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Love Me – Chapter 4

Pressing a button that connected to his secretary, he ordered, no – more like - demanded for yet another coffee.

Damned paper work – it just doesn't stop coming!

Groaning as he scanned through the document before signing off. His scowls and bad temper was nothing new to the staff – but this last two days, he was easily irritable, and nobody in his or her right mind would want to incur his wrath.

His harsh frame of mind began that night. Yes, that night when his so called wife came home late. No matter how much he tried to occupy himself with work, she just won't get out of his mind.

That night, he had been prancing around the living room waiting for her to return. He'd never admit how worried he was. It was in his nature to care and worry about people he knew anyway.

And then she had to appear looking so downright sexy. Her tears only made her look more vulnerable. He had merely followed his urges. His lips met hers hungrily, and his hands lustfully roamed her body, till he gave her mounds a squeeze.

It ended right there with him receiving a tight slap.

Unconsciously, the orange head rubbed his left cheek. He had been left dumbfounded. Didn't she complain that he didn't want her? And when he takes action, she shy away and play hard to get?

No, Orihime wasn't that type of girl who'd play games. She was kind and sweet.

On hindsight, he knew it was largely his fault. Yes, he cares about her probably more than he realise it – he has always cared about her deeply because she was an important nakama. Plus, given the hurt that has happened between them for the past year - Either due to the resentment towards their failed marriage, not being able to move on from Rukia (or has he?), or her not forgiving him for the time he slept with another.

Even if he wanted a second chance, things were broken between them, there's no way to fix it back. Not even with her Shun Shun Rikka.

Ichigo had a wife, but she was off limits.

Wait, second chance? Off limits?

It's not like he wanted her or anything like that! No, he couldn't possibly. He did not love Orihime, and he loved another... Right?

.

.

It did not explain that warm and fuzzy feeling in his chest when he saw her that evening, as they got ready for the engagement party.

Her peach, purple and pink tube wrap flaunted her curves, the creamy swell of her bosoms well accentuated, and her long auburn hair was curled. A matching set of pearl earrings and necklace and a box clutch finished her look. She bent down to wear her new champagne pink high heels. And Ichigo was thrown back to 2 nights ago when she came home late in them.

Ignoring the knot that was forming in his stomach, he opened the door and proceeded to wait for her in the car.

She is off limits, stay away.

The orange heads looked impeccable as they walked into the ballroom where the engagement party was held. Looking like the perfect couple. They smiled at their old friends and congratulated Uryuu and Tatsuki.

Their facade ended as soon as they reached the drinks bar – it was awkward silence as she pulled her hand from his arm. There were no loving glances shared, nor holding of hands, they did not even speak to each other. It wasn't actually that awkward since that was normal habit of theirs.

Ichigo did not welcome any of the foreign feelings he was experiencing with his wife. Orihime did not need a reason to set herself for another heartbreak.

Her husband looked devilishly charming as usual – in his tuxedo that shows off his muscular chest and toned arms. Black really was his color, in contrast to his bright spiky locks.

People soon came to chat to her husband, not just former schoolmates but also business associates. Leaving the pretty auburn hair to sit beside him, just like a fixture, just like a pretty vase. As she sat there watching him drinking and flirting with girls who threw themselves at him, she shrank into her little shell inside but still put a smile like she was perfectly fine.

"Ichi-kun!"

"Tomoko, you're here,"

Orihime couldn't believe her eyes. That was the blonde girl she saw previously. How dare she hug her husband right in front of her? Not being able to hold her pretence anymore, she stood up abruptly, not noticing the hazel eyes that trailed her until she disappeared among the crowd.

After the engaged couple made their 'thank you speech', Orihime gladly joined Tatsuki and the girls began their photography session.

Uryuu joined the boys for rounds of drinks until he spotted his best friend on the couch with a girl whose hands were on his thigh and chest.

"Can you please excuse us boys?" the man of the hour said.

The girl left.

"Why do you hate her so much?"

Not expecting this, Ichigo flinched.

"Your wife is in the same room but you have girls after girls all over you. What did she do to deserve this?"

The orange head quickly recovered with a smirk.

"Why? I don't think it's any of your concern! She's my wife,"

"She won't be your wife for long if you continue this."

Something about that made his blood boil. Damn four-eye had no business here!

"Hymph... Is this your engagement party with Tatsuki?" Ichigo raised a brow at the quincy, "And I thought you love Tatsuki. Seems like the rumour that you had a crush on Orihime was t-"

"Don't give me the bullshit Kurosaki! Unlike you, I'd only marry someone I love!"

"Really? I was confused with the way you're acting all caring and protective about my wife!"

"Listen to yourself! I'm just trying to help the two of you. You think you can fool us?"

"Sorry. Look, let's forget about this alright. I'm gonna go,"

.

.

Brown eyes searched the ballroom and easily located the auburn beauty, but his scowl quickly covered his face when he saw a group of men surrounding her. Some guys he didn't recognise along with Keigo, Mizuiro? He saw her laughed at whatever the men were saying, her cheeks tinge red probably from the drinks as he could see the glass in her hand.

Unknown territory of irrational anger and possessives took over him.

The red cheeks... it happened whenever she was around him since back when they were in school. With her silly antics and klutzy ways, and over enthusiastic behaviour around him, she always blushed when she was in his presence. That blush belonged to him and only him!

His aura was deadly as he approached her. Sending the men a warning look, he did not cast her a single glance as he gripped her arm and tugged her out of the ballroom and towards his car.

The car ride home was awfully silent. She spoke – mainly asking him what his problem was, but he ignored her attempts.

Tired and at the point where she can't be bothered anyway, she was grateful when the car was back in their garage.

She did not need to deal with his temper. All she wanted was a nice bath and sleep in.

Slamming the car door shut and heading into the house, she was about to head upstairs when she was pulled by the arm and forced to meet his deathly glare.

"Oww, that hurt, what's the matter with you?"

"You sure as hell had fun having the attention of the guys tonight, eh?"

"What on earth are you talking about?"

"Innocent, are we, Orihime?"

She was speechless.

"Those guys openly flirted with you and stared at you like you're a piece of meat! And you did nothing to stop them!"

It made her she want to laugh.

"Why, are you actually jealous?"

"Tch, like hell I'd be!"

"True... why would you be?" she pretended to ponder, "You had that Tomoko girl along with a few others all over you."

This time Ichigo was speechless.

"Fine, consider that even. But this is the last time you're allowed to-"

Consider that what?

"Wait, consider what even? You've fucked practically every girl who spread their legs for you,"

But he was shocked at the way she spoken, it was unladylike and very un-Inoue like.

"Tell me Ichigo, how many men should I fuck to be even with you?"

Feeling felt irked to the core at the mere suggestion, he finally snapped.

"That's why you chose to wear something that barely covers your breasts? To be fucked?"

"Hmm... Maybe,"

She unzipped her dress and let it slip to the ground. He wanted to stop her but his voice was caught in his throat.

"Maybe you're right, I was!"

Left in nothing but her pearl accessories, white strapless lacey bra, and white thong decorated with diamantes, along with those high heels was just too much for any man, let alone a hot-blooded husband who has been harbouring these weird feelings towards her lately.

"Wh-What the hell are you doing?"

His voice almost cracked as his face heated up.

"What do you think? Am I fuckable?"

She took another step closer to him, till their chest were inches away.

"But since you cut off my opportunities with those boys at the party,"

She pressed her body onto his, and surprisingly he did not push her away. He would if he could but he was drawn into the spell that was her. He clenched his fist and lifted his dark gaze from her chest to meet her eyes.

"We could be even you know."

Her statement caused his brows to lift in question. He knew she wasn't really seducing him. It was just a test to get his attention or possibly annoy him, he wasn't going to fall into her trap. He wasn't. But what she whispered into his ears next made him hard instantly.

"Fuck me." His eyes widened.

"Orihi-" he was quickly interrupted by her.

"Fuck me till I cry out another man's name like you yelled out Rukia's! That way, we'll be even."

She spat as she pushed his chest away hard.

Ichigo was in utter shock, but his eyes held mix emotions of guilt and hurt as he stared at his own feet.

"There I said it."

All this while, she did not mentioned the raven shinigami's name or bring up this subject because it hurt too much. Rukia used to be a friend she cherished. But the way they seemingly ignored her feelings, and went about doing their thing while she watched from the sidelines just hurt her too much. But a part of her knew that she was out of line to feel jealous. Ichigo wasn't married back then and could do what he pleased.

Surprisingly it didn't hurt anymore, saying it out was like a final let out, to let go.

She laughed out loud bitterly as she squat on the floor, hugging herself.

Ichigo slowly lifted his gaze to find in horror tear streaks staining her cheeks. Remorse hit him like jagged stones. He wanted to wipe them away but he was afraid of her reaction.

"It hurt you that much,"

"Yes, it hurt that much, and it still hurts!"

"I'm sorry,"

"No, no you're not. And it doesn't matter," she shook her head.

The auburn head stood up from her squatting position abruptly, ignoring the dizziness that came with it as she voiced her mind.

"I've had enough. I can't waste my life like this. I'm tired of trying to act like your wife while you act like you don't have one!"

"Don't a-" his voice was low as he tried to explain but she cut him off.

"Most of all, I'm sick and tired of hoping, wishing, and praying that 'we' may work out someday. When are you going to see me, and acknowledge me as your wife?" She whispered, "I loved you. But I can't hurt myself anymore,"

"This" she gestured between the two of them – "I give up,"

Swirling around to leave, her vision blurred. All was black before her eyes drifted shut.

With his flash like speed, he managed to catch Orihime when she collapsed. Carefully carrying her bridal style he placed her on the queen-size bed, and change her into comfy clothes before pulling a blanket over her.

Sitting on the edge of her bed, he sank his fingers into his orange spikes, elbows resting on his knees.

"I give up,"

Did she mean it? Give up on him? Give up on their marriage?

Somehow it bothered him more than he thought it would.

When he married her, he didn't think much of it more than a marriage of convenience. He built a wall between them right from the start – not giving it the slightest chance to blossom into anything.

Rukia was one of the reason – she changed his world upsude down. she played a massive role in his life. It had been forever since she'd left and he missed her. Were those true feelings or just illusions that one refused to move on from?

Perhaps Rukia was also used as an excuse – to ensure Orihime remain a nakama forever, because he doesnt want to go through losing someone again. If Orihime and he stayed friends, there won't be complications of the heart.

Turns out he was wrong. Things still turned out messy, and their relationship became sour.

Marriage is not easy. It takes effort from both parties to nurture it.

Perhaps he was too late to realise?

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End.

Love,

Blitch out (1.1.2011)

Happy New Year's everyone. May this be a blessed year with great fortune for all!

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