A/N: Yay, we've reached the fourth chapter. God, you have no idea how badly I wanted to write this chapter lol. I worked extra hard to make it special (you have no idea how many revisions I did). So please, please, leave a review and your feedback!

Happy Early Christmas!

Prompt: sunflower

Rating: T

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.

where she went

sunflower

.

:

.

After parking the rental car along the curve, Orihime stepped out into the fresh air. The first thing she did was inhale deeply, tasting the clean smell of late spring. Her senses were filled with traces of sparkling rain and blooming flowers. The sun was warm and unwavering despite the patches of clouds spotting the sky.

The season was bittersweet, reminding Orihime of heartbreaks and breakthroughs. Returning home was somewhat painful since it affirmed the past was real but despite all the harsh memories, she had survived. Besides, she still had happy recollections in Karakura.

Straightening up, she opened the door to the back seats and pulled out two potted sunflowers. They were vibrant and proud, not even slightly shameful of their strangeness in color and physique.

Cradling the flowers to her bosom, Orihime started her walk up the hill. Her pace was steady and determined, each footstep much more confident than the last. Orihime didn't tether or hesitate anymore. Although she could stand on her own, Orihime's gait remained soft, like an old woman walking lightly upon the earth.

Orihime's footsteps were not harsh like others, they were gentle wherever she left her mark because she understood that people may not recall you did but they never forgot what you made them feel.

Long legs stopped once Orihime reached the top. A whispering breeze ruffled the ends of her long hair that reflected strands of honey, caramel and ginger. A smile formed on her lips as she stared at the rectangular shaped marble. "Hello Onii-chan."

Fingers traced over the engraved name, inscribing each line that made up the name Sora Inoue. Her thick lashes shielded her eyes while she murmured, "I'm back."

It hit her then. No matter how many times she told herself she was fine, that she wasn't running away, she actually was. This was home; this place shaped her into what she had become.

Orihime's knees started shaking, so before they could give way she knelt down and placed one of sunflowers on the alter. Inhaling a breath that shivered through her throat, she tried talking. "I miss you," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "I always miss you but lately it's gotten worse."

For a moment, Orihime bit her lip. An onslaught of tears was coming but she decided to tuck them away for another time. Blinking her eyes rapidly to keep tears from spilling over, she said, "Remember when I was little and I said I was going to marry you? I was really upset when you told me I couldn't." A tinkering giggle slipped past her lips at the thought. "Anyways, I just thought you should now that . . . . that I'm getting m-married."

Orihime shut her eyes and smiled sadly as a bittersweet sensation bloomed in her chest like pretty wilting flowers. "His name is Ulquiorra," she confessed with a slight blush. "I met him while I went abroad for school. He's smart and hardworking and has a lot of patience with me."

Hugging her legs to her chest, Orihime murmured, "And I love him."

Orihime rested atop of knees that had endured countless scrapes and bruises from falling too hard. They were much stronger now with their thicker skin. "I wish you were here," she confessed quietly. Her voice was feather-light, pure and weightless enough to drift away with the wind. "I always dreamt of you giving me away at my wedding."

A silent tear rolled down her cheek. "It's okay though. I know you'll be there anyways."

:

For Ichigo, he found it somewhat fitting and cruel that his mother's death anniversary landed on such a beautiful day. It was mocking, reminding him how she was like the very sun, attracting people into her orbit without even trying. There also seemed to be reminders of her everywhere.

If Ichigo drove down a particular street near downtown, he'd see the bakery she loved. Or if he passed the old park around the corner from his house, he'd see flying kites and think of the countless afternoons where they had done the same. And then there was the trail beside the riverbank.

June 17th was too fucking painful.

Ichigo was the first person to arrive at the cemetery. He carried a sandy bag that held the incense they'd burn. Burden ridden shoulders hunched over as he made his way to Masaki's grave sight.

When Ichigo reached it, he came to a abrupt stop. He blinked twice, certain he was imagining things. For a moment, Ichigo simply stared, admiring the shine and color of the river of auburn hair that cascaded down Orihime's back.

