Author's Notes:

I know many of you wanted a lemon flavor chapter, but not yet. Preterm labor suggests you don't do the nasty for safety measures. I got you for the next chapter. I promise!

This is also a short chapter. It focuses on development between the two lovers on a romantic level.

Enjoy!


"In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you."

-Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice

Weakness

Jackie came off the elevator walking towards Ichigo's penthouse. Putting in the code she pushed opened the door, when a hand grabbed her around her mouth muffling her surprise. With her trained instincts she went for her gun, but a knife sliced her throat before she could act.

The gurgling of blood filling her mouth was heard behind the hand. The man slowly dragged her back onto the hallway floor, keeping the door propped open with his foot. Another man had a tarp mat ready for the body. Wrapping up Jackie's slowly dying body, her eyes peered at the man that had taken her life.

She recognized the very man who only worked to dispose of agents that were no longer of value. Her final thoughts went to the young woman inside the home they were about to enter. She prayed her safety would not be jeopardized.

The tall man cleaned his knife before sheathing it. The younger man slowly wrapped the body up snuggly before cleaning the blood that had gotten onto the floor.

"You know I could of did the dirty work for you," the young man sad as he lifted the body over his shoulder.

"You were walking too slow for my liking. She was on the elevator which meant she would have gotten in the penthouse before we had the chance to get rid of her. I don't understand how you go to the gym three times a week, yet you're still winded from forty-five flights of stairs."

"Mr. Tsukishima you know good and well no one could run forty-five flights of stairs and not be winded."

"Firefighters are trained to do such things; with heavy equipment I might add."

"That's their profession. Fighting, killing, and staying alive is ours." Tsukishima stared at Shishigawara with a bored expression.

"Just take the stairs back down with the body. The elevators have CCTV, and we don't need any traces of your presence being here." Shishigawara grumbled as he walked to the staircase a few feet away. "Did you say something?"

"No!" Shishigawara called out when the door closed behind him.

Tsukishima scoffed. He turned to walk inside the penthouse, searching for movements for any unexpected guests. Walking further in he took in the well-designed décor of the home. He can surely say Ichigo has an expensive taste. Settling into the loveseat across the large couch, he was startled at the woman that laid fast asleep.

"Ah, this must be the prize He spoke of." Tsukishima's eyes admired the sleeping woman. "How can you sleep through all the commotion that went on outside in the hall?"

She stirred at the hushed voice, fluttering her eyes open.


~x~

Orihime woke up alone in the bed she did not remember getting into. She remembered Ichigo had taken her home after the hospital visit, then he had left after a call from Rangiku. Jackie came half an hour later offering to help clean up the kitchen. Orihime was happy with the help but sad all her hard work was wasted. After deep cleaning the kitchen, she had taken a quick shower and made herself comfortable in the rocking chair in the nursery.

Running her hand over the duvet on Ichigo's side, she felt the coldness as if no one had slept in it. Orihime knew he had taken her to bed but when was a mystery. Getting up, she walked into the adjourning bathroom to wash her face and brush her teeth.

Walking through the penthouse, she realized no one was there. She walked to the nursery leaning against the doorframe. Her eyes wander over the different touches Ichigo contributed to making the nursery the way she had imagined. She sighed walking towards the empty crib thinking of the day her bundle of joy would be laying there.

"I can order some take-out if you're feeling hungry?" Orihime turned towards Jackie who was standing by the entry. She was holding take-out menus.

Orihime made her way towards her. "We can eat," she rubbed her belly, happy she was not alone. Jackie smiled.

In the evening, Ichigo was still not home. Jackie was on the phone talking to her colleague, giving Orihime small glances throughout their conversations. Subsequently, she hung up and made her way to Orihime.

"I'm sorry there's a matter I must take care of at the office. All hands-on deck type of situation. Ichigo is there right now, apparent why he's not back yet." Orihime nodded in understanding.

"This client must be special." Jackie was making her way to the front door, agreeing with Orihime's statement.

She turned to face the auburn-haired woman. "It's Madam Rangiku's husband Gin. He went missing according to Madam Rangiku." Orihime's eyes widen.

Was that why she called so many times yesterday?

"I'm sorry to hear that. Please hurry, Ms. Rangiku needs your full attention. Please find him."

"Will you be alright alone? Even though you were told Aizen will no longer bother you, your safety is Ichigo's top priority. Should I drive you by Tatsuki's place, so you can have company?"

Orihime did not mind seeing Tatsuki but did not want to intrude so late in the day. "No. I'm alright."

"I'll be back in the morning."

"Okay, see you," Orihime waved.

"Call if you need anything." Jackie gazed at her for a moment before turning to walk out the door.

Orihime washed the glasses and plates they had used to eat. After drying the dishes, she curled up on the couch staring at the moon from the large windows. Orihime noticed this was her first time being alone since she had moved in months ago. It never bothered her because if she needed a moment to herself, she would find a room to hide in. But then again, to be alone in such a massive place with not a hint of another soul frightened her. The ghosts or spirits lurking in the dark corners invaded her thoughts. She laid in silence listening to the sounds of the city noise down below. In the dark, she did what came easy since entering this home. She waited.

Opening her eyes, the sun was peeking through the horizon while being blocked by a silhouette of a man. She closed her eyes repeatedly blinking away the sleepy haze. Pushing herself up from the couch, Orihime eyed the man sitting across from her suspiciously. He was staring back at her with a book across his lap and legs crossed.

