Games/Sports

Newly edited by the lovely Lunaerfaerie2010 and hallowdark94

Disclaimer: Just in case anyone thought I bought Bleach since the first chapter I'm sad to say I didn't. If I did there would be a whole spin off following Ichigo and Orihime haha. RATING WENT UP DUE TO LANGUAGE AND POSSIBLE LIME/LEMON LATER IN THE STORY. I will mark everything since it started out as T.

AN: Thank you so much nibashmangang, Guest, and JK Robertson for taking the time to review the last chapter. This chapter is for you three!I finally snapped out of my thoughts when I realized we were walking up the stairs to her apartment.

What do I say? Shit, do I apologize?

Once they reached the top of the stairs Orihime slipped, without thinking I grabbed her around the stomach to keep her from falling. I pulled her up, so she was flushed to my body and in a tight embrace. I tried to ignore how amazing it felt having her in my arms.

"Thank you, Kurosaki-kun. I don't know what happened." She had a fake laugh, her breathing was faster than normal, and her face was a light pink. I didn't let go right away. I wanted to make sure she was okay and, I really wanted to hold her.

"It's okay Inoue. Good thing we're here. It's getting slick out." I told her as I slowly let her out of my arms. I followed her up to her door, watched her put her key in the lock and listened to the click of the door unlocking.

I wish I could give her a kiss now.

"It was nice seeing you tonight. I hope space helped you but please remember, they love you and I know you love them." She looked at me in the eyes. Her eyes held so much emotion. I still couldn't believe I said something so stupid in front of her.

"Yeah, I know. Thanks Inoue." I rubbed the back of my neck, not sure how to say goodnight now. It seemed she felt the same since she wasn't moving either. I was about to tell her goodnight when she shocked the hell out of me. She moved forward and threw her arms around my middle. Her head was on my chest with a stronghold.

Hug her you dumbass.

For once my hollow was right. I wrapped my arms around her, holding her just as tight as she held me. I lowered my head, so my check was laying on her head. I smelled her hair. She smelled amazing, I didn't even think about what I did next. I gave her a quick kiss to the top of the head while whispering "Goodnight Inoue."

As we slowly pulled back she gave me my smile. "Goodnight Kurosaki-kun."

She went inside and gave me one last smile before she shut the door. I put my hands in my pockets as I turned to make my way home. I didn't notice the smile on my face until my dad stopped his attack to mention it.

"Well well well… Where have you been son?" He smirked at me.

With one punch I headed up to my room. Tomorrow was Monday and I hoped I could get to Inoue before anyone else to walk her home and maybe get another hug.

The next morning, I woke up earlier than normal. I wanted to meet up with her as Inoue arrived at school. I know between all her friends someone typically walks her home to keep her safe, but I needed to do it today. I was having a hard time keeping my hope at a minimal level. The last thing I wanted to do was read too much into last night and make a fool of myself or worse, make Inoue uncomfortable.

Once I arrived at school I looked around for Inoue, she was easy to spot with her long auburn hair flowing lose. I headed towards her when I noticed her talking to Satoda of all people.

What the hell. Walking closer, I so I could hear them talking.

"Of course, Satoda-kun! I'll ask Chad today about the soccer club. I heard you were looking for more people before the big game. How many people do you need?" She questioned him.

He nervously looked at her before he stepped a bit closer to her. I sped up at that point. I wasn't about to let him hit on my Inoue. I came up right by her, our arms touching. I had to fight off my blush, this wasn't the time.

"You need more people for the big game?" I asked.

"Ye-yeah."

"I'll play." I offered. Keeping his focus on me and off her.

"Oh, that's nice of you Kurosaki-kun! Do you think Chad would play as well?"

"Yeah, I'll talk to him. Count us in." I tried to end this, so I could talk to Inoue about walking home.

"Well now that we know the game will happen do you think you'll be able to come watch, Orihime-chan?"

Orihime-chan? What the Hell…

"Of course, I'll be there to cheer you, Chad, and Kurosaki-kun on!" She responded.

Satoda opened his mouth to speak but I broke in to keep them apart.

"Come on Inoue, we don't wanna be late."

"Oh, okay. Bye Satoda-kun." She waved at him before walking with me to class.

"That was really nice of you to help out Kurosaki-kun. I've never seen you play before besides practice. I can't wait!" She pumped her fist in the air to show her excitement.

I smirked. "I'm glad you're excited. I'll have to make sure we win for you." I didn't even register what I said before she commented on it.