He swallowed. "Inoue."

Ichigo watched her flinch and then turn away from his mother's alter to face at him. Wide gray eyes gazed at him in both surprise and embarrassment. Taking a tentative step backwards, she breathed, "K-Kurosaki-kun . . . ."

He caught something flash in her eyes, an instinct he'd seen in her before that involved leaving him behind. "Don't," he said hoarsely. "Don't run away."

Orihime stilled despite her mind's call to flee the scene immediately. Her heart and head were at battle once again, leaving her stuck in the middle, unsure of which to trust. "I-I wasn't going to."

Ichigo frowned. "You're still terrible at lying."

Feeling uneasy, Orihime shifted her weight from foot to foot. She wanted to explain that she didn't mean to intrude, that all she wanted to do was stop by and honor Masaki. Unfortunately, her tongue could not form a single sentence or word, leaving her lips to move soundlessly.

Ichigo's attention flickered behind Orihime and landed on a bright yellow sunflower beside his mother's grave. Ichigo's mouth curved into a crooked smile. "You would bring a sunflower."

It was so Orihime. It was vibrant and always looked at the brighter side of things.

"S-Sorry," she murmured, ducking her head. This was bad; she hadn't meant to see Ichigo, especially since she had decided distance was for the better. "I know it's weird and all—"

"It's perfect," cut Ichigo, making a slow approach. "My mom would've loved it."

He almost admitted that his mother would have loved her as well. Ichigo wanted to but he was sure he'd scare her off if he did. Somehow, he had caught a string of good fortune in encountering Orihime and he didn't want to ruin it.

Keeping her lashes lowered, Orihime brushed aside her thick bangs. "I should probably get going."

"You don't have to go."

"I do."

Ichigo's brows furrowed together as annoyance overcame him. Yes, Orihime was lovely but she was just as stubborn as he. He knew she was still trying to keep him out of her life but he couldn't accept that.

"Onii-chan!"

"Ichi-nii!"

The two of them glanced over and saw Ichigo's sisters and father appear. Orihime was somewhat taken aback by how much Yuzu and Karin had grown. They were no longer little girls; instead they were pretty young ladies.

Both sisters had allowed their hair to grow out and were dressed in stylish clothes. Although they looked more like ladies, they still perked like little girls when they spotted Orihime.

Yuzu scampered over and hugged Orihime tightly. "Orihime-nee!"

Isshin followed, throwing his arms around Orihime and lifting her off her feet. "It's gorgeous Orihime-chan! How have you been my dear?"

"G-Good!" she answered, mildly dizzy.

After Karin pried (kicked) her dad off Orihime, she smiled softly. "Long time no see."

"Yeah," said Orihime, smiling in return. "You've have sure grown up. You two have gotten really beautiful since the last time I saw you."

Yuzu blushed at the sudden compliment. "A-Ah, but so have you, Orihime. Look at you, you're practically a woman now and—Oh my gosh!"

Karin and Isshin jolted at Yuzu's exclamation. "What the hell, Yuzu?" snapped Karin. "What's your problem?"

Isshin glimpsed at Ichigo who was suddenly very stoic.

Yuzu was too busy squealing childishly to notice her brother's sour mood. "Is that what I think it is?" she gasped, staring at a sparkling diamond. "Orihime, are you engaged?"

Karin caught a shadow flash across Ichigo's face. It was a rare moment that she actually saw him in pain. Mouth in a tight line, Karin averted her attention back to Orihime who was laughing rather nervously.

"Actually, yes," said Orihime, scratching the back of her head. "I'm getting married in August."

Isshin cleared his throat and then grinned cheekily. "Who's the lucky bastard?"

"Dad!" chastised Karin, stepping on his foot.

Orihime laughed again. "It's okay, Karin," she said. "His name is Ulquiorra Schiffer."

"Orihime Schiffer," muttered Isshin to himself. He crossed his arms. "Seems a bit strange to me. I think Orihime Kurosaki sounds better."

Ichigo's fist connected with his dad's gut, causing Isshin to double over. "Shut up, old man," he snapped. "You're embarrassing her."

"What?" said Isshin, playing innocent. "I just think it be nice if Orihime was officially part of the family. I'd love to have her as my daughter-in-law."

An all too familiar sting erupted in Orihime's chest. For a second, it was hard to breathe as she remembered how much she used to wish to belong to Ichigo and his family. It was a sore topic but Orihime tried to shake it off by reminding herself that Ulquiorra had wanted her. Somehow, she was good enough for him despite all her flaws.

Ichigo sent Isshin an icy glare that had the man taking a wary step backwards. "I swear, if you don't shut up I'll rearrange your face."

Isshin grinned boyishly. "Aw, calm done Ichigo. Orihime knows I'm only joking."

Orihime nodded in agreement, hiding her uneasiness. She wouldn't admit that Isshin's teasing actually hit a nerve of old feelings. Instead, she did what did best and forced a smile upon her face. "Don't worry about it, Kurosaki-kun. I need get going anyways."

Ichigo's eyes narrowed. He had learned his lesson six years ago and knew Orihime had the tendency to remove herself from situations, especially when she felt like she didn't belong.

"Really?" said Yuzu, obviously disappointed. "Can't you stay? We're going to have a picnic so we can catch up."

For once, Ichigo didn't stop his sister from pestering Orihime. He could tell Orihime was torn, her tell sign was the way she bit down on her lip in deliberation. Yuzu seemed to sense Orihime's indecisiveness because she hugged her again and added, "Please, please, Orihime. I've missed you so much and I'd really like to know more about your engagement!"

Expression softening, Orihime gave in to Yuzu's requests. "Oh, okay."

Yuzu giggled in delight and then proceeded to set everything up. From her large beach bag, she and Karin brought out a blanket and containers of food. Isshin and Ichigo fixed the flowers and incense by Masaki's alter.

Together they each offered a prayer on Masaki's behalf. When Ichigo finished, he peeked at the woman beside him who had a wrinkled between her brows as she closed her eyes and clasped her delicate hands together. Under her breath, she murmured blessings for somebody she never got to meet but knew a great deal about thanks to childhood conversation with Ichigo.

Ichigo saw his father shake out a cigarette from its packet and lit it. The man had quit the habit several years ago but he smoked one just for Masaki because that was how they met. Ichigo knew his father was stronger than he let on; the man had continued living for his wife's beloved children when it would have been much easier to follow after Masaki.

A thought occurred to Ichigo and he wondered if the reason Isshin kept sending Orihime regretful glances when she wasn't paying attention was because she was looked and acted like the sun—like Masaki.

It was like sunbeams seemed to shine through Orihime's face. Ichigo knew very well that sometimes that shine dimmed whenever she became unbearably sad. He didn't mind though, he understood clouds would block the sun whenever things got hard. But Orihime was better than that and after a while she'd return with a vengeance, blinding unsuspecting onlookers.

Watching Orihime chat with his sisters, Ichigo decided she was like passing seasons. She acted like summer, walked like rain, changed like leaves and floated like snow. Regardless of all the details, she was still Orihime, still a bursting supernova.

Isshin cocked a brow at Ichigo. "Why didn't you bring Senna?"

Running a hand through his orange locks, Ichigo sighed. "It's not going to work out with me and her."

"Is it because of Orihime?"

"It always has," said Ichigo. "I couldn't let her go when she left and I can't let go now."

Isshin stayed silent for a second. "But she's with someone else now."

"I know," he said gruffly, pocketing his hands in his jeans. "I should be happy for her. I should leave her alone and respect her wishes but I can't. You can't just stop loving someone. And I'm not a selfless as her; I can't take myself out of the picture like she did for me."

Ichigo caught Orihime exchanging phone numbers with Karin, laughing musically at something she said. "I tried moving on. I gave things a chance with Senna after Orihime left but nothing felt right."

Grimly, Isshin took a long drag from his cigarette and blew out a puff of smoke. "You love her too much to be with another."

"I have to be fair to Senna and let her know why I could never love her properly."

Isshin nodded. "What about Orihime?"

"Putting away my feelings for her would be the right thing to do but that would be like giving up—giving up on her and giving up on us. I have to at least try like she did when we were seventeen."

"It won't be easy, Ichigo. She loves Ulquiorra enough to marry him."

Ichigo turned to his father, his eyes set in familiar determination. "If you thought I didn't stand a chance we wouldn't be having this conversation."

:

While eating some of Yuzu's homemade brown sugar cake, Ichigo silently but attentively listened to Orihime's stories of New York. He sat next to her on the quilt his sisters had worked together to make.

"Weren't you scared?" asked Yuzu. "I could never go to a different country and attend a new school."

Orihime took a hearty bite of her treat and chewed thoughtfully. "At first it was scary," she admitted. "I was a foreigner in a big city and my English was barely decent but school was actually wonderful."

"It was?" asked Karin.

"Yeah," said Orihime. "I met a lot of new people and learned a lot. But I did get lost a few times. The campus was super big!"

"What about you fiancé?" questioned Yuzu, no longer unable to contain her curiosity. "How did you guys meet?"

Orihime lowered her gaze onto her treat as warmth grew on her cheekbones. Like morning dew, her eyes glazed over as though she had transported to another world where no one could enter. Smile secretive and reminiscent, she left Ichigo desperate to know what she was thinking. "I met Ulquiorra through work," she explained. "I had gotten an internship at one of Aizen's companies in New York. That's where I met Rangiku, she had just been transferred from Japan so she helped me a lot.

"One day she sent me to drop off some files to one of Japanese correspondents since he was in the city as Aizen's proxy. I had just gotten coffee and as I was entering the man's office, I bumped into him and spilled my drink everywhere!" Orihime laughed a little as she remembered. "I got really nervous and started apologizing to this man named Ulquiorra. He didn't seem mad but then he called me an incompetent airhead and then left to clean himself up."

Both Karin and Ichigo choked somewhat as Yuzu gushed, "How romantic!"

"That is not romantic," snapped Ichigo, feeling annoyed that Ulquiorra had called Orihime that. "He insulted her!"

Yuzu gave her older brother a look that said you will never understand cliché romances. "It's romantic Onii-chan because now they're getting married!"

"So what happened next?" asked Karin, starting on her second piece of cake.

"Oh, well I had to reprint the papers and return them to Ulquiorra," said Orihime. "After that, I kept bumping into him . . . Oh! And there was this one time I fell on him while I was running to catch the elevator." Orihime paused, pondering like a child. "Then one day he asked me to join him for coffee but I had to promise not to spill anything on him."

Yuzu grinned. "Orihime, that is so cute!"

Resisting from face palming, Ichigo put down his brown sugar cake and cleaned his hands with a napkin. For next few minutes, he ignored the ongoing conversation. Although Ichigo had memorized everything Orihime had said for safe keeping, it was still torture listening her prattle on about a life that seemed rich and full without him.

By instinct, Ichigo spared a sidelong glance at Orihime and was startled to catch her staring. Another enticing blush bloomed on her face as she averted her large eyes. These trademark quirks reminded Ichigo of precious childhood memories he had shared with her.

After the meal was finished, Orihime straightened up and wiped her vintage tan skirt. Politely, she thanked Ichigo and his family for the meal. The only person who didn't receive a hug from her was Ichigo.

Intense amber eyes watched her disappear down the hill.

"You're the biggest idiot I know."

Ichigo scowled at Karin. "The hell?"

The raven haired girl crossed her arm, her stance mocking as one hip jutted out. It was a pose known to insult people and—weirdly enough—attract admirers. "You should be the one marrying her, moron."

Teeth grounding together, Ichigo muttered, "Don't worry, I will."