"I… who are you?" she spoke in a groggy voice.

"A friend of Jackie's." Orihime rubbed her eyes forcing herself to fully wake up. Her eyes roamed around the living room noticing Jackie was not back from the office.

"Where's Jackie?" She sat up placing her feet on the ground. Her eyes scanned over the mysterious man. He oddly reminded her of her past. His shoulder length black hair and black eyes with a scar over his left one. His skinny body dressed in a white button up with suspenders and black slacks. He uncrossed his legs, closing the book in his hand and placing it to the side.

"You can call me Tsukishima." He stood up putting his hands in his pants pocket. Orihime's eyes followed him. "Jackie is dead."

"What?" Orihime felt her heart drop. "How? She just went to the office…" she tried to think what could of happen from between leaving the penthouse to the office. The only thing she could think of was the accident that had taken her elder brother. "Was it a car accident?" Orihime whispered.

Tsukishima narrowed his eyes at the question. "No." He gave her a calm smile. He removed his hand from his pocket pulling out his knife. Orihime stared at the knife, noticing blood on his white sleeve. "I killed her."

"Wha… why?" Orihime was horrified. She felt her voice growing small from the growing panic as she started to tear up.

"I received orders from my mentor to dispose of Jackie Tristan due to her lack of responsibility. Plus, she was asking too many questions."

"What does that even mean?"

"You can blame yourself for her death actually." Tsukishima spun the knife in his hand.

Orihime's mind reeled with questions and thoughts on how she contributed to Jackie's death.

Did she really get Jackie killed?

How?

But he just said he killed her.

"I don't believe you." She stood up drying her tears. Leaving the living room, she made her way to the bedroom to get her phone to call Jackie.

"Why?" She stopped in her tracks, turning to face Tsukishima. "You were the one who told her to ask about Yhwach."

"Who?" Tsukishima stood next to Orihime staring down at her.

"Yhwach… your beloved's grandfather." Still confused, he continued. "Mr. Yhwach is Ichigo Kurosaki's grandfather, Isshin Kurosaki's father. The man has his eyes on you because you carry his legacy. The continued line of the Shiba Clan."

Orihime took a step back, holding her pregnant belly. "What are you talking about? Shiba Clan? Mr. Kurosaki?" She shook her head, shaking his words out her head. "What does this have to do with Jackie?" she asked confusingly.

Tsukishima stopped smiling. He leaned on the back of the couch Orihime had fallen asleep on. "You really don't know anything. My, my, my. Ichigo really left you in the dark. Ms. Orihime, you opened your legs, got pregnant, and moved in without questioning why?" he tsked. "Who raised you?"

Her breath hitched, she marched over to him and slapped him.

Why could she have thought he slightly resembled her brother? The audacity of this man.

Grabbing her wrist, Tsukishima pulled her close to him almost colliding their heads together. He stared at her intensely, keeping his composure.

"Don't provoke me." He pushed her back. "Let me explain your situation and why Jackie's death is on your hands." Orihime rubbed her wrist as it began to turn red. "Your pregnancy is the catalyst to this whole situation. Ichigo's sudden absence, men barging into the bakery to corner you, threaten and perhaps eventually killing you. Ichigo is a man trained to kill because of his family. His father helped train him, and your baby is next in line for said training. A line of men Yhwach sees pride in.

"The bearded man you ask Jackie to ask around for, his name is Yhwach. You weren't supposed to investigate him. Yet, you opened pandora's box and started a domino effect dragging everyone down with you. Hence why Jackie is dead. She wasn't supposed to know who Yhwach was, better yet you. He was going to introduce himself eventually… when the time was right. But you jumped the gun. We got orders to get rid of Jackie because she found out some things no one should know. Blood is on your hands now by getting your close friend killed."

"Stop blaming me!" Orihime cried out. She knew it was her fault, but she just wanted to know why Ichigo was terrified of that man. When she had met him that one time, he was kind to her. Nevertheless, he terrified her more than ever now.

"But who should we blame? Not Jackie. She was following your orders." Orihime shielded her ears blocking his words. "Don't try and play the victim now." He approached her again, taking hold of her wrists and drawing them away from her ears. She cried trying to pull away from his touch. "Ms. Orihime you are a manipulative being and you caught Yhwach's eyes." Tsukishima smiled. "You have a calling for this life."

She shook her head. "Noo!" She pushed him away, hastening her pace trying to get into the bedroom. She quickly locked it behind her.

Orihime ran to the nightstand ripping her phone from the charger and calling Ichigo.


~x~

Ichigo barged into his home, gun pointed and eyes searching for the intruder. Not finding anyone in his home, he ran to the lock bedroom. He banged on the door. "Orihime, it's me!" He quickly put his gun away.

"Ichigo!" He could hear the shrill panic in her voice. She unlocked the door, swinging it open to a terrified Ichigo.

His eyes roamed over her body for any injuries. "Are you okay?" She wailed falling into his arms. He held her close as they both crumbled to the floor. Orihime's body shook while she sobbed. During her frantic phone call, Ichigo heard her mention something about Jackie being dead and the man that did it was in their home blaming her. She also mentioned his grandfather. He never drove so demented as he did that morning. He was surprised he didn't get into an accident and killed anyone with his car on the way home. He could only concentrate on getting here while listening to her cry through the phone.

