Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach or its characters.. Forgot to put this up. Hehe whoops.

I'm backkkkk, with a new pen name as well (I'm always changing it. Probably will do it again sooner or later XD

Notes:

1) I struggled a little with this chapter because I kept changing how it should be written and I'm not sure how I feel about it now. Since I had to add part of the previous chapter into this one, it kind of disrupted the flow. And now I have to split the chapter again or else too much will happen at once and it'll be incoherent and disorienting (with the way I write that is haha).

2) I realize that I'm a terrible person though for updating with this measly chapter. I'm so ashamed. Plus I'm sure it's complete crap (then why post it? Riiiiiiight? 8D)

Edit: I fixed up the chapter so its less crappy. Mostly adding a few things, elaborating some points, and other minor fixes. I find it more bearable now.

2.5) Italics are usually used for thoughts or to stress something (obviously) but just letting you that I'll do that a lot.

3) Nonetheless I hope you enjoy.

Please speak softly, for they will hear us

And they'll find out why we don't trust them

Speak up dear, 'cause I cannot hear you

I need to know why we don't trust them

.

Explain to me this conspiracy against me

And tell me how I've lost my power

~Conspiracy by Paramore

.

Session 1: Under Cerulean Skies—There is No Such Thing as Clemency

Chapter 4: For a Home Sweet, No Sweet Home

.

For a place to be recognized as a home, it needs to have people living in it, that is how it goes.

Yet her apartment could be considered a desolate ghost town; breeding colonies of dust and harvesting lonelines. This place itself was the living and breathing essence of eeriness, where old memories got caught on cobwebs, all left for dead.

It is also where Orihime is left to get lost in a land that is far, far away. The farther, the better, because she does not look forward to going back to that place tonight.

No, she shouldn't think that. Its to go back home, her home.

Tadaima. Okaeri. Right?

Orihime doesn't want to be blamed for not being able to put these thoughts together coherently, especially since she has been finding it harder and harder in making her heart believe that this home is where she belonged.

Home is where your heart is—that's what she's been told before.

But not when she wanted to be free to do–

To do what?

.

.

[Same Day – Karakura High School]

"I'm sorry Kurosaki-san but Orihime-chan isn't here."

Tatsuki you liar.

Ichigo cursed his childhood friend in his head, ignoring his squirming classmate, Michiru. He didn't notice how her voice squeaked out with caution and hesitance, afraid to upset the known tempremental teen.

Michiru on the other hand was surprised that she even had the courage to answer him! Kurosaki Ichigo was an intimidating individual; most of the time he had a scary face because he was always scowling, plus the bad attitude the other students said he had. She also heard all the stories about him getting into fights with thugs or punks from other schools.

But... he's actually kind of handsome up close, she thought distractedly, failing to notice that Ichigo had already begun to walk away.

"Wait!" She called out. The boy turned back to her with an eyebrow raised in question, a menacing scowl, and oh why did she open her mouth?

Stop that! If Orihime and Tatsuki can hang out with him then he must not be so bad!

With that reasoning, she spoke up, "I know she's going to be back." Great, now he was fully facing her, looking expectant. She better say something before he lost his patience!

"Uhh yeah, well you see earlier today Orihime said she was going to show up for club this time because she didn't last week and I know that I saw her coming this way but..."

Oh gosh, he's giving me a weird look. I got to stop babbling!

Ichigo blinked twice, he was having a hard time keeping up with her rapid speech but he got the gist of it. Wow, how can girls (and Keigo) talk so fast?

"B-but," she began to stammer. When she saw no anger or annoyance (just slight confusion) coming from her tall classmate she continued, "I saw Ishida-san asking her if they could talk in private." She slightly bit her bottom lip, "they'll be back though. He's part of the handicrafts club too." When Michiru looked up what she saw took her off guard.

"Oh okay. Thanks." Ichigo said with genuine gratitude, offering a small smile. He gave a simple wave before taking off in his search.

Again Ichigo failed to notice the effect he had on the girl. But this time instead of a cowering girl she was a flushed one.

Now I see why Orihime likes his face.

.

.

There were many places that Ichigo could have decided to look for his two friends. But the first one that came to mind was the rooftop. It was an ideal place for those who might need the privacy since no body ever hung around there; excluding of course, Ichigo and his group of friends.

Didn't stop it from being a natural choice.

Except it left Ichigo wondering just what Ishida wanted to talk to Inoue about. He hoped it wasn't anything serious. What if she–

No he told himself he wouldn't think so negatively, Inoue was safe and sound in Karakura. She was FINE.

So maybe it was a love confession?

It was a possibility, he did notice how Ishida tended to treat Inoue with more gentle and care.

Then again so did everyone else. Because he knew that mistreating her would make anyone feel like they were the lowest piece of shit ever spat into creation. He was sure that everyone else shared this sentiment.

No one could act any different, it was like an unconscious reaction, an autonomic function. They couldn't help it, they just did it.

And by a cruel twist of fate he became the exception.

