.

She crossed her arms behind his neck and pulled him closer as her lips match his, a kiss for a kiss. Feeling her generous mounds pressed on his muscular chest, he groaned and threaded his fingers into her hair.

Shifting his position between her legs, he started grinding into her. She gasped in surprise when she felt him, there. His lips never leaving hers, as he started rocking into her in a steady rhythm while his right hand massaged her breasts.

She was overcome by the sensation as she moved her hips together with him, moaning softly into his mouth.

As he increased his speed and force, her gaze became hazy and she cried out in bliss. A few more grinds later, he too cried out in pleasure.

Before the both of them could recover their breaths, they were interrupted by the sounds of fireworks.

The pair looked up to the flowers shining in the sky.

A happy sigh made him turn to face the girl next to him. Her face had child like contentment as she look at the fireworks. His arms snaked around her sensual waist, pulling her close to him. Timidly, she leaned her head against his broad shoulder.

I will protect you Orihime.

They stood together, basking in the comfortable peace, two hearts beating as one.

This was their best Tanabata yet.

Scene 2

Placing his right hand over his chest where his heart was, he announced with all sincerity and honor he held.

"Please allow me to marry your daughter, Rukia."

"Why?" the voice cold and not the slightest encouraging.

"I love her with all my heart, and I'll make her the happiest girl the world, or die trying."

Then die trying.

Those were the three words General Abarai prayed and hoped did not meet his ears.

And he gave silent sigh of relief when the words next spoken weren't… but they weren't what he imagine either.

"If you succeed in the next mission." The handsome black haired leader of the Kuchiki clan said calmly.

"That's it?" the red haired general blinked stupidly as euphoria filled him.

"If I succeed in the next mission, you'll let Rukia marry me?"

Kuchiki Byaukuya nodded.

"Then succeed I will, Byakuya-sama."

"Very well."

Scene 3

The war-swept ground was in ruins, desperate in need of a complete restoration.

The plan was to turn the Southern Village into a trading hub. The strategic geographical location made it an attractive port for traders from around the region and as a stopover destination.

The village had no problem in pumping in the capital; arrangements had been made with Mayuri clan to purchase his machineries; Chad and Uryuu would help in contracting supply of labor.

He wondered what his auburn haired goddess will think of the plan…

Scene 4

Sunlight shone through the window on his rumpled bed.

Guilt slowly enveloped him as he watched the sleeping beauty in his arms.

"Are you alright?"

Wipping the tears away, she beamed at him and nodded her head.

"T-thank you for saving me, Kurosaki-kun."

"Sorry I'm late. Next time I'll definitely protect you."

He promised to protect her. But he was liable for the elimination of Inoue Village, her family, her friends, her home. Hell, he even remembered the tears and scream when he forcefully took her. He treated her like a damned toy and totally tainted her.

"Kurosaki-kun was my hero!"

He was no hero but the villain. He couldn't tell her the truth. It would be better if 'Kurosaki-kun' remains as a hero in her memory.

"Orihime-chan, I'll be your hero. I will protect you."

Her lips tugged into a smile when she smelt something familiar… musky and masculine. His scent.

She opened her grey eyes, shifting slightly, her eyes were met with bright orange mane. His face was comfortably nested between her cleavage. She couldn't help but run her fingers through his hair. He stirred for a moment and she was afraid that she had awoken him. But he tightened his grip around her form and was still again.

She smiled and sighed like a girl lost in dreamland. Her fingers moving unconsciously, drawing circles on his muscular back. After all, being Ichigo was like a dream come true. He had been taking good care of her, spending his attention on showing her affection since that night. He was even going to bring her along on his business trip down south. And since that night, he'd stay with her through the night after they made love.

That's right.

It wasn't just sex.

Hearing him mumbled incomprehensibly, her eyes screwed shut and her fingers stop their movement immediately as he stirred again.

He opened his eyes to every man's fantasy, grinning at his prize, he planted lazy kissing on each of her full breasts.

"Orihime?"