Between leaving his car running in the parking garage and the trip up the elevator, the mysterious man who had scared Orihime had left.

He cradled her body closely rocking it as he whispered in her ear. "I'm here. I'm not going anywhere." She gripped his shirt, clinging onto his words.

Orihime had fallen asleep on the threshold of their bedroom door in his arms. Picking her up, he went inside their room, and he laid her down in their bed. The redness of her eyes and cheeks garnered red hot rage through his veins. He gazed at her one last time before turning to leave. Walking out into his office, he closed the door. Ichigo shoved all his papers, pens, and laptop off the desk to the floor. It's like he couldn't catch a fucking break.

Digging into his pocket, he pulled his phone out.

"Hello?"

"Chad."

"What happened?" Chad asked straight away hearing the wrath in Ichigo's voice.

"I need to find him… and kill him with my bare hands."

"Just tell me who."

"My grandfather."


~o~

Isshin stood in Ichigo's penthouse watching Ichigo talk on the phone with one of his men. He hung up and faced his father.

"I'm going to kill him." Isshin waited for Ichigo to elaborate. "Yhwach is not my grandfather. I don't give a damn about blood. What he did to Orihime is inexcusable." Ichigo explained what had happened from what little information Orihime had told him, piecing together everything he knew as well.

Isshin closed his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose digesting the news. They sat in the living room making sure they were an earshot away from Orihime, who was still sleeping. "I know how you feel Ichigo, but you can't kill him."

"Why the hell not!" Ichigo seethed, slamming his phone down on the coffee table.

"As much as that may dissipate your anger, how will Orihime feel? She already feels guilty enough because of what happened to Jackie. Do you really think she would feel better knowing you got blood on her hands for her… and the blood being your very own grandfather?"

Ichigo calmed down a bit acknowledging the facts Isshin had laid out. "I… I can't put her through this again. She has already been to the hospital twice because of stress. I ran here also worried she might go into early labor again. I keep leaving her in such a vulnerable position." Running his hand through his hair, he groaned. "I told Jackie it was okay to leave Orihime here alone. Aizen made a deal with that man, yet he was the one who brought her harm. He says my baby is his legacy, yet he's doing everything he can to cause the woman carrying his great-grandson harm. What the fuck is wrong with him?"

"Watch your mouth." Isshin gave Ichigo a stern look. "I'll talk to him."

Ichigo rolled his eyes. "Really? When was the last time you talked to that… prick?" Isshin narrowed his eyes but ignored Ichigo's lack of vocabulary.

"When you were in college."

"Great." Ichigo scoffed. "Don't bother."

"Son, just trust me."

"I trust you Dad… it's him I don't trust."

"I got this. Please concentrate on Orihime." Isshin stood up, placing a hand on Ichigo's shoulder, and squeezing it in reassurance. "Explain everything to her and what her future holds. Give her the choice to choose." Letting go of his shoulder, Isshin turned away. "Something I wish I could have given your mother before taking away her choices." Ichigo snapped his head in Isshin's direction seeing his large back.

"Dad…"

"Let this old man of yours do something right for once."


~x~

Later, Orihime woke up feeling sluggish. Ichigo was not next to her like she hoped. Panic tore through her. She ripped the duvet off her body, stumbling out of bed into the halls.

"Ichigo!" she called out. She slowed when he popped his head around the corner.

"Princess." He dropped whatever he was doing making his way to her. She gripped his arms. "I'm sorry for leaving you alone. I wanted to cook you some dinner." Her eyes glanced at the windows, noticing the darkness. Glancing back at him, Orihime let her hands slip from his arms.

"I'm sorry too. I…"

"It's okay. Come have a seat." Ichigo pulled her into the kitchen and helped her sit on the stool. "I'm almost done."

"Smells amazing," Orihime murmured as she shifted in the seat trying to get comfortable. Her heart was still pounding with fear, resounding in her ears.

"And it'll taste even better." He brought a wooden spoon to her, blowing it making sure it wasn't too hot. "Taste." She opened tasting the broth.

"Mmm, that's good. What are you making?"

"Zosui. No fish of course. I used tofu as a substitute." He turned around shutting off the heat under the pot. "I made some Gyudon just in case you were still hungry."

Orihime smiled. "I haven't eaten since…" her smile fell remembering the last time she had eaten. The last meal she shared with Jackie. Tears swelled in her eyes. Ichigo spun around hearing Orihime sniffle. "I haven't eaten since… Jackie… before Jackie left yesterday."

Ichigo moved around the kitchen island to hold Orihime. "I'm sorry." She wrapped her arms around his waist.

"No, I'm sorry for what I did." Orihime cried as she snuggled into his apron in a place to capture her tears.

"You didn't do anything wrong." He ran his fingers through her hair. "I will prove it to you." She dragged her face against his apron to look up. He chuckled at the snot smeared down on her lip.

Letting him go, she wiped at the snot and tears. "How?" she sniffled. Ichigo helped to wipe at her tears.

"Trust me. The man who dares to blame you for something you did not do, will have to answer to me." He bent down and kissed her lips. "All you have to do is trust me." Ichigo brushed his knuckle against her nose making Orihime wrinkle it cutely. He turned and moved back to the stove. "Let's eat."

