Problems and Solutions

Part One

PLEASE READ: I want to remind everyone this chapter is from Orihime's POV and we'll be going back to the morning after the attack. Also, thank you to Flornoir for the idea to add Orihime's POV in the story. Really helped shape the story! I read all you're reviews and take notes (no joke, I have a whole binder full for my stories) to add what I can to make a story better.

Thank you suzaanoelofse01, JK Robertson, Aquavit, Mada avf, flornoir, and JimmyLane for reviewing the last chapter! This one's for you!

Waking up for school:

I didn't sleep at all last night. Kon and Ichigo both held me, giving their silent support. I just wish they knew what the real issue was. Last time this happened I ended up sleeping at the park. I didn't want Tatsuki to know about it or she'd overreact.

Truth is, I'm a young woman who lives alone. There are no grown-ups to check in on me, the only way someone would know if something was wrong would be me missing school.

Sora-nii-chan taught me about our life from day one. While I didn't understand it at the time, his lessons still helped me even after I lost him.

"Make sure you lock the door and do not open it for anyone." He'd tell me as he left for work.

"Don't tell people you're alone. It'll bring trouble to you." He'd remind me as I left for school.

"Be brave. We may only have each other but life is what we make it. Don't let the bad in the world reach your heart."

"Never hurt others. Be different than our parents." He'd warn me when someone would bully me.

"Be thankful we have food for our bellies and a roof over our head."

At the time these seemed annoying. Why does it matter if someone knows I'm alone? Why does it matter we don't have parents? And why did we eat so differently from others? Why couldn't I have sleepovers?

I wish I could go back and thank him for everything he did for me. He gave up his freedom to take me away from our horrid parents. I wonder if he'd be disappointed in me for what I did…

Maybe I shouldn't have hit him then kicked him. Was it overkill? I shuddered as I thought about the whole thing again. My body reacted, I didn't even think as each movement happened. It was almost like watching a show! I watched as someone who looked like me attacked the man. Not once but twice! I wish I could blame it on the little blue men or robots, but this was all me. I hurt another person to the point they lost conciseness.

How could Ichigo look at me? Touch me? I feel like a monster. What changed to make me respond as I did this time?

Thinking back to the last time my apartment was broken into…

It was the start of middle school. We were only a couple months into the year and I was up late to study. Sora-nii-chan always told me I'd need perfect grades if I wanted to go to a University. Every night I'd stay up to make sure I understood everything we went over. I wasn't going to let a pop quiz stop me from making my brother proud!

All that water I drank while studying was killing my bladder, so I headed to the back to relieve myself. I washed my hands and decided to call it a night. It was about four in the morning when I heard someone move around my apartment.

I froze. Listening to the footsteps I could tell they were in the kitchen going through things. Probably trying to find some money. I couldn't help but feel bad for them, they really picked the wrong place for that. I quickly made my way to the bathroom and crawled into the tub. I hoped they wouldn't look in here. I didn't want to fight, I didn't want to hurt anyone or get hurt.

I held my breath as the movements grew closer… Each creak of the older floor board told me the person was about to enter my room. I heard the futon being flipped, things being pulled out of my drawers and closet.

Thump. Thump. Thump.

I wasn't sure if that was my heart of the invader's footsteps until the light in the bathroom turned on. I watched him in the mirror as he looked over all my things. I could tell he was angry because he slammed the last drawer shut with such force it broke. I couldn't stop the small cry I let out. I was so scared, I just wanted my brother.

The man spun around, ripping the shower curtain off the hooks as he looked at me. His face was covered so I couldn't see who he was, but he had blond hair. It was pretty.

"Shit. It's okay, umm… how old are you sweetie?" The man asked me.

"Twelve," I whispered back to him. I wasn't sure what to do here, I'm not supposed to talk to strangers but when the man is standing over me while I hide in the bathtub I was sure that rule changes.

Sora-nii-chan always told me not to argue with someone if this were to happen. He told me to hide and try to keep quiet, so they'd leave without noticing me.

Well, I already messed that up. I thought to myself as I went over the rules he taught me.

"Fuck! I'm going okay? Shit, I can't leave you here with the door broken. Damnit, I don't do this to kids… Okay, want to play a game?" The strange man asked me.

I nodded. I loved games!

"I want you to count to 100, after that you call to have someone fix your door okay? No cheating." The last part he said with authority.

"I don't cheat!" I yelled without thinking. I'd never do such a thing.

He chuckled at me before walking out the bathroom door. He paused to tell me to start counting and then he was gone.

Counting to 100 took a long time. I think I fell asleep during it because the landlord found me in the tub. He wasn't happy and told me to tell him everything, once that was over he made me talk to the police and I had to leave for a few days while they checked the crime scene.

They asked if I had somewhere to stay and I said yes, I couldn't tell them no and lose my home here! Besides, they'd never know if I did or not.

That's when I found out a few laws with renting…

If something happens and the police are called the landlord will get a copy of the report. Since I was and still am a minor (for a few more months) the landlord must contact my aunt to inform her what happened.

She warned me if this ever happened again she'd force me to move in with her and her family, but I didn't want that. I'm about to graduate, I'm applying to Universities and scholarships. I didn't want to lose all this, I worked so hard to get here!

My only hope was my aunt would call me when I wasn't around Ichigo. I had to talk to her without him near, otherwise, he would get involved and try to fix things. While I'm so grateful for all his help in his family's this was on me.

Our alarm went off indicating it was time to get ready for school. Neither of us talked about what happened last night, it was the elephant in the room. I didn't really have time to think about that though, I needed to contact my aunt, speak to the police, talk to my boss, and find out what my landlord has to say about everything.

This is going to be a long day...

Finally, the last bell rang, while normally I would be excited to be done with school for the day today was different. At lunch, I called my aunt to find out her and the landlord already spoke.

She was done helping me financially, she said I was too big of a risk factor and if I wanted support I would have to move in with her. I told her I handled it and I was all right that she didn't want to listen to me.

After that, I decided to call my landlord, but he wasn't very happy either. He explained to me that he loves having me as a tenant, but he's never had break-ins before me. He told me he wishes there was more to do; however, the next time I come back home I would have a 90-day notice on my door. I couldn't believe it, everything was falling apart. There's no way I would get another apartment, at least not without my aunt's help.

On top of that, I had to find a way to pay for rent for the last few months by myself. Luckily my landlord was nice and said he didn't start the 90-day notice until 1 March. I had about a month to come up with the plan.

Ichigo was watching me, he was being protective as usual, but I just want him to see that I'm not someone to protect. I must wonder, is there more to us than that? Am I just someone who makes him feel strong and brave? My biggest worry was his feelings, his love for me, were they based on something else?

Thankfully he works today so I can walk home with him and once he leaves I can go talk to my boss. I would need more hours if I was going to pay for rent by myself. The police said I could come back home by Friday which was nice, but I wish I was home now, so I could plan, cope, and not keep this mask up.

'One step at a time Orihime' I tell myself.

I just need to talk to my boss find out what my options are there, perhaps talk to school maybe they would have some better news for me or a way to still graduate while working enough to pay for rent and make sure that no one in the Kurosaki family finds out what's going on.

If one of them found out they would ask me to move in. While I would love to live with them I would always wonder if Ichigo was living with me for the right reasons… Hopefully, I'll never have to wonder because they'll never know until I tell them my plans.

Walking up to the front doors of the bakery, that I came to love in such a short time, I could only hope that my boss would understand what I was going through. Opening the doors, I was greeted with the small ding from the bell on top of the doors. My coworkers turn and smiled at me greeting me hello which of course I returned instantly. Walking up to the front asked my coworker if our boss was in. He told me he was in his office in the back, so I made my way there.

Knock knock knock

"Come in!" His cheerful voice called out.

"Good afternoon boss-san, do you have a moment I could talk to you about something?" I stood in the open doorway unsure if I should come in are not.

"Of course, Orihime-chan. What would you like to talk about?" His gentle brown eyes held a smile to them as he spoke. He was such a kind man, him and his family were always going out of their way to help me. I just hope I wasn't taking advantage of him.

"Um… I have a problem, there was another break-in with my apartment and now my aunt won't help me with rent. I was wondering if there were any way to get more hours here? I know it's a lot to ask and I would never want to put you in an uncomfortable situation but if you could put me on the list for overtime or to fill in if someone is sick I would really appreciate." I finished in a rush.

"I see... What about school? You are easily one of my best employees Orihime-chan, and I would gladly give you more hours or find a new position that would suit your needs, but I don't want you to give up on school. I know how hard you have worked and how much it means to you."

"I plan to talk to the principal tomorrow. All my grades are very high so I'm hoping he'll work with me to maybe do half days or come in a couple of times a week. I'm not sure though, while I would love to graduate, it means the world to me, I also need to be realistic. It's just me, I have three almost four months until I must move out of my apartment and I want to do this one my own. I need to do this on my own. I need to prove to myself and others that I'm strong enough to handle what life throws at me. I'm tired of people thinking they need to worry about me or take care of..." I could feel my eyes start to water but I held it in. He didn't need to see me cry.

I was so focused on my hands that sat in my lap I didn't notice the look my boss was giving me. I only looked up when I saw his hand cover both of mine.

"Tell you what, why don't we wait and see what your school says and go from there. Better yet, I'll speak to my wife tonight and have her call your school in the morning to set up a meeting with the three of you. Maybe with her there between the three of you, we can work something out."

"Thank you." I finally let a couple of tears fall as the older man stood to hug me.

Heading back to the Kurosaki's house I felt a little lighter, one less thing to worry about. Now I had to pray my principle would be willing to make some type of arrangement with me for the last four months of school.

Ichigo and I were walking to school, hand in hand, but not talking. He tried to start a few conversations, but I was a mess on the inside. I felt horrible for giving him simple answers, especially when I could tell he was worried, but I couldn't help it. I kept a smile on my face any time I was around people and never complained but I couldn't help but wonder what would happen today.

How would I explain being called out of class? I'm no good at lying! Ichigo, Tatsuki, Chizuru, Chad, and Uryu would all see through it. Ugh, I'm doomed.

"Orihime?"

'Oh no! What did he say?'

"Yes?" I gave him a smile, hoping he'd forget whatever he was saying but it didn't work. He stopped walking and pulled me towards an alleyway. I couldn't help but worry a bit. If anyone saw us like this, they'd assume the worse and I didn't want to tarnish his reputation like that.

He stood so my back was to the wall and he was right in front of me. He put his hands by my head and lowered his head till we were eye to eye. I couldn't help but look down at his lips while I licked my own.

"Look, I can't help but ask… are you upset with me?" Ichigo's voice held a little fear to it that had my eyes returning to his. They were swirling with worry.

"No, never! I-I'm sorry, I've just had a lot on my mind is all. Are you upset with me?" It was my turn to worry.

He dropped his head, shaking it before looking back at me.

"You just haven't been yourself and not to sound like a perv, but you haven't even kissed me in a full day. Which is fine, don't think you ha-"

I cut him off with a sweet kiss.

Thinking back, I realized I put myself on auto piolet, I needed to step up or everyone would know something was up before I had everything figured out. I just wished for once I wasn't all alone.

He slowly started kissing me back, our sweet and simple kiss turning opened mouth, hot and sexual that brought a warm feeling to my lower stomach. When he finally pulled away we were both breathing hard.

"I'm sorry, Ichigo. Please, don't worry okay? I love you." I told him honestly. I didn't want him to worry about me or if I was upset with him. I loved him so much. I never wanted him to doubt that.

"I love you too 'Hime." He pulled me from the wall in a tight hug before letting go until only our hands were holding.

We just walked into the gates when he spoke once again, "Oh, and 'Hime? I could never be mad at you." He kissed me on top of my head before we went different ways to see our friends a bit before classes started.

I was beyond lucky to have him… I just hoped it lasted a little longer.

We were halfway through our second class of the day when I was called out. Everyone shot me worried and confused looks as I rose with my bag. I quickly gathered my things and made my way out to follow our assistant principle towards the one place I was terrified to go.

This was it, one way or another I'd know for sure what was going to happen. I'd either graduate and have a home or I'd be a dropout.

"Inoue, Orihime is here." She called through the door.

"Let her in." The door was pulled to the side for me as I saw Hana, my boss' wife, and my principle already there waiting for me.

"Please, take a seat Inoue-chan."

I nodded and sat where I was told. I was so nervous I didn't know how to get my voice to start working again.

"Now, Hana-san here has been telling me you have a… situation, I can see why you wouldn't want to leave this close to graduation but I'm unclear as to what you want with me. Please explain." His voice was a little cold, I knew he was strict, but I had to try. If only my brain and mouth would connect!

"I um, well, I had a break in at my apartment, so my aunt has decided she won't fund my living expenses any longer. She says it's too risky and she wants me to move in with her, I would really like to finish here and on my own, but I'd need to work more for that to happen."

"I see, and why would you need my help? I have no jobs for you." He responded.

"I wanted to know if I could set up an arrangement where I miss school a few days a week or maybe do half days?"

"We will offer you her time card to prove she's working as she said and can work around any schedule you see fit," Hana added on.

He opened his mouth, about to talk when the lunch bell rang.

'Oh no… I bet they'll all be waiting for me.' I only hoped he'd give me some options, so I can be here a little longer and miss lunch.

"Those bells, I need to get them, so they don't ring in here…" I don't think he noticed he spoke out loud.

"I'm sorry for the situation you find yourself in. I can see why you want to stay here, graduation is only four months away and it would be a shame to transfer this late in the year; however, if anyone could handle it, you could. Your grades are amazing, and you catch on fast. I'd recommend you transfer. I'm sorry but I cannot allow you to miss school. There is a certain number of "seat time" a student must have to graduate."

My heart shattered.

I didn't realize I was crying until Hana came up and hugged me. "It's okay sweetie, we'll think of something." She kept telling me as the principle left the room, so we could have privacy. I was so sure I'd be able to graduation and make my brother proud but the only chance I have is if I leave…

I couldn't stay here, at school, I couldn't answer everyone's questions about what just happened. I called Kurosaki-san and asked if I could come home early since it's his house.

Ring…. Ring…

"Hello, Kurosaki residence!" His cheerful voice answered.

"Hello, Kurosaki-san. I was wondering if I could come home… I'm not feeling well." It wasn't a lie per say… Mentally I wasn't okay, and I did feel sick knowing I'd either leave this place for good or give up on school.

"Orihime-chan? Of course, I'll come to pick you up."

"Oh, no that's okay. I have someone who can give me a ride home. I just wanted to make sure it would be okay to come over early."

"You are ALWAYS welcome here. I'll see you soon."

"Thank you, bye Kurosaki-san."

I gave Hana a small nod, so she knew he said it was okay and we left for the day. My friends and boyfriend saw me walking out with someone and stopped before they reached us. I knew they wouldn't want to cause a scene with people around.

Thankfully I made it to my temporary home with Isshin not asking too many questions. I went up to Ichigo's room and buried my face into his pillow. I loved the smell of him surrounding me… It made me feel comfortable and safe.

My mind started to wonder…

Was I a bad person? Did I do something that made people want to hurt me? I shouldn't have hurt the man… I wonder if I could meet up with him at the jail to apologize for hurting him. After a while, my mind finally turned off and let me go into a restless sleep.

A couple of hours later I heard Ichigo come in, he didn't say anything to me but crawled into bed with me. I wanted to talk to him about everything, but I was worried. If he knew what was going on he'd feel the need to take care of me and he'd never feel free to leave me if things didn't go well or he realized he wanted someone else.

It wouldn't be fair to him, this wasn't his issue nor was it his job to stress over my problems. I closed my eyes and slept for the rest of the day and night. I never even opened my bag to do homework, what's the point? I wouldn't be graduating anyways.

3rd Person POV

Meeting with Isshin (Wed. Feb. 7):

Isshin sat in his office, he brought a comfy chair into his office in hopes of making Orihime comfortable. He hoped these sessions would help her open up, not only for this situation but in general. After realizing she was alone and need support he hoped she would see him as a father figure. She deserved a family, and she had one. If only she'd realize it.

Orihime was hoping they'd be able to talk about the basics and he'd be willing to let things go. She would never lie to him, but she was told to not bother others with her problems… If she told him what was going on he'd do more then just listen and give her a safe place to talk. He'd want to help her out and solve the problems in her life. Taking a deep, calming breath, Orihime opened the office door to start their first session.

"Ah, Orihime-chan! Please, come sit down." Isshin waved his hand towards the nice chair in front of his desk. Taking a seat, Orihime waited for this to start.

"Before we begin, I want you to know that this is between you and me as a doctor, not your boyfriend's father. What we talk about in this room is only for us. Ichigo won't hear anything unless you tell him." All Orihime did was nod at him. She figured he wouldn't tell anyone what was said but she still couldn't help but feel conflicted. If only he would keep what they said in this room without trying to find solutions.

"How are you holding up after the attack?" His voice was no longer the normal fun, outgoing tone but serious.

"I'm okay, it was a lot different than last time, but it wasn't as bad as it could have been." She didn't mean to answer that fully, but the last part was more to herself and she let it slip out.

"Last time? This isn't your first break in?" Isshin couldn't help but feel angered by this information.

"Oh, um… no. This was the second time…"

"When was the first time?" He tried to keep his anger in check, he wasn't talking to her as a father or even a friend, he was here as her doctor.

"When I was 12." Orihime kept her head down. She felt ashamed to be speaking about this.

'When she was 12?!' Isshin took a minute to calm his rage.

"Could we stop here? I have a lot of work to do for school since I left early yesterday."

"Of course, Orihime-chan. We can talk again later."

Luckily for Orihime, she worked Thursday after school so the soonest she'd be able to talk would be Friday. That gave her a full day to figure out how to keep talking to him without letting too much information out.

Friday afternoon

"Kurasaki-san?" I called out when I reached his office door, once again. Luckily this time I was here to work instead of talking.

"Over here, Orihime-chan" Kurosaki-san called out.

When I entered the office, I froze.

Sitting there behind the desk across from me was Ichigo's father, he was wearing his typical doctor coat over his casual clothes. His desk was cleaned off which was different than the last time I was there.

Ichigo quickly stood and pulled me to the chair and closed the door behind me. What in the world was he thinking? What was going on?

"Um, what's going on in here?" My question rang out cutting through the tension.

"Orihime-chan, all of us are concerned… You haven't been yourself this week and we wanted to talk about what happened. We want you to know we all love you and you can count on us." Isshin's voice worried me. Was he going to talk about everything going on with the break in? Did he want me to open up to the others about my first attack?

"I'm fine-" I started waving my hands in front of my face.

"Hime stop. I get it was scary, but you handled it and he's locked up now."

"What Kurosaki is trying to say, is we're worried. Can we help in any way? Is there anyone you'd be willing to talk to?" Uryu spoke while shooting Ichigo a glare as he pushed his glasses up.

"You don't need to be worried, I'm just thinking over things is all. I'm okay, really!" I spoke up, hoping they'd believe me.

"I'm going to be canceling my trip after graduation, I was thinking we could move in together." Tatsuki offered to the group.

"You can stay here till then." Ichigo offered.

"No."

My voice was solid. I wasn't going to back down when it comes to this.

"What?" I've never seen Tatsuki so shocked before. Well besides finding out about soul society but who could blame her?

"I said no, thank you for your offer but go. I want you to live your life to the fullest, all of you."

I was starting to shake. Was I really this terrible of a friend that everyone felt they needed to change their lives to care for me. I wasn't a child, I hadn't been for a while.

"Hime, we're just trying to help. I spoke to my family while you were at work a couple of days ago and we want you to move in." Ichigo reached for me after he spoke but I pulled away. I needed to leave. Everything that was going on was too much.

"I really appreciate all of you coming here to show me how lucky I am to have so many friends who care for me, but I think it's best I go home now."

"Orihime, don't you want to stay with us? You'd be safer here." Ichigo tried to reason with me.

"You'd never understand," I whispered

"What do you mean? What wouldn't I understand?"

"Ichigo, please let me go."

"Son" His father spoke but the warning was ignored.

"No! She needs to talk to us, this isn't like you Orihime. What's going on?" Ichigo snapped at me.

"You have a family, you have a home, you don't worry about where your next meal will be, you don't have to worry if you'll have a roof over your head next month because your aunt decides to stop supporting you. You don't understand what it's like to have to argue with an OBGYN to get an IUD because you must make sure the next time you get kidnapped you're safe. I can't take the pill or get a shot because there's no telling how long I could be held hostage. While I can reject any STIs they give me I would never be able to do that to a baby, no matter what the circumstances. I was lucky they weren't interested in me sexually, but it won't always be that way (She started crying while she spoke at this point). I know what it's like to have men lust after you." I took a shaky breath before continuing. I needed to try to calm down before I fully broke down.

"You don't know what it's like to wonder why your own parents hate you! Watching my brother die was the worst day of my life and I've been alone ever since. You are all amazing, but you aren't there! You aren't with me and to be honest? I'm the most grown up out of all of us. I'm happy and hate violence, I can see why people think I'm stupid because I chose to live this way but I'm not. I take care of myself and make sure I enjoy every moment of life I was given due to Sora's sacrifice of taking me with him."

I tried to leave again. I wanted to go home, I wanted to be alone and cry, I wanted to let it all out, so I could feel better and think clearly.

"Then stay with me! It solves your problems. Let us help you!"

I gasped when I heard him. My biggest fear was coming true. He only wanted me to move in with him, so he could take care of me. Not because he loved me.

'No, no, no, no, no, no! This can't be happening!' I yelled internally.

"No. Let me go."

I took off out the door and towards his room to pack up all my belongings before heading home. There was no other option but get as far away as possible.