"For me?" Her face was flushed, I'm sure mine matched. Luckily Uryu came up to us.

"Are you going to stand there or let Inoue-san into class?" Uryu pushed up his glasses.

"Oi, we're going." I returned as Orihime giggled at us.

I watched her walk in and take her seat while she talked to the girls. She looked so happy, but even now, surrounded by friends she still didn't have my smile. For some reason that made me smile. Uryu cleared his throat, making me turn towards him to find him and Chad looking at me. Ignoring them I got ready for the start of class.

"Ichigo, I have a tournament coming up and wanted to stay late to practice, any chance you can walk Orihime to work?"

"Yeah sure Tatsuki" I'd never been happier to hear from her. It was the in I needed to spend more time with her. I was so focused on getting her away from Satoda I forgot to ask her about walking home together!

3rd Person POV

The rest of the month went by in a blur of activity. The other students started to notice a slight change in the oddly colored hair teens. Whenever they'd make eye contact they'd smile or in Ichigo's case smirk before turning away. Lightly colored cheeks. Chad saw them walking once, while they weren't holding hands they were touching, their pinkies at least.

Tatsuki had also noticed a change but more than that she could tell neither Ichigo nor Orihime were ready to talk about it. If she was truly honest with herself, she didn't think either of her friends noticed the change. It was something that just happened one day. Even with hallows, school, jobs, and club activities they still saw each other at least three times a week. If that wasn't enough proof something was going on the fact Ichigo was less moody than normal. That was the biggest giveaway.

Ichigo's POV

The big game was finally here. Much to my irritation, my whole family was going to be there. While my sisters didn't bother me, our father was the issue. If he didn't stop crying out about "how proud I am my oldest hoodlum is finally growing up" I was going to punch him. In public that didn't go over too well so I was staying back with my team.

Chad was playing sweeper (oddly enough he was very talkative when it came to soccer and made a great sweeper), so I wouldn't see much of him, but I was forward with Satoda. We were doing okay at practice, working together and talking but it was only for this game. Chad and I agreed to help since it was more for me to keep an eye on the MVP and his intentions of Inoue.

Chad nudged me as we stretched then pointed to the other side of the field. I saw Orihime being spun around by my father before Karin yelled at him to put her down. I smirked at her, we were very similar, so I knew she'd make Dad leave Inoue alone. I watched as my dad tensed up… Before I could think more on it I saw Satoda jogging across the field to see her.

What the fuck is he up to now?

I was going to run over there, but Chad grabbed my arm, giving me a silent "don't do it." I gritted my teeth as I stood there. Whatever was going on wasn't going well for him because she looked past him at us. The smile on her face was 10x larger than the one she greeted Satoda with. She gave us her big Orihime wave that we both gave back before the ref called for captains.

We lost the coin toss, so we'd get the sun in our eyes first, but we could deal. Now all I had to do was keep my focus on the game and not the beautiful redhead in the stands. This would be difficult.

3rd Person POV

The game was close, each time they got close to scoring the other team would take it away. At half time no one had scored a goal and both teams were irritated. Orihime could tell Ichigo was upset but there was another 45mins when the next half started. She had faith in their team to win. As they were talking during half time Yuzu whispered to her father before setting her plan in action. She knew her big brother really cared for the girl and she was determined to help him!

"Dad, do you think Orihime could come over after the game? We could have a family night." Yuzu knew her dad would agree but she still had to respect him and ask.

"Of course! My darling you are such a bright and wonderful child." He hugged Yuzu before speaking out to their favorite healer.

"Inoue-chan, would you be so kind as to join us for a family night after the game?"

She looked at the older man, in surprise. While she would love to spend time with them she didn't want to intrude.

"I'd love to Kurosaki-san but I don't want to intrude on your family time."

"Nonsense! We'd love to have you. I know my son would be happy to spend time with you." The older Kurosaki slyly added. Enjoying the blush that quickly covered the young woman's face.

"O-okay, I'd love to." She smiled brightly before the whistle blew signifying the start of the second half of the game.

The schools watched as both teams played their hearts out. The ball being passed from one person to another with speed and accuracy. The other team scored, it was a beautiful goal, the forward had a corner kid and got the ball to bend right in the middle where another member headed it into the goal.

Their side of the stands went wild. Cheering for the win. There was still 20 minutes left though. Ichigo and Satoda were determined to win. They were dealing with a power struggle for most of the past two weeks. Both wanted to show the girl they were the better man but now they wanted to win so the past few weeks weren't for nothing.