After Orihime ate two bowls of Gyudon and a full bowl of Zosui, she wanted to relax outside on the pool deck peacefully. Her body was wrapped in a warm blanket as she enjoyed the night air. Ichigo dressed in a hoodie, approached her with a cup of tea. She happily took the warm mug. He sat next to her, placing his arm over her shoulder to bring her in closer.

They sat enjoying the silence.

Ichigo broke the silence first. "Orihime… about yesterday… I want to clarify to you who Yhwach is. The truthful version and not whatever that other guy said." She remained quiet, gripping the hot mug in her hands waiting for him to continue. Ichigo cleared his throat. "That day in the bakery when Aizen and Gin approached you, that was when I learned about Yhwach. My estranged grandfather. My dad told me how he ran away with my mother, which led them to having me while they were living their best life. My twin sister's birth followed a few years later, which then my grandfather appeared. Not in a joyous occasion which most families would expect. When he found out I existed… it put my dad back on track to whatever family dynamic Yhwach thrived from. This was at the cost of my mother's health."

Orihime shifted in her seat to look up at Ichigo. He was staring straight ahead at nothing in particular. He had never talked about his mother with her. No one did. Tatsuki would always brush her off and said to wait until Ichigo was ready to tell her. Was this it?

"My mother fell into a coma shortly after giving birth to my sisters. My dad blamed himself, and still does to this day. Yhwach did something to her that day, causing her to have health problems." He bit his lip. "I'm meant to keep the Shiba Clan going since I'm the firstborn son to my father. It came with risks. I personally didn't know until my father explained it. Why did I never keep anyone close such as a girlfriend. My brain instinctively knew my family was pretty fucked up -before my dad even told me anything- and to drag someone into it would be selfish. Along with the excuse of my profession and clients, what woman would want this type of life?

"Yet, when it came to you… you were irresistible." His eyes glanced down at her. Orihime could only gawk at his confession. Ichigo smiled looking away from her. "With all the sex we had -which I might add I heavily enjoyed- I got you pregnant. When you told me the news, the instinct came raging in my mind. 'Don't give yourself any weaknesses.' A saying my mentor had told me during my training. You would be vulnerable… I would be vulnerable. You were vulnerable. Not with clients but with me. You blamed me. 'Why did you enter my life if all you're going to do is put me in danger'. I had no answer then when you had asked, and I still don't. Was it lust? Greed? I don't know. You eventually talked to me and understood my life. I was grateful. You gave yourself to me and I accepted it wholeheartedly. By accepting you, I understood my role in your life. I found joy knowing I was going to be a father. The sound of Blueberry's heartbeat made it even more real.

"Then you told me about the customer with his bodyguard." Orihime felt a chill run down her spine, causing her to shiver. Ichigo looked down at her, pulling her closer to him. He continued. "I knew… I knew if he found out about you… the thought of my mother flashed through my mind and fear took over. I confronted my grandfather and threatened him to back off. Instead… I provoked him. Yhwach told me about the goals and what is expected of me. Then the obsession he has with you and the baby. He threatened me, Princess. He said all these things about you… unless I got rid of Aizen. And dammit Orihime I tried. I left for those three days turning over every nook and cranny searching for that sonofabitch. With the help of Gin of course, but it was like Aizen was one step ahead of me."

Orihime could see the frustration on his face. "Oh, I see." She now understood why he was gone.

"Yhwach made a deal with Aizen to back off so you can have our baby peacefully… but now for him to swoop in and cause chaos. I just can't understand what he's thinking. When you called me today… I saw red. Coming home to make sure you were okay, but instead finding you in tears and panicked. I knew and decided right then and there. When I watched you finally fall asleep face red and stained with tears… I was going to kill him."

"Ichigo!" Orihime gasped.

"I know… that's why I'm telling you this. My old man wants me to talk to you first. To give you the choice to choose what I should do. Right now, he's going to talk to Yhwach so he could back off. I can't say I trust my old man to get through to the old geezer." Ichigo unwrapped his arms from around her. He shifted in the seat to face Orihime fully. "I need to know… do you want me to end this? I will kill him. I won't have any regrets if it means I can protect you and our son. All I need is your permission."

Orihime gawked at Ichigo hearing his absurd questions. She opened her mouth wanting to answer, but the words didn't leave her mouth. Turning away from him she placed the warm mug down. She stared at the shaking liquid. Closing her eyes, she slowly shook her head.

"No. You can't kill him." Her dark thoughts blared at her because that wasn't the answer she desperately wanted to give him.

Yes.

Please, yes.

"I know killing is a part of your job, but killing your family is too much… no matter how estranged they may be." Ichigo watched her vaguely. She turned to face him. "He scares me too. The thought and the power he has over you terrifies me to the point I had nightmares about it. But the thought of him… his blood on your hands." She reached out for his hand, wrapping it in her own, she slowly brought it to her lips kissing each knuckle. "I don't want these hands to have to bear such a sin. You may say you won't regret it Ichigo, but down the line you will. I wouldn't live with myself if I said yes to such an action."

Ichigo pulled his hand away from hers. He looked down at his slippers. "The future we will have together as a couple will be bleak. The constant looking over our shoulder, protecting our baby, the carnage to come, can you really live like that?"

Orihime smiled weakly. "Yes. I have hope. If you have faith in your father, we will be okay." She leaned into his shoulder placing a chaste kiss on his cheek.

"I can't." Ichigo abruptly stood up causing Orihime to flinch back. He ran a hand down his face before facing her. "Why?"

