Dear readers. This fic has been re-written from chapter 1 so if you notice some details different from what you recall please read from start.

This is dedicated to Ichiruki lovers (not in the way you think) I came across a joke - Ichiruki story "claims to be canon until last chapter". Oh honey, Ichiruki wasn't canon in ANY of the chapters. FFS.

Chapter 7

Back in high school, there were rumours that Ichigo and Rukia were together. Who could blame those gossipers? They were young, immature and had nothing better to do.

Yes, Ichigo and Rukia were seen together a lot because of the shinigami and hollow ordeal. They were comrades and partners in crime. But just because a boy and a girl are close, it doesn't mean they have to be romantically involved. Ichigo and Tatsuki were close too, does it mean he should have a go with her?

True platonic friendship exists. It's very sad to not experience that. Not every interaction with the opposite sex must be misconstrued to be romantic or sexual. Well, it is juvenile to think that Ichigo and Rukia could be lovers. True - they were more than friends, they were more like squabbling siblings. While Rukia changed Ichigo's life, Ichigo saved her, but definitely, there was no romantic love there.

After the shinigami left for soul society, Ichigo never heard from Rukia again. For awhile he looked lost and angry, further giving everyone a reason to think he was in love with Rukia.

Ichigo was upset. Anyone would be upset about it! One day you'd die for each other, the next day one just vanished.

For awhile, teenage Ichigo showed lack of interest for anything in the human world, after all - what was homework and chores, compared to saving the world?

But looking back, Ichigo was sure as hell that it wasn't anything like he felt for his wife right now.

His wife.

That term that made his heart swelled with pride as he stared with lust at her frame beneath him.

The face she was making as she moaned his name was almost too much to bear. He smirked as he squeezed her full perky mounds, making her lose control as he pinched her hard nipples.

"You - are - mine," he said between each thrust, feeling closer and closer.

Reaching up, she encircled her arms around his neck and he swiftly scooped her up so that she was straddling him.

"More, more..." she pled, and he willingly granted her wishes as he made love to her till they cried out in bliss.

But why won't he say those three words to her?

"Are you sure?" Ichigo raised his brows as he repeated.

"Yes, I am," Orihime assured, "I'll be home after I finish this report,"

Ichigo was leaving the office early. He had been staying back late at times so he was ready to go since he was done for the day. Besides, he had an early flight to catch the next day.

Ichigo and Uryuu were travelling to Hong Kong together to attend a medicine seminar for the next few days. Uryu was invited as he was a medical resident while Ichigo wanted to go because Blut Corp was looking at acquiring another hospital.

Orihime won't leave till it was time to knock off at 5pm. She was still a relatively new employee and keen to impress. She didn't want anyone to have a reason to say she got the job because of Ichigo, even though she knew she was qualified for the job.

Knowing that his wife could be quite stubborn, Ichigo kissed her goodbye and let her know that he would organise dinner for them that night.

For that Orihime was grateful.

She's been feeling grateful to her husband quite often lately.

She had found out about the truth behind Tomoko, the super fit blonde whom she saw with Ichigo, and then at Tatsuki and Uryu's engagement party.

Orihime's eyes widen when she bumped into Tomoko outside her office tea room.

Feeling of insecurities, betrayal and fear washed over Orihime as she eyed the woman dressed in a tight grey business suit and matching short skirt. She wore expensive accesories and killer valentino studded heels.

"Oh you must be Ichigo's wife!" The blonde said in her high pitched voice "I'm Tomoko Ishida. Welcome to Blut, Orihime-San,"

What? So she works here too?! Wait, Ishida?

Seeing the question marks on Orihime's stern face, Tomoko quickly explained what her role was in Blut Corp.

Mainly - Tomoko took care of 'unwanted businesses'. She wasn't the only one. It figures for a conglomerate such as Blut.

One of the unwanted business being Orihime's parents who came looking for her in the name of extortion.

"Your husband's orders of course"

Orihime felt apologetic for being stand-off-ish to Tomoko, suspecting her of having an affair with Ichigo. She immediately knew she could trust Tomoko.

The reason why her parents looked shaken that day.. and they didnt protest when she didn't give them the full sum was because of Ichigo stepping in. She was also assured that her parents weren't harmed, but they were given enough money and warning to never appear again.

Ichigo had taken care of his wife's matter because he didn't want to see her in distress again.

This so-called-marriage, was something they were fighting to protect, in their own ways.

Truth be told, the orange heads were having a good time together the last few months. They were making an effort to get to know each other, taking an interest in each other's lives, having daily catch ups over dinner and going out on the weekends. Their new relationship blossomed, slowly but surely.

Plus, the sex was great.

However, they were still extremely cautious around each other, not wanting to offend or upset each other.

He often wondered...

"What if I do something wrong, will she leave me?"

"Does she really care about me?"

She often wondered...

"What if he is doing this out of pity or guilt?"

"Does he really care about me?"

The "what if's" will probably be their undoing. After all, their relationship was fairly new - not to mention, they were both inexperiencedly young.

As things seem too good to be true, was it just a ticking time bomb?

Ugh!

The slamