Plans in Motion

AN: Thank you so much for all your kind words! Y'all made my day! No joke, I was smiling all day long with each review I read. This chapter really hated me. Trying to make the hollow seem OOC but nice was just ridicules. Also, I know there are building codes and what not but just pretend it all works out.

This is the last chapter. I had another one but I think I like the ending more. Again, thank you so much for all your reviews, follows, and favorites. I hope you've enjoyed this story as much as I have and can't wait to show you my next IchiHime fic.

Key:

'Someone thinking'

Ichigo talking to his hollow

Ichigo's hollow talking to Ichigo

"Ichigo's hollow talking out loud"

I'll quit talking so you can read what you came here for now :p

This chapter is still Saturday from the last chapter.

Now that the plan was coming along and the young couple "celebrated" again both were ready for food. Ichigo decided to make dinner for them while Orihime called her boss and Aunt to explain what was going on.

Orihime's boss was thrilled and told her she could have the last weekend of the month off and make up the hours during the week, so she didn't lose money. He also offered to bring his truck by, so they could move everything much faster than using a car. When Orihime tried to insist that wasn't needed, she could figure it out he told her the bakery is a family and she was like a granddaughter to him and his wife.

At this, the worried woman decided to take Ichigo's advice. She accepted her bosses offer and promised to be the best employee he's ever had. Her boss couldn't see her fist pump in the air, but her boyfriend could. Ichigo chuckled while he shook his head at her silly ways and got back to cooking. The last thing he wanted to do was burn the food.

"Ichigo! Boss-san said he'd bring his truck over the last weekend of February, so we can move everything faster, he also said I could get that weekend off and he'd let me make up the hours during the week." She was bouncing up and down with her hands clasped together in front of her chest.

"That's great 'Hime. Are you still calling your Aunt before dinner? This won't be done for another 15 minutes." Ichigo loved this, they were already like a family.

"Yes, I'll call her now… I just… I don't think she'll be as happy with me." She stopped jumping, her whole mood rapidly changing from happy to sad.

"Let me know if I can help at all." She came over towards him to give him a quick kiss before going back to the living room to call her Aunt.

Ring Ring….

Ring Ring…

"Moshi Moshi"

"Moshi Moshi, Aunt-san!"

"Orihime-chan, how are you? Were you able to get back into your apartment yet? I really don't like the idea of you staying with a male."

"Yes, I was given the key by the police yesterday. I'm here now and I came up with a plan…" Orihime paused for a moment. She wasn't sure how her aunt would take the news and couldn't help but worry her aunt would be disappointed in her.

"…." When Orihime didn't continue her aunt did.

"I take it you aren't coming to stay here, with us?"

"No, I'll be moving in with my boyfriend-"

"No, you will not, Orihime! It is NOT appropriate to live with a male out of wedlock. I had high hopes for you! I supported you for years and this is how you repay me?"

"It's not like that, I swear! I'll still be working, I'll be going to school and graduating with all my friends."

(In the background Ichigo asks Orihime if she wants any red bean paste)

"Yes please!" She called back.

"Was that him?"

"In the background? Yes, that was Ichigo-kun."

"I would like to talk to him."

"Oh? Um okay… Hold on one second, please."

She stood with the phone and put her hand over the speaker before talking. "She wants to talk to you. Is that okay?"

"I mean I'm not very good at dealing with parents, but I'll talk to her for you." Ichigo wasn't feeling confident in this phone call. If her aunt was upset with their plan would she force Orihime to move in with her?

Giving him a big hug around his stomach, Orihime smiled up at him before taking over dinner while he headed out to the living room to speak to Orihime's only relative.

"Moshi Moshi?" Ichigo was trying to sound brave and thanked every God he could think of when his voice didn't crack.

"What do you think you are doing with my niece?" Her voice was cold, the opposite of his girlfriend's. It caught him off guard and he wasn't sure how to respond.

"I um… helping?"

"I'm not okay with this idea. Do you realize she'll be shunned? Who would marry a girl who lived with a man out of wedlock? What happens when you two break up? She'll be on the streets. Do you truly think this is the best idea? It seems to me that you're taking advantage of her."

Let me out Kingy! I'll give her a piece of our mind!

"With all due respect, that is completely wrong. She is loved, not only by me but my whole family. She'd never be homeless, and I'd never do anything to hurt her." Ichigo made the wise choice to ignore his hollow's words.

"If she does this then there's no going back. I'll never support it again. Can you live with that? Can you handle knowing her reputation will be ruined." Orihime's aunt wasn't trying to be rude or upset anyone but she needed to make sure her niece was taken care of. Her biggest fear was that sweet girl would end up like her mother.

"I can because it won't be an issue."

"I hope you two think about this more and what it means."

With that, she hung up.

"Wow." Was all Ichigo said as he put Orihime's phone down. He figured her aunt wouldn't be happy but didn't expect her to think so little of him. How would she know how he was as a person or felt when she left Orihime up here alone?

Orihime could tell her boyfriend was starting to lose his temper so she quickly made her way back from the kitchen and wrapped her arms around him from behind.

"I love you. I know you would never hurt me." She whispered into his back.

Ichigo felt her arms go around his stomach as her chest was pushed into his back, giving him the strength of love the way she did best. He put his hands around her's where they rested by his belly button. "I love you too." He turned to give her a quick kiss before returning to the food. The last thing he wanted was to ruin the food by waiting too long to eat it and add to the stress they already had.

Not everyone would be happy for them, not everyone would understand but that didn't matter because they knew how they felt and what they were getting themselves into. Everyone else could kiss his ass for all he cared.

When Sunday morning came around, the young couple sat down and talked about everything they'd want to speak to Isshin about. It wasn't going to be like before when she was just visiting so both parties needed to get their needs met for this to work.

When they left the apartment they both felt ready.

Dinner went well, everyone talked about their weekend and what their plans were for the week. While Ichigo was put on clean-up duty Orihime pulled Isshin aside to speak to him. They went out of the front door so they could talk freely.

"I have something I need help with. If I go straight to Ichigo he'd never approved so I'm hoping if I have a plan set in place he'll allow it."

"And what are you hoping to convince my son to do…" If she was asking for help it must be something big. He just couldn't figure out what it could be.

"He worries about his hollow Even with me when I know his hollow would never hurt me. I want to let him out to show Ichigo there is nothing to worry about."

Orihime's words took Isshin by surprise. He knew how his hard-headed son felt about his hollow. It was one of the main reasons he kept his feelings for the woman in front of him hidden for so long.

"There is binding I know… It would be much easier for him to let go of control if he knew there was a backup plan. We both know you can take care of yourself but if Ichigo was the reason you were hurt, whether it be by his hands or his hollows, we both know he'd never forgive himself. I can give you some ropes and tell you what to say for it to activate."

"That would be amazing! Thank you so much Kurasaki-san!"

"Thanks for what?" Ichigo's voice startled both people.

"Ichigo! You startled me." She giggled as her boyfriend came over and wrapped an arm around her.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to. I thought you might have started talking about living arrangements without me."

"And let you skip out of some father time? Never my boy!" Isshin then smacked Ichigo hard on the back.

"Oi! What the fuck Old Man!" was yelled before the two started another father-son battle. Shaking her head, Orihime made her way to the dining room table to wait for the two men to finish their fight.

10 minutes later...

The three sat at the dining room table, each unsure how to start the conversation. Orihime sat next to Ichigo. He held her hand under the table, in his lap. Isshin sat across the table wishing his late wife was here to help. He decided he'd start the conversation and first see if she was okay with his rules before they talked about anything else. If she couldn't handle it, then there was no point to go on.

"Well, you know my family and I would be honored to have you join us." Orihime smiled at his words but didn't interrupt him.

"There would be some expectations I'd expect you to follow. For starters, we all do our share around here. I know you don't have a problem with that since you were more than helpful when you stayed here over Christmas. I want you to do graduate high school and once that's over you will either go to university or have a year off but you will be making plans in order to better yourself. Before you talk about money please know that will never be an issue. I was a captain for a long time and have more money then anyone would have in one lifetime. Just because I don't spend it all crazy doesn't mean you'd ever need to worry about putting a strain on me or having to pay anything back."

Taking a break, he waited for the woman's response. Her large grey eyes were opened wide as she processed everything he told her. They watched as shock, worry, then joy passed through those expressive eyes.

"You mean you would be okay with me going to university?" She was completely shocked by his generosity.

"Of course! I want the same things for you that I want for my own children. You've done a lot for all of us and now it's time for us to do the same for you. If you think you can follow that then the next rule would be you two need to be extra safe. I don't want to be a grandpa just yet." It was quite entertaining to see how fast both their faces turned red.

"O-of course." She quickly agreed while Ichigo looked shocked before pissed that his father would say such things.

"I also need you two to remember your sister are younger and don't need to hear any of your "activities."

"Dad!"

"What? It's better to get this all out open now." Really, if his son was sexually active then he should be able to discuss it like an adult.

"Ugh. Is there anything else you want to bring up?" Ichigo was done talking.

"I want you both to work part-time. It doesn't have to be a lot but you need to have some experience and references to help you out later on. Ichigo, you may want another… more normal job haha."

"Is there anything else you want to talk about?" The bright-haired man couldn't begin to thank his father for all these blessings he was offering Orihime. To be honest, everything he was going to say went out the window. Ichigo's mind was blank.

"That's all I have for now. I don't want an answer now though. I want you two to go home and think it all over. Can you stick to that? Will you both be able to adjust living together and with this crazy family? Either way, you have a place in our family." He reached across to grab the young lady's other hand and gave it a squeeze.

"Thank you so much. Truly, I-I don't have words to thank you for how much you are offering me." She was trying to keep her voice steady, but it was very emotional, to be given so many opportunities that you never thought possible.

"Of course. Now I'm assuming you'll be staying with Orihime until her lease is up? Assuming you two decide to move in here?" He asked his son.

"Yeah, if that's okay with you Hime."

"Of course!"

"Great! Let's watch the movie your sisters picked out before it gets too late. I'm sure you miss me, Son. Come, sit in Daddy's lap." Isshin held open his arms with a big goofy smile Ichigo promptly stood and punched his father in the face before grabbing Orihime's hand and lead the way to the living room leaving his father dramatically crying at the table.

The walk home was silent. Orihime wasn't sure how to bring up her plan. She would never push him but it was something that had to be done in order for him to relax and trust his hollow.

"Hey, is everything alright?" He knew her too well to hide anything from him.

"Yes, I just... When we get home, I'd like to try something, if that's okay."

Now Ichigo was confused. What in the world could she want to try that has her so worried? At this, he stopped his girlfriend to get more information.

"What do you want to try?" He lifted her chin, making her eyes meet his.

"Will you wait to answer until we get home? Please." Without knowing she was doing it, Orihime pulled out the big guns. Her lower lip came out in a slight pout while her eyes grew in size. Giving him the perfect puppy dog face.

Sighing in defeat, Ichigo agreed with a quiet "fine."

"Your dad gave me a binding to put you in. I can also use a shield if it makes you feel more comfortable."

"Get to your question Orihime." Ichigo had a good idea where this line of thought was going but didn't like it.

"Well, since you and hollow-san are one in the same, I'd like to see him again. If you're both okay with it. I'd like to build a relationship with him as well."

Yes! Fuck yes! Let me talk to Queen

'Hell no! You'd hurt her.'

Are you truly that stupid? I feel what you do.

'I'll think about it. Just like I told her I would.'

"Let's head home." He usurer Orihime with him towards the apartment while going over what she asked him. Could he really do that? Let his hollow out?

Once they arrived home, the two changed for bed. Either way, they wanted to be comfy. After that Orihime joined Ichigo on the couch. Neither were watching whatever was playing but thinking about the question that still hung between them.

King, are you really going to tell her no? I've been around her before. Stop being such a dumbass.

'I don't trust you.'

So, you'll hurt our Queen just to get at me?

"Ichigo-kun? Did you get a chance to think over my question? We don't have to if you don't want to... It was just an idea." She played with her hands in her lap.