Once that clicked into both the boy's head they started working as a team. Instead of working as two people they were working as one. Ichigo got the ball down the left side before he shot it towards the middle where Satoda scored. Karakura High School stood up jumping with joy. The game was now tied with 9 minutes left to go. Both schools were waiting to see who would come up on top.

The time slowly counted down as both teams fought hard to score one last goal and win the game. With a minute left on the clock, Ichigo got a breakthrough. Everyone was on the left trying to score on Karakura, but the ball bounced off the pole where Ichigo was able to get it. He quickly turned and ran as fast as he could with the ball staying close by. He knew they wouldn't be able to catch him, so it was him versus the goalie. He faked the keeper out before shooting the ball. No one moved or breathed as the ball sailed through the air and hit the back of the net.

Everyone on the Karakura side jumped up and rushed the field to celebrate the win as the Karakura High School Soccer Club jumped up and down hugging each other. Well everyone minus Ichigo, no one wanted to be punched in the face. Ichigo felt may pats on his back, turning he saw Orihime run towards him. He moved forward to meet her when she jumped into his arms. Inoue's arms wrapped around his neck, legs bent at the knees while Ichigo held her close spinning around.

"You did it! I knew you could." Orihime smiled up at him when he put her back on her feet. Not letting go just yet.

"Thanks, Inoue" He blushed at her praise before a clicking sound and flash brought him from his thoughts of the beautiful healer in his arms. Turning he saw his dad holding a camera with a smirk on his face.

"Damn it Old Man!" Ichigo was about to punch when Chad pulled his shoulder.

"Time for a team talk in the locker room." He calmly stated as Orihime congratulated him as well.

When they got home from the game Ichigo ran upstairs to take a quick shower as Yuzu started preparing the food and Karin picked out a movie for everyone to watch. Isshin took this time to pull the quiet healer aside.

"My dear, would you be so kind as to walk with me to the clinic for a moment?" He offered her his arm which she smiled and took without another thought. Once they got into the clinic he turned to face her. He knew his son would kill him if he found out he was speaking to the girl he loved but he had to say something before she gave up hope.

"Inoue-chan, I wanted to speak to you about my son. I know you two are close, which I'm thrilled don't worry." Orihime let out a breath she didn't know she was holding.

"He's shy, we both know he feels he must hold the safety of the worlds on his shoulders and after Ichigo lost his Mother he started pulling away. My son's a good man but won't let others into his heart for fear of being the reason another person close to him dies. Please, just don't give up on him okay? Give him a little time to see you won't run away when things get tough." He was begging at this point but Isshin didn't care. He wanted his son to find happiness.

"Thank you, Kurosaki-san. I know it's hard for Kurosaki-kun to open up but I'll always be here for him." They both smiled before making their way back to the house. Ichigo wasn't going to be happy if he caught them talking.

The rest of the night was filled with laughs, jokes, and a good time. After a light dinner and movie, Ichigo started walking Inoue home. She fit in so well with his crazy family. His over the top Father going on and on about grandchildren, Yuzu talking about having more family nights and Karin sitting back watching the show. After a light dinner and movie, Ichigo offered to walk Inoue home.

As they passed by the park Ichigo's hollow alarm went off. Sighing, Ichigo punched the badge to his chest while Orihime sat his body under a tree to look like he was sleeping. He took off to handle the hollow while she stayed back to watch over his body. It didn't take long for him to return and enter his body.

"I'm sorry Inoue."

I can't even walk her home without us being forced to split up. Every time I think there's a chance we could make it work something comes up and reminds me why she isn't safe, not with me at least.

"Kurosaki-kun, you shouldn't apologise, you should be proud like I am of you." Orihime blushed when she realized what all she said but she wouldn't regret it. It was forward of her, but he needed to hear it.

Smirking, Ichigo started walking her home again. When they got to her door and she unlocked it he hugged her when she turned around to say goodbye. He heard her gasp in shock but quickly after she hugged him back. They both stood there enjoying the feel of the other.

Neither knew what they were doing but they both knew a change was happening. Slowly he pulled away, ready to tell her goodnight when her grey eyes looked up at him with such love he couldn't stop himself. He leaned down and lightly pressed his lips to her's. He pulled back slightly to see how she would react when she smiled up at him and pulled him down for another kiss. It was sweet, timid and perfect to them.