"Why what?"

"Why after all I've told you. Why?" Ichigo felt the pain in his heart. "The thought… the future for us. Why?" Orihime slowly stood up grasping his hand, but he snatched it away. "I got…" He couldn't leave. "I gotta make a phone call." He left her outside alone.

Ichigo locked himself in his office having a heated discussion with someone she could not hear. Orihime waited up for him hoping he would come to bed. Turning over and seeing the clock reading 2:49AM, she turned over curling into his pillow forcing herself to fall asleep.

Waking up once again alone in the late morning. Orihime did her morning routine, talking to her baby while brushing her teeth. She decided to take a shower. Freshly out of the shower and in her robe, she approached Ichigo's office. The door was ajar, but no one was inside. She searched other areas of the penthouse, and finally to the kitchen.

Strolling into the kitchen, she saw Ichigo leaning over the kitchen island on his elbows. His face was buried in his hands deep in thought. She didn't know if it was because of their 'disagreement' or his call with whomever last night. Her choice of words and the decision she made, Orihime did not know it would leave her iced out. She turned around and made her way to the nursery.

The future would soon lie in that crib before her. She placed her hand on her belly feeling the baby's movements, kicking, and turning. The story about Yhwach and his fixation with her baby did scare her, but Mr. Kurosaki will reel his father in. Her baby and herself will be safe from Yhwach. Ichigo won't have to kill anyone for her sake.

Refusing to dwell on the negativity and what the future holds for her, Orihime walked out of the nursery into the bedroom to get dressed. She needed to get out of her head and take a walk. She took off her robe to put on her undergarments, and a white t-shirt dress with black strips that hugged her curves due to her pregnant belly. She was happy the dress came above her knees and not her upper thighs like she originally thought when buying it.

Orihime put her hair in a high ponytail, sweeping her bangs to the side with her hairclips gifted by her late brother. She looked herself over in the mirror before grabbing her small leather crossbody purse. She placed her wallet and phone inside as she exited the bedroom.

Sneaking past a lost in thought Ichigo, she slipped her keys off the hooks and tip toed to the front door. She slid on her canvas sneakers and unlocked the door. She quickly looked back making sure he hadn't noticed her.

Orihime dropped her keys as Ichigo stood in the foyer staring at her.

"Where are you going?" His eyes looked her up and down. "Alone?"

"… you looked like you had a lot going on, so I was going to go and take a walk."

"…to the bakery?" He made his way to her. "The doctor did say you're supposed to be on bed rest." He bent down to pick up her keys. "I'm coming with you, wherever you're going." Ichigo put on his shoes bypassing her to walk out the door. Orihime sighed following behind him.

She stopped beside him near the elevator. "How about a picnic?"

Ichigo who was looking straight ahead, shifted his gaze down to Orihime. The elevator rang signaling its arrival. He turned away to walk in. She hesitantly stood outside the elevator waiting for his answer. The doors were slowly closing before he grabbed them to keep them open.

"Well?"

"Get on." He cocked his head to the side motioning for her to move. She did not budge. He sighed. "We have to go to the market to get food, right?" Orihime smiled happily before getting on.

They walked through the park in silence with a small distance between them.

Orihime admired the cherry blossoms blooming. Ichigo watched her closely. His eyes trailed over her form imprinting it into his subconscious. He watched as her hand would sometimes rub her belly as she spoke to it smiling, then move to her back as if her hands would help her alleviate the weight. One hand would move from her back to her hair, pushing the strands which escaped from her hairclips because of the spring breeze.

The beauty she exhibits, the innocence in her eyes, the joy and laughter she continues to give off despite the situations he exposes her to. Why? He had so much to tell her, but the words could not leave past his lips.

Orihime stared straight ahead at the water passing under the bridge. She pointed to a large cherry blossom tree on the other side of the bridge.

"There! Isn't that a good spot?" Breaking his thought process, Ichigo shifted the overflowing basket to the other hand to stand next to her and followed her pointed finger.

"Yeah, that spot works."

Once they -mainly Ichigo- set up the blanket and plated the food, they ate silently. They watched passersby with their families enjoy the blooming cherry blossoms. Elderly couples holding hands enjoying each other's company and young couples having the same idea as Orihime; setting up their own picnic spots.

"Why?" Ichigo spoke first, breaking their silence.

"Hmm?" Orihime asked as she chewed on a grape. Ichigo watched her curiously.

"Why do you love me?"

Orihime stopped chewing and gulped the rest down. She gazed up at Ichigo who was still staring at her. She bit her lip, turning away. She fanned her face feeling the heat rising to her face. Trying to keep her composure, she focused her attention on the grass beside their blanket.

"Why are you asking me that?"

"I need to know why? What is it about me you see, and love for you to stay with me?" Ichigo fixed his gaze on the loose strands laying on her neck.

Orihime raised her head to look at the blue sky. "It was love at first sight," she smiled remembering the first time she saw him. "You had this alluring aura around you that drew me in. I never really been with anyone in the concept of love or… umm sex, but you… you made me feel things I never felt before. I was naïve according to Tatsuki," she chuckled. "Still, I didn't want to approach you because you seem so far out of my league." Orihime turned to face him. "That evening in the bakery when you confessed about your real job, it petrified me. Further back, the look in your eyes when I said I was pregnant. Even worse, I felt like I disgusted you," she cringed. "It shot at my self-esteem. I concluded- after all the tears and sleepless nights- that I didn't want to give myself to someone who didn't know what to do with me. Also, I didn't want to… lose myself in your world."