She looked up when he grabbed her hands. "Why do you want to do this?" He couldn't help but wonder.

"I want to because I love you. I'm still a little worried around him but that's why I want to talk to him. I don't think he'd hurt me but I don't know him well enough to know how to act. What if there's another fight and you need him but you fight him off because you're scared of how he'll react? I truly think it would be helpful to all three of us but please, don't feel like you have to agree."

She's right. Now let me the fuck out.

Ichigo took her words and really thought about them. Could he honestly do this? Let his hollow and the woman he loves be in the same room? Looking back over to Orihime, he could feel the worry coming off her. She was scared he wouldn't want to and it clearly meant a lot to her.

"Fine. But the rope stays on at all times. Don't let him talk you out of it. Keep your guard up at all times. I mean it Hime, if he does anything to make you worry you put up your shield and run."

"Ichigo-"

"Promise me, Hime." The serious look in his eyes showed her just how scared he was. This was testing him on a whole new level and he needed to know she'd do everything she could to stay safe.

"I promise." He moved forward, kissing her with so much passion it took her breath away.

When he pulled back he gave her a small smirk before standing and helping her to her feet. The two moved a chair into the middle of the small room. Ichgio moved everything out of the way to make sure no damage could happen while he was in his inner world.

Ichigo sat in the chair, nodding to his girlfriend to wrap the rope around him and make sure it's tight. He quickly remembered his badge and had her press it to his chest so he could tie his body up and make sure it was secure. When he turned back to look at Orihime he saw her knowing smile.

"What?" He asked with a slight blush.

"Nothing" she giggled while he stepped back into his body. He was too cute always trying to protect her. When he'd get into this worry mode it showed her how much Ichigo loved her.

"Are you ready?" When he nodded yes Orihime said the chant Isshin told her to. The rope lit up white before Ichigo could feel the power binding him where he sat.

The bright-haired teen took a deep breath before locking eyes with Orihime. He was freaking out but wanted to do this for them.

Sensing his fear his hollow surprised the hell out of him.

Look, tell Queen if she wants you back to say King and I'll let your pathetic ass back.

"Orihime, he says if you want me back to just say "king" and he'll back off and I'll come back right away."

"Okay, thank you Hollow-san" Her bright smile gave Ichigo the last push he needed to let go of control and his hollow out.

Orihime watched as Ichigo relaxed and closed his eyes. Everything about him started to change, his normally strong reiatsu turned darker, while his hair and skin turned white. She'd never seen that before... His black eyes with yellow irises she recognized which helped calm some of the shock to his new look.

"Finally! King can be such a whiny bitch."

"Hollow-san? Why do you look so different?" Orihime wasn't sure what to say but she couldn't help but wonder why the change?

"Ah, That's because I'm fully out. If I was King, this is what I'd look like unless I was fighting. So, what did you want?"

"I um... I wanted to know if you were okay with this? With Ichigo and me that is." Why was she so nervous? What would happen if he wasn't? Would Ichigo want to break up? Would she be able to stay with him if his hollow wasn't okay with it?

"If I'm not are you going to change my mind?" He gave her a smirk, this wasn't the smirk Ichigo would give, this was a scary smirk that made her question why she was doing this at all.

"I um... well..." This wasn't how she saw this going down. How was he so different from Ichigo?

"Ha ha ha ha, I'm just messin with you, Queen. You're a hot piece of ass. Why would I mind?"

This shocked Orihime. Her old habits were starting to come back to her. All her insecurities, all the hidden fears were being brought up. She wasn't the only one reacting to Hollow-san's words.

Ichigo was livid. This idea was clearly not happening as she wanted it to and if his hollow fucked this up for him he'd lose it.

"Oh. Well, thank you for saving me and Ichigo-kun before." Her whisper set Ichigo off and made his hollow think.

"Queen, look at me."

When she didn't look at him he growled out her name.

"Orihime." That caused the young woman to look up.

"Come here." She took a few steps forward then stopped. They were only three or so feet apart but he wasn't happy about it.

"Closer."

She took another few steps and stopped when they almost touched.

"You know how this works, Queen. Kingy and I are the same, I'm more instinctual. The sappy shit is all him."

"I don't want you to change!" She quickly started to shack her head rapidly. Hollow started to laugh.

"What do you want? I know what I want..."

"I just want you to like me."

Ichigo was shocked at what he heard.

'Let me out. She's going to take anything you say personally and you'll fuck this up.'

No faith.

"These ropes are solid. Sit in my lap."

'What the fuck!'

"I um I don't think Ichigo would like that very much." Her blush was making its way down her chest.

'Hell no I wouldn't!'

"Are you scared of me?" He had that smirk on his face again.

"I'm unsure... I just don't know what you want. I know Ichigo loves me but hollows don't love right?"

"I feel what he does but stronger."

"Wha-"

"I watch our Queen do everything with Kingy but you can't even come near me."

'Don't you dare mess with her!'

"It's, I'm sorry!" She didn't know what to do. Why was he being so open? Did she really hurt him? Forgetting the no touching rule, Orihime quickly sat sideways on his lap and held his face in her hands.

"What King doesn't seem to get is if you love him, you love me. We're the same."

Was that true? Did she love his hollow? Orihime thought over what he said, she was happy he wasn't talking or moving so she could prosses what he said.

Hm... they are the same. Shinji explained it all to me. Can I love him and Ichigo? Can I see them as the same but different? Orihime was trying to think everything over.

She looked at Hollow-san, while he didn't have "feelings" if Ichigo loved her that meant Hollow-san did as well. He just didn't talk about it or show it. Taking a deep breath, she asked her next question.

"M-may I kiss you?" After all, he said she was starting to think he was feeling left out or hurt by her only talking about his "king" and ignoring him as the "horse". Maybe if he knew she loved them both Ichigo and Hollow-san could live in better harmony. At least when it came to her.

"Fuck yes!" Hollow-san leaned forward, capturing their Queen's lips in a heated kiss. It was rougher than any kiss her and Ichigo shared but it made her feel special. Both parts of Ichigo wanted her.

Ichigo could feel the kiss, he felt his hollow's desire for the goddess known as Orihime but he also felt love for her. Did his hollow really love her in his own way? Ichigo felt as if he was kissing her himself, it was a little muffled but the feelings were there. That's when he realized why his hollow was so bitchy when it came to her. His hollow loved her and felt unwanted.

'I'm trusting you. Do NOT hurt her.' He was going to let his hollow have this and hopefully, he'd, as a whole, feel much better about everything.

Never.

"Let me free, I swear I won't do anything."

"I can't, I'm sorry." Orihime was breathless when he pulled back to ask, well demand, she set him free.

"Fine, at least put your leg on the other side of me. I want to feel as much as I can." Hollow-san wasn't happy he wasn't able to do what he wanted but maybe with time he'd get his feel for the hottie in his lap.

Her face was flushed with the idea of being in such a bold position with him but part of her really wanted to. Did that make her a dirty person?

"Kingy says stop over thinkin thinks Hime" He added when Ichigo actually tried to help him get closer to their woman.

Nodding her head, Orihime stood up before straddling his lap. She leaned in to kiss him again but was shocked to see the desire in Hollow-san's eyes.

"I'm moving my hands to the front." He warned as he let the ropes burn his arms. The pain was worth it when his hands could grab her hips. He pulled her forward, feeling her core rub his hard member. He let loose a growl before leaning forward to claim their Queen's lips again.

The kiss was getting more and more intense. Orihime wasn't sure what to do but she grabbed onto his white hair as her hips started to move without her consent.

"Fuck. Not now King." He said before the air changed once again. Suddenly Orihime was sitting with Ichigo once more.

"Untie me, baby." His husky demand caused her core to clench in anticipation.

Orihime quickly said the words to let his ropes loose. Once he could move, Ichigo lifted her up and pulled down his pants and boxers, not even past his knees before he sat down, bringing the redhead on top of him. He attacked her mouth, sliding his tongue into her warm mouth while his hands made quick work pulling her lacy panties to the side. His fingers were covered with her slick arousal just from moving the panties, he knew she was ready for him.

"Gods Hime, I need you. Please." He whispered on her lips.

"Yes," She lifted herself before slamming back down on his length.

"Fuck!"

Ichigo and Orihime had never tried her on top. In fact, he was a bit nervous to try out new positions in fear of making her feel dirty. That was going to change though. He could see her breasts bouncing in time with her thrusts through her tiny pajama shirt.

Ichigo let go of her hips long enough to rip her shirt off her head. He could die a happy man now. Watching his sexy girlfriend slam herself down on his member, hooded eyes looking at him with lust. His name falling from her lips like a prayer. Her mounds were right in his face just begging for attention, who was he to deny her? He took one of her nipples in his mouth, sucking and nibbling on it causing Orihime to moan even louder.

Slamming his hips up while she moved down caused him to hit that special spot inside his lover.

"Ah! I-Ichigo, I'm close."

"Me too. Fuck me too. Cum on me 'Hime." He'd never said anything like that to her before and he worried she'd be disgusted but his words seemed to be what she needed to get the release she was looking for. He followed shortly after, holding her to his body while they both calmed down.

"Sorry. I shouldn't have done that." Ichigo was feeling a little uncertain.

"No, I liked it." Orihime's words were barely audible. She was tired and ready for bed.

Ichigo carried his princess to the bedroom, making a quick stop in the bathroom to clean them up before sleep took them.

The pair spent the rest of the week going to school and working. It was amazing, coming home to the love of their life after a long day. Both enjoyed it more than they thought they would. It was like being married and Ichigo knew there was nothing he'd rather have then her as his wife. Every night Ichigo would let his hollow out for a bit so he and Orihime could bond. Ichigo and his hollow still fought over who was stronger but there was a silent understanding when it came to her. No harm would ever come to the sweet woman in his arms.

When Thursday came around Orihime was ready to give her answer to Isshin about moving in with the family. She talked to Ichigo about wanting to pay rent, even if it's a little. She wanted to help since they were doing so much for her. He understood where she was coming from and gave his dad a heads up so he'd come up with a price before they arrived.

Ichigo walked into the house and dodged the kick his father sent his way while the two men said hello the only way they knew how fighting.

"Orihime-chan! How've you been?" Yuzu asked as the healer as she made her way to the kitchen where the two sisters were talking to each other.

"I've been good! How have you been? And you Karin-chan?"

The three of them started chatting away.

Isshin and Ichigo saw this from the living room and decided to let the girls talk.

"So, how's living with Orihime-chan?"

"It's fine." The grumpy teen answered.

"Oh come now, my boy! Your amazing father is letting you live with your lovely girlfriend. Come, give Daddy a hug." He held open his arms for his son but dodged the punch coming his way.

"Ha! Getting slow my son." He laughed as Ichigo's face showed his displeasure in the situation.

"Dad, if I wanted to do something for her, something big but not too big would you help?"

"Yes, what do you have in mind?"

There was a pause as Ichigo got his thoughts in order. Ever since talking to Orihime's aunt he realized what the outside world would say about her and it wasn't true at all.

"Her aunt talked about how her reputation would be hurt and she'd never find a man to marry her, how others would look down at her and I'm not ready to get married but I was thinking about a promise ring? Something to show her how much I love her and keeps others from saying something to her since they won't know what the ring is but will know she's taken and it's okay. I don't know... It's stupid." Ichigo rubbed the back of his neck.

"That's not stupid. I think I know the perfect thing. Come with me." Isshin leads his son up to his bedroom. Carefully closing and locking the door behind him. He then went into the closet and opened the safe on the top shelf. He pulled out a large black box. Inside there were two necklaces and three rings.

"Are those mom's?" He asked in awe.

"Yes, we always thought the girls would each get a necklace and you'd get her engagement ring and wedding band. However, I think she'd be okay with you having the ring I gave her when you were born." Isshin pulled out the small ring. It was too perfect, the little diamonds made up a small flower. You'd think it was for Orihime herself.

"Dad, I- I couldn't."

"Yes, you can. Joking aside, do you love her? Do you want to marry her?"

"Yes."

"Then take it. She loves you more than anything, it's clear as day every time she looks at you. I know your mother, and I know she'd be proud of you for finding such an amazing young woman to love. Take this and offer it to her. Let her know what it's for and what promise you are willing to make her. Protect her honor." He knew if he brought up protection his son would feel better about it.

"Are you sure? This is huge." Ichigo was still trying to get used to this new side of his dad but was slowly learning the big goof had a serious side to him.

"Yes, now come hug your father."

Isshin was shocked when Ichigo did just that. "Thanks, Dad."

"Any time Ichigo."

Once dinner was done the whole Kurosaki family and Orihime sat around the table while Isshin rolled out the blueprints he had drawn up. Off of Ichigo's room was a new bathroom and his room was pushed out a bit more. They also were adding another bedroom downstairs so the girls could have their own rooms.

"Wow! We get our own rooms!" Yuzu and Karin were both excited but a little sad at the same time... They were always together but it made sense to split up. They were getting older.

Orihime noticed the girls hesitation but might have a perfect idea.

"What if Ichigo and I moved to the downstairs room and you two get your own rooms next to each other."

Both younger girls lit up at that idea.

"If we do that then we can add the bathroom downstairs. You two can share the one up here." Isshin added, pointing to the blueprints.

"Does this mean you're moving in?" Yuzu was so thrilled at the idea of gaining another sister.

"There's just one more thing I need to discuss with you, Kurosaki-san."

"Is it about the rent? Ichigo gave me a heads up and I'm willing to work something out with you."

"Really?!" Orihime was ecstatic, doing her happy bounce with her hands clasped in from of her chest.

"Really. Welcome to the family!" At his words, all three girls jumped into each other's arms in a big hug. Of course, Isshin joined in, pulling his moody son with him.

When they pulled away they noticed the newest member of the crazy family was crying.

"Hey, what's wrong Hime?" Yuzu cooed in the background at the nickname.

"I'm just so happy!" She tried to explain as Ichigo pulled her into a hug. "I love you Hime."
"I love you too Ichigo."

The Kurosakis were thrilled to see Ichigo so open with his feelings and finally opening up to someone.

On the way home Orihime asked if they could stop by the park. "It's so beautiful outside. Can we walk through the park? I love to sit by the water at night."

"Yeah." He pulled his girlfriend a little closer as they changed their direction a bit. Ichigo thought by the water would be the perfect place to give her the ring.

When the park came into view they slowly made their way to the water's edge. The moon was full, reflecting off the still water while the young couple sat quietly watching the stars above. Ichigo moved to bring her over in his lap.

Orihime giggled at his sudden display of affection.

"What's gotten into you?" She asked.

"Nothin, just wanted to have you close." Ichigo held her tight, hoping to get the courage to show her the ring and ask if she'd want to accept the promise he was about to make.

'How the hell do you promise to be with someone forever?'

'If I wait she'll know I love her but it's the same as having me give her my word she'll always have me... Hell we'll be sharing a room! If we can live together I can ask her this. Just do it. Come on Ichigo.'

"Ich-"

"Promise to marry me"

Ha! Good one King.

"What?" Orihime's eyes were so wide Ichigo feared they'd fall out.

"I mean... Fuck it." He carefully pulled out the ring his father gave him and showed it to her.

"I'm not ready to get married and I don't think you are either but someday?" He prayed it was dark enough to cover the red he was now wearing on his face and neck.

"Y-you mean it? You'd want to marry me someday?" There was no way this was happening. No way he truly wanted forever with her.

"Yeah Hime, I do."

"Yes!" She yelled at him before tackling him back in a monster hug. What she forgot was how hard her head was until her head hit his.

"Ow" She whined.

"Damn." He muttered.

They looked at each other and laughed. Leave it to them to have such an awkward moment.

Ichigo slipped the ring on her finger and said "I love you Hime. Forever."

"I love you too."

She was right, it was a beautiful night by the water where the young couple stayed holding each other a little longer before heading home with a new sense of security.

They were going to be together forever.