Because he still... He still did all those things... (It wasn't suppose to be— it shouldn't have happened). How he caused Orihime so much grief. (I know I'll never forgive myself—dammit why Inoue of all people?!).

No, she didn't deserve anything of that.

While he didn't deserve to have her as a friend.

At that time I was so weak...

No matter what I can't seem to forget how I couldn't do anything

And the look on her face...

Am I still that terrible person?

The worst in a friend?

The sudden rush of those vile memories had him teetering against the wall of the hallway. It was as if acid formed inside his heart, pumping the venom ferociously through his veins, rendering him suddenly weak.

From his unsteady position against the wall Ichigo tried very hard to shake his guilty conscience off. He didn't need to feel sorry for himself, not now. After all there wasn't anything he could do to change what had happened. But he be damned if he wouldn't try harder, do better.

For her sake.

His thoughts also really needed to stop going off in tangents as it slowly veered back towards Ishida and Inoue; he eventually decided that there was nothing romantic going on.

Ishida was simply being a good friend like always, probably worrying about her well being.

But then it meant that something was wrong if Ishida noticed (because he noticed everything) and unlike Ichigo who had been in a coma, he was awake and functional. He probably knew more of what was going than Ichigo ever would.

Of course it would be like that.

Again, he shook off the nasty thought. He really needed better control of these unwanted thoughts.

But what if was true? What if there was something wrong? Because what Ichigo didn't like from this was that it was all too likely. That there was a possibility and he chose not to believe it.

Meaning that there could be something going on, possibly since Hueco Mundo, and I had simply been too ignorant to notice. If it is true, what kind of friend does that make me?

Regardless of what is or isn't, now wasn't the time to discern; he had made a promise and he was not going to sit by and do nothing. But first he needed to find out if there was anything wrong in the first place (that was still a possibility—he hoped). If so, then he would need a a little more information and understanding of the given (circumstantial) situation.

Now he wouldn't call himself a detective or anything but from what he knew and understood so far was that:

a) Orihime acted strange after returning from Hueco Mundo and eventually passing out.

b) She left with Rukia to the Soul Society only to return a month later, shortly before he woke up. They seemed unusually close.

c) She occasionally acted strange much how she did after Hueco Mundo.

d) Ishida wanted to talk privately with her.

These pieces of info were insufficient to draw any conclusions but they were enough to show that something was up.

And the answers to his questions were but a few feet away.

Ah, there's the staircase to the rooftop.

.

.

"Inoue-san there's something that's bothering you." Despite the stern, straight forward statement there was a hint of softness in the other's tone.

It was direct but tender.

Uryuu stared patiently as Orihime settled her forearms against the railings, turning her gaze away from him. Probably because she felt that it would be easier to explain if she didn't have to look him in the eyes.

Instead of speaking the truth however, she decided on trying to fool him.

"Ishida-kun I don't know what you mean. I feel perfectly fine!" She faced him with one of her bright smiles, as if to prove she was speaking the truth.

But of course someone like him saw right through it.

"You're lying. Please tell me—"

"I said I'm fine!" Orihime snapped, and her eyes widened for a split second as if she too, noticed how out of character that was of her.

Uryuu almost looked despondent when he took a step closer towards her, whispering so lowly, "please."

It was silent as cold wind bit up along her legs and Orihime closed her eyes, deeply breathing in the winter air so that it chilled her lungs. The railing now against her back was cold and it reddened her hands where she still grasped them but she didn't mind.

When she closed her eyes again it felt as if she couldn't breathe in that still moment. It left her somewhat breathless to know that all of this was real. That she still existed and this was real.

Having that sense of reality once more, she opened her eyes.

"I... I couldn't remember Kurosaki-kun."

I know, really short chapter but the next one, I can assure you, will be much longer :)

I also want to thank everyone who faved, followed, and reviewed the last two chapters. My heart goes out to youuu~

SPECIAL SHOUT TO THE REVIEWERS: TheAkAtSuKiKiD, Ermilius, BabeBee, Damaio The End, Ouka Hime, Askosh Mosey (– THIS (ง •̀_•́)ง is seriously cute. Seriously), Guest #1, Guest #2, Guest #3, Guest #4, Guest #5, and any other guest I missed haha 8D

Challenge to the readers! I propose a challenge. If I end up with 30 reviews within 2 days (that's only 7 reviews needed) then I promise that I will post up a new chapter within the next 2 weeks. If I fail then the next time I do update will be with 2 chapters.

So are you in?

To TheAkAtSuKiKiD and Hichigo! (And anyone else who reads this)

Hichigo-san I'm sorry to hear that you're upset with your nonexistent role in this fic. I did in fact have a story where you were a main character but that got cut :(... THAT IS until I brought it back again :) It's actually one of the prequels to this fic~ called H.I.M, the first of this supposed series, and you are the main character, torturing Ichigo. I hope you find the news to your satisfaction.

I just haven't decided if I should write it after this fic, or write it along side it... Decisions, decisions.

Take care my lovelies~