Ichigo stared into her hazel eyes. She was right about losing herself in his messed-up world. They were dealing with the unimaginable. His life choices have brought danger to her front door. She knew what he was thinking from the way he looked at her. She scooted closer to the picnic basket pulling out strawberries. She turned to grab her satchel pulling out a scarf. Orihime handed him her scarf. He raised an eyebrow.

"What is this for?" He took the scarf.

"Tie it like a blindfold." Even more confused he gestured to the scarf. "Yes silly. I want to try something with you." He sighed as he folded the scarf into a blindfold. Placing it over his eyes, he tied it. "What I'm doing is taking away one of your senses so the other's will heighten."

"I thought that was a myth?"

"We can test it out to see if it is." She reached inside the basket to gather the ingredients for her test.

Orihime dipped her finger in the jar of honey smearing it on the strawberry. She placed it against Ichigo's lips. "Taste and savor this." He bit into it licking his lips as he chewed. She took another strawberry sprinkling a different spice on it. "Open and savor this too." He swallowed the strawberry in his mouth before opening it again. He bit into the next strawberry and automatically started choking.

"Princess, what the hell?" Ichigo coughed.

"I said savor it," Orihime berated him.

"I tried and it does not taste good." She chuckled. He untied the blindfold. "Why did you make me eat that." She smiled. She reached inside the container and pulled out another strawberry. She dipped her finger in the honey smearing it once again on the strawberry. She then sprinkled the spice on top of the honey drenched strawberry.

"Stick your tongue out."

"I'm not eating that." He narrowed his eyes. "What is that ingredient you put on last?"

"Stick your tongue out and savor both flavors. I want you to notice the difference between the two." He pushed the strawberry close to his mouth. He reluctantly opened it as she slid it inside. Watching as he slowly chewed, she explained. "The spice from the peppercorn represents the bitterness which lingers only for a moment. While the honey represents sweetness, we will overcome finding our own happiness despite the lingering bitterness."

"Wow, philosophical," he smirked swallowing the remains of the strawberry.

Orihime grabbed his collar and pulled him towards her. "I know. So, may I kiss you so I can know what our forever tastes like." Ichigo eyes lingered on her lips before finding her eyes again.

"Are you sure you want forever with me?"

"Yes."

He smiled as he lowered down to her lips, capturing it in a deep kiss.


~x~

~Present Day~

Ichigo sat bouncing on one leg and biting his fingernail waiting for the news about Orihime's surgery. No one had come out to give him any updates. His father sat beside him quietly, while Karin and Yuzu went to check on Kazui in the nursery. Urahara sat with Tatsuki on the other side of the waiting area. She was too emotional to think rationally.

"How did you do it Dad?" Ichigo whispered. Isshin staring straight ahead tried to think of the best words to describe his feelings back then. What had happened to Masaki would have been avoidable if he had taken the right measures. However, in Orihime's situation it was inescapable. The nature of giving birth to life for a woman is the closest thing to death.

"I didn't." Ichigo dropped his hand from his mouth to face Isshin. "I would replay that moment every single day since it happened." Isshin looked at Ichigo.

"I never got the chance to tell her how I feel because I was so concentrated on all the other things. I tried to keep her safe from all the external issues, yet what's going to take her away from me is something I can't fix. How the hell am I supposed to fight and protect her from preeclampsia?"

"Preeclampsia is a medical issue. You weren't tasked with that responsibility."

"Her whole being is my responsibility." Ichigo said, raising his voice. A tear fell from his eye, making him wipe it away quickly. He looked away from Isshin as he cleared his throat trying to hide a sob hoping to escape.

Isshin placed a hand on Ichigo's shoulder. "Orihime is strong. Do you think after all she's been through; she would give up and not fight to live so she can raise her baby boy? I doubt she trusts you enough to raise him alone." Isshin chuckled.

Ichigo choked out with a sob and a laugh. Wiping his eyes that had more tears, he looked back at his father. "No, she doesn't trust me."

"See, even you know it." Isshin rubbed Ichigo's back as he silently cried.

After a few more hours, the light for 'Surgery in Progress' sign dimmed. Ichigo shot out of his seat to the automatic doors. Everyone else stood too. He started pacing waiting for someone to come out to update him.

Orihime opened her eyes slowly, before closing them again. Her eyes fluttered open remembering where she was. Turning her head, she saw Ichigo sleeping on the side of the bed gripping her hand tightly. She turned away from him to look around the room. She was still in the hospital as her memories served her right. Her free hand attached to the IV touched her belly taking in the missing part of her.

"Where is Kazui?" she croaked out. Orihime coughed at the dryness of her throat. Ichigo stirred at her coughing. She turned to him. She shook her hand trying to wake him. "Ichigo," she whispered. He still didn't move. "Ichigo!" she whispered louder.

He shot his head up at his name. "Princess!" Ichigo stood from his seat. "You're awake. Let me get the doctor or nurse." He pulled away from her to go into the hallway.

"Wa- "she coughed out. She tried to sit up. Orihime's eyes roamed all over the sterilized room for the baby bassinet with Kazui inside. Tears began welling in her eyes. "Where's my baby?" she cried to herself. Ichigo entered the room with a nurse. He paused at the tears.