:

Feeling a bit out of place, Ichigo visited another grave sight that was decorated with a sunflower. For a brief moment, he hesitated. Orihime had confided in him of countless stories of her beloved big brother and knowing that this was the man who raised the woman he loved made Ichigo rather nervous.

Hands buried in his pockets and head slightly bowing, Ichigo said very clearly, "I'm going to make your sister happy."

Ichigo prayed for the first man that loved Orihime.

:

Stopping by the park was unplanned. Orihime didn't mean to turn the car onto that particular street but somehow she did and by the time she realized her mistake, it was too late. Since her meeting with Tatsuki wasn't until another hour, Orihime decided to return the place where her heart got broken.

Just like six years ago, the cherry blossoms were blooming. They were dancing in the wind as Orihime strolled along. It was definitely a strange feeling to return to the place that set off a string of changes. Her heart couldn't help trembling slightly behind her breastbone.

A small voice in the back of Orihime's mind mused how her life would have been if she hadn't decided to leave. Who would she have turned into? What would she be doing? Would she have found love?

Orihime jerked away from those petty thoughts. It was best not to dwell over what ifs.

"I had a feeling you'd be here."

That coarse voice scratched at Orihime's soul, sending an involuntary shiver up her delicate spine. It was a mystery to her how sensitive her body was to Ichigo, responding and aching to be by his side. As passionate as it was, she detested it; it felt so wrong and so right that it left her spinning.

"I was just passing by," murmured Orihime, refusing to face Ichigo. "It's pretty this time of year."

Ichigo closed the distance between them in a mere five strides. "You're lying."

His presence was overwhelming; Orihime could not think straight with him so near. It was more than the physical aspect, it seemed like Ichigo was stretching and grasping at her with something other than his hands.

But most of all, it was painful. Much more painful than the last time she was there. Convincing herself that she didn't want Ichigo hurt more than she had remembered. With him present and within reach, Orihime found it much harder to turn away.

Quietly observing the branches shake and bestow petals she asked, "Why did you follow me?"

"I'm sick of you leaving me."

Swiftly, Orihime swiveled around leaving her long mane of hair to whip behind her like the wildest of flames. There was no blush adorning her face like Ichigo had hoped, instead there appeared to be a spark of anger. "Don't say stuff you don't mean."

Ichigo regarded Orihime with heavy eyes. "I mean it."

Suddenly a rush of frustrated tears formed at the edges of Orihime's eyes. "You're the one who's lying. You shouldn't be telling me these things."

Ichigo's jaw locked as he demanded, "Why not?"

A rush of emotion pulsed through Orihime's veins, a kind strong enough to make her tremble. "Because I have Ulquiorra and you have Senna!"

Her words hit Ichigo, bruising him more than the strongest of fists ever could. He wondered how Orihime could possible have known about Senna when he had never mentioned it. "Who told you?"

"Does it matter?" challenged Orihime, her voice shattering into pieces that could never be put back together. "You're telling me things you should be saying to her."

"Then why did you come here?" snapped Ichigo. "If you're so happy with Ulquiorra why stop at the place you confessed to me?"

Orihime was left speechless, unable to form a coherent sentence or rebuttal. Then her brows came together in a defiant way. "I came here to remind myself that I made the right choice."

Ichigo's chest was met with another jab of the knife but this time it lodged itself there, slowly carving spiteful truths. "What you did was fucked up, Inoue. All of a sudden you decided to stop talking to me without a real explanation. Nothing."

Returning the favor and seeing Orihime flinch didn't make Ichigo feel any better but he was unable to contain his frustrations any longer. "You left me," he said, not bothering to conceal the pain in his voice. "You left me as if I didn't mean shit to you. And what hurts the most is how you made it look so damn easy. It was like I didn't mean anything to you—"

"You were my everything!"

Ichigo faltered, Orihime's outburst throwing him off balance. Her face was streaming with never ending tears while her chest rose and fell rapidly. "You were everything to me," she cried, "but I meant nothing to you!"

"Inoue—"

Orihime fiercely shook her head. "I gave you all I had and it still wasn't enough for you. I couldn't stay where I wasn't wanted, I had to leave, I had to get away."

"You didn't have to do that," said Ichigo. "I wanted you to stay. I chased you down to the airport to stop you but you left."

"You had Senna, you didn't need me—"

"I did!" seethed Ichigo. "I get that I fucked up. No one knows that better than me but I needed you. I didn't deserve to have you but I didn't want anyone else to have you either. I lied, okay? Senna was supposed to be a distraction to control my feelings for you—"

"Stop!" wept Orihime, staggering backwards. "Just stop!"

But he couldn't. He was too late the first time and wouldn't make the same mistake. "Orihime," he said, "I've loved you since I was eight years old."

But Orihime shook her head again, denying him. "Why? Why are you telling me this now?"

"Because I still love you," answered Ichigo, tacking a cautious step to her. "I'm not about to let another guy take you without putting up a fight."

Orihime looked down, her bottom lip between her teeth. Ichigo was six years too late. "I love him, Kurosaki-kun. And he loves me. We're getting married and—"

"But I loved you first."

Then Orihime smiled that pretty smile of hers, one that held the deepest of secrets. Her eyes that shed so many tears for him softened. "It doesn't change anything."

Only it did.

It changed everything.

Because not loving Ichigo was harder than Orihime expected.

"I don't care," declared Ichigo, raising a hand to wipe away her sparkling tears. Orihime strayed from his touch, causing him to frown. "I'm not going to stop loving you. I'll do whatever it takes to fix things. I promise not to make you cry anymore if you just give me the chance."

Orihime's damp lashes lowered, sweeping against cheekbones Ichigo longed to kiss. It was complete chaos inside her, her undeniable feelings for Ichigo raging battle against her newly found ones for Ulquiorra.

"Please," said Ichigo hoarsely. "I can't stand losing you again."

Hand quivering, Orihime placed a palm against Ichigo's breastbone. Throbbing strongly underneath rough skin and muscles was the one thing Orihime had wanted from him.

"It's yours. You can have it."

Audibly, Orihime swallowed back rash words. In her small hands were two man's heart and she wasn't sure of which to keep. "I can't just give myself to you," she breathed. "I'm not the same as before. I've changed and I've given a part of myself to Ulquiorra."

Ichigo was aware of that but he didn't mind as much because he still hard shards and chunks of Orihime from before. Parts he'd stolen and parts she'd willingly given. And as long as he stayed close, he'd take even more.

Dropping her hand, Orihime whispered, "I'm scared."

"It'll work out this time," promised Ichigo. "I'll make sure of it."

Timidly, Orihime stared up at Ichigo. He was so sure, so determined to have her. She wondered why Ichigo even bothered asking her when she was certain he'd still try anyways. There was no stopping him.

"You don't have to decided just yet," said Ichigo gruffly, sensing her apprehension. "Let me prove it to you. I'll earn back your trust."

The walls Orihime had forcibly created began crumbling and breaking. Being with Ichigo was too dangerous, he was like a catalyst. "I-I . . . ." Misty eyes closed as she exhaled. "O-Okay . . ."

That single word hung in the air around them, meaning several different things but always leading up to the same conclusion.

Ichigo had to rein in his impulse to grab her. His mouth curled up at one corner, creating a relieved smile. Orihime hadn't exactly accepted him but she had given him the opportunity to make it up to her. And that was all he needed.

Orihime blinked at Ichigo. His expression was filled with tenderness, a type that tugged her by the heartstrings.

"Good," he muttered. "That's good."

For a few seconds, Orihime eyed Ichigo's sudden outstretched hand nervously. Her questioning gaze flickered back and forth from it to his patient face.

"Come on," said Ichigo. "I'll walk you back to your car."

Once Orihime laid her hand upon his, his fingers closed around hers firmly giving no indication that he'd her slip away. She couldn't let go even if she wanted to.