Lifting his head to see his auburn beauty still 'asleep', he smirked.

She tried hard to stay still as she felt his hot breath brushing against her neck, his fingers running up and down her sides, tickling her.

She swallowed a gasp when she felt his skillful fingers now on her mounds.

He grinned at her persistence.

Just one more pinch will do it…

He lifted his head to see her face in crimson red.

"Aahh… GoodmorningIchigo!" she blurted out.

"Good morning Orihime"

Ichigo lifted himself from her embrace and the bed, revealing his glorious naked body in front of her.

"I'm going to take a shower."

"A cold one?" she giggled.

Her eyes observed his well toned muscles and drifted lower till it reach a particular rock hard morning wood.

"No, you're coming in with me to solve that… problem."

He pulled her willing body in to his arms and carried her into the bathroom.

"No… I wouldn't call it a problem… it's my pleasure after all."

.

.

.

.

End.

Love,

Blitch

Please review Please!

Just a click of the button and a few words from you is very significant to me and never fail to make my day better, hope this fic made your day better too!

Thank you my lovely friends…

x-Baby-Grim-x ~ All the best for your exams! Thanks for being the first to review despite being tied up with revision. Love u sweety!

Babiip ~ I would think Ichigo remembers =p and the last word was in italics, which is a thought… I'm so happy that u like it. Man I'm so sorry I wanted to give u 5 stars for your fic but it was a ridiculous typo STARTS instead. WTF!

PameRulez ~ Yay! I'm glad you were thinking bout my fic =) hope you like this one too. And no, I won't bother bout those fics anymore.

thatEndlessOblivion ~ Hey great to hear from you. You're totally right about that! Hope you like this update too.

missdramatikkk ~ Sorry I couldn't give you an update the next day & yes the chapter was slightly shorter =D Oh yeah ichigo either turn arrancar or reach 2nd stage of hollow. I really didn't expect! Can't wait for Chapter 350! Today? Haha.

bloodyrose1294 ~ I wish I was on Spring break too and I can update more! *Envious* Ichigo & orihime met when they were very young kids and only knew each other for a week when orihime was visiting the kurosaki's before she left. That's why they remain in each other's memory but it's kinda faded. Now that they're back together it's a different story ^.^ and yes the message carved on the tree is linked directly to the title of the fic you smarty pants haha.

Lady Natsume ~ I'm glad you like it.. I do like to put him as a cold character in my fics don't I? (except Le Hollow de L'Opera, he's just awesome) Being a ruthless leader he's already tone down abit when he's with our dear hime-chan…pls don't be mad at him lol

princess-myu ~ Sorry I took so long to update… here it is! I'm hope it puts a smile on your face as your review does to mine!

HeartfeltHitokiri ~ Everyone, meet Beaver! What an adorable nick to suit an adorable personality =) Rather than dense, I'd say Ichigo is in denial at that point hehe…

empty-spaces ~ ok I let him realized if cos I don't want disappoint you!I love Chibi-Ichihime so much. Reminds me of their Baby… Tsuki.. (from my first fic that is) Lady Natsume named her!

sel63~ I updated in a week, to match Bleach chapter posting speed, I hope you're pleased. I find the Ishida Clan plan extremely hard to write. Heh.. heh.. [nervous laughter]

Sixelle of Fireyness ~ oh yea baby, show me the review! Totally needed it! I'll try my best to continue. Hope you like it.

Shigur3' ~ Oh silly I never want my dear Shig-sama to self-inflict any pain, or I'd have one less review *Grrr* but here's more Ichihimeness to sooth any, alright? (I think everyone reviews fast cos their on story alert mode)

hikari-hime01 ~ he heard of her name but he was just too ignorant to register it, that's our dense ichigo aye?

Bullet2tm ~ Hey, realization finally! Haha. Here's an update, hope you enjoy it.

CUPCAKE-MONSTER ~ Great to hear from u always. FF was having major technical problems I worry if it suddenly shuts down it'd be horrible cos we'll all lose contact! I hope this hits the Ichihime "spots" again.