"What's wrong Princess?" he grabbed her hand, while his other wiped her tears.

"I can't," -cough- "I can't find Kazui." Ichigo smiled, pushing her hair back.

"Our baby is fine. He's in the nursery." Orihime cried in relief yet sadness. "I know you miss him. He misses you too." He looked at the nurse who was pouring Orihime a cup of water. "Hopefully if everything is all good, Kazui can see his mommy again?" The nurse turned to see Ichigo staring at her with intensity. "Right?"

The nurse darted her eyes around the room before landing on Orihime who was looking at her questioningly. "Yes of course. I just need to check your vitals. If all is good, I can call the nursery to bring your baby. You can breast feed him for bonding time." She handed the cup to Ichigo. She quickly ran out the room to get another nurse.

Ichigo scoffed. He reached for a straw on her bedside table. He pressed the button to raise the head of the bed. Opening the straw package, Ichigo placed it in the cup to bring to her lips. "Drink." Orihime sipped a few times.

Clearing her throat, she glared at Ichigo. "Please don't tell me you've been giving the nurses a hard time?"

"Drink," Ichigo demanded ignoring her question.

"Ichigo?"

"We both tasted forever together." Orihime stared at him as he turned around to put the cup down. "We tasted it… yet you were going to leave me alone?" Ichigo faced her again. His eyes burned with tears he did not want to show anyone. "The waiting… it was torture."

"I'm sorry," she whispered. Orihime reached out for him. He crawled into the bed with her.

"Don't ever leave me like that." Ichigo wrapped his arms around her squeezing her tightly. Orihime stroked his hair, inhaling his scent she missed. "I love you too much to let you go." She stopped her movements.

"What?" She pulled back to look in his teary eyes. Tears began to fall from her eyes. "Say it again Ichigo. Please."

Ichigo cradled her face. "Being with you… married," He took her left hand rubbing her ring finger with his thumb. "Raising our baby boy together and growing old together. I want the domestic life with you. The smell of pancakes, waffles, and muffins in the morning. Arguing who changes the baby when he poops. Crying together on the first day Kazui goes to school. Crying when he graduates and goes off to college. When he gets married and has our first grandchild. Slow dancing to old jazz music when we're both wrinkly old skin and bones." Orihime chuckled through her tears. "All those moments with you. Orihime you are my life, you are my reason for living, you're the air that I breathe, you are my literal lifeline… you belong with me. So, don't you ever think about leaving me alone in this world." His thumb wiped her tears. "Just as much as you belong to me, I belong to you… forever. I love you Orihime Inoue." He captured her lips and kissed her deeply.


~x~

~6 Months Later~

Orihime sat at the kitchen table with Kazui in his highchair feeding him warm cereal. Ichigo entered the kitchen giving Orihime a kiss on her forehead before ruffling his son's soft mane. Kazui laughed at the touch cooing out in excitement.

"Yuzu called and said she'll be stopping by for a visit. I told her it's okay." Ichigo grabbed an apple from the fruit basket on the kitchen counter.

Orihime wiped Kazui's mouth with his bib. "That's fine. I know little man misses his favorite aunt." She tapped his nose making him coo loudly and kick his feet.

"Don't let Karin hear you say that." Orihime smiled at Ichigo as he bit into his apple. "If you want, she can watch him while you run your errands," he offered sitting at the table.

She put another scoop of cereal in Kazui's mouth. "If it's not too much to ask. I want to check on the bakery if possible." Kazui spit up the cereal reaching for the cut-up banana he had pushed to the side. He mushed it into his mouth, rubbing it all over. They both laughed at their infant.

Orihime walked up to the bakery noting the neighborhood was oddly quiet. Walking through the doors, she looked around not finding any customers inside, considering it was the lunch rush. Her eyes landed on a man with a black cap pulled down hiding his face in the corner leaning back with his foot on the table. Her eyes rolled at the lack of manners. She turned away noticing Mashiro was not at the register, neither was there anyone else. She knows Hacchi was gone for the day, but for no one to be at the front was suspicious. She peered around the counter and moved to the back still not running into anyone. She came from around back and glanced around the lobby, taking out her phone from her satchel. The same man now staring at her smiling sadistically, making her cringe.

He smiled from across the bakery waving at Orihime while she slowly approached him.

"Are you here alone?" she asked concerned stopping to give them a good enough distance.

"Yup!" He reached inside of the windbreaker pulling out a knife. Orihime's eyes widen. She took a step back swiping at her phone to call the police. "Oh, I wouldn't do that if I were you." She snapped her head up finding he had closed the distance between them. She jumped back trying to get away from him, but he grabbed her jacket. He pulled her close to him with the knife pointed at her throat.

"Scream and I'll slice you up." Running the knife down her throat, he smiled. "Damn, now I want to cut up that pretty face of yours so badly."

"Who are you… and where is everyone?" she stammered.

The man pulled off his hat, making Orihime's eyes widen at the light blue hair. She remembers he was one of the men with Ulquiorra the day he cornered her in the restroom.

"Remember me now?" He took a deep breath, inhaling her scent. "You know… you smell delicious." Grimmjow licked the side of her face, making Orihime shove him away in disgust. He gripped her tighter, pulling her closer. "I pray I get to taste you when all this is over." Removing the knife from her neck, he slowly trailed it down to her waist. He swiped his wrist, cutting her satchel's handle. She felt it fall to her feet.

His light blue eyes bore into her own. "It's time to tame and train you." The chime bells jingled as another person entered the bakery. Both their attention went to the man with his hands in his pockets. "Ulquiorra? What took you so long?" Grimmjow pulled on Orihime's arm harder making her squeal in pain.

"I was getting rid of the witnesses." Orihime's eyes widen.

"No! Please no!" Tears welled up in her eyes. "Please tell me you didn't," she begged.

Ulquiorra stared at her. "I didn't." He turned away. "Let's go, Aizen's waiting." He turned her signed for her bakery from 'Open' to 'Close' when he strode out.

Grimmjow pulled Orihime towards the door out of the bakery. "Let's go Princess." Her whole body felt like it was about to explode with fury. She will not let this evil man sully the loving pet name Ichigo had given her. She started kicking and screaming.

"Nooo!" Her fight or flight instinct kicked in with the thought of Ichigo and Kazui filling her mind. She had to fight so she could go back home to them. "Noo! Let me go!" She scratched at Grimmjow not caring he had a knife. He growled. He raised the knife before bringing it down on Orihime. She closed her eyes ready for the impact.

Not feeling the pain of the knife, she peeked through her lashes seeing the knife was instead through the table by her waist. Her eyes shifted to Grimmjow, who stared at her pissed. Instead of the knife he raised his fist. She blacked out when it collided with her face.

Orihime woke up with a pounding headache. She blinked away at the drowsiness of sleep. She felt pain on the left side of her face when she closed her eyes. Reaching to touch it, her hands were stopped from moving. Orihime blinked her eyes again trying to adjust her eyes to the pitch darkness.

The pain on her face and the sounds of chains around her wrists brought back the moments which led her here. Ulquiorra and Grimmjow had taken her from the bakery, and no one knows. Pulling at the chains, she tried to cry out for help, but her throat was dry. She instead moaned out for help, pulling the chains to cause enough loud noise to anyone around if possible.

The sound of movements in the corner of the room caused her to stop.

"Is someone there?" she croaked out in pain. Moaning was heard along with more movements. "Please help me," her voice cracked.

The door swung open, creaking loudly as the voice was about to speak.

"You're awake." Orihime closed her eyes at the bright light from the door. She slowly opened them trying to adjust her eyes to the new sensitive light.

"Who are you?" she croaked out. She coughed to clear her throat.

"Give our guest some water. You must be hungry and thirsty." The man approached. Orihime shrunk back at Aizen staring down at her. "My goodness, you're lactating through your blouse. We should have been more accommodating." Orihime's eyes widen at the mention of her indecent appearance. She tried to cover herself but failed as her hands were chained behind her back. "Ulquiorra we didn't pick up any breast pumps before boarding?"

"No sir."

Boarding?

"Apologies sweet Orihime." He crouched down to her level. He brushed her bangs back from her face, making Orihime flinch away. He tsked at the bruise forming on her left cheek. "Grimmjow had other places to plant his fist, instead he went for your pretty face." Aizen turned away from Orihime. "We at least have a first-aid kit?"

Ulquiorra nodded. "We indeed do sir."

"Be a gentleman and retrieve that for me along with her meal." He turned back to face Orihime. "We need Orihime at her best before we could get started."

"Why am I here?" she whispered.

"For training." Aizen stood up, his gaze wondering over to the other side of the dimly lit room. Her eyes followed his own. She gasped at the bloody man who laid face-down in the corner.

Orihime scanned his obscured features noting exactly who he was. "Mr. Gin!"

Aizen smiled wickedly. "Yes!" He strolled toward Gin, crouching down. He grabbed a fist full of his hair so she could see his face with sunken eyes that were heavily bruised. Shades of black, blue and hints of yellow. "He set me up along with your lover boy Ichigo. He thought I didn't notice the pattern in how each of Ichigo's men would hit my hideout spots. Two of those places I only brought Gin. That right there is where he messed up."

Aizen slammed Gin's face on the ground causing him to moan out in pain. Orihime turned her head and closed her eyes at the act.

"You proved your point, so let him go. Ms. Rangiku is worried about him." Orihime spoke to the wall, eyes remaining closed. She did not see him approach her. Her eyes flew open when he dug his fingers into the side of her neck hitting a pressure point. She cried out in pain.

"I don't care. He and I know very well he's not going home to his wife. The same could be said about you."

Ulquiorra walked back in by the time Aizen had let go of her neck. Orihime whimpered trying to dissipate the pain by rolling her shoulder and tilting her head. "Get patched up and eat your fill. Your training will be vigorous." He faced Ulquiorra. "Force feed her if she refuses. I would love to see that."

Exiting the room, he faced Ulquiorra again. "Where's Grimmjow?"

"Dealing with Ichigo Kurosaki sir. He jumped off after we set sail." Orihime eyes widen.

Catching Orihime's expression, Aizen smiled again. "Sweet Orihime, did I forget to tell you? We are no longer in your city, better yet the country." He laughed loudly while walking out.

To Be Continued…


Author's Notes:

Next Chapter will be lemon flavored.

Songs

Can You Hold Me – NF, Britt Nicole

IT'S YOU – MAX, keshi

Better Version – Sabrina Claudio

Silence – Before You Exit

Until The End of Time -Coco Jones, Leon Thomas

Belong to You – Sabrina Claudio

It's You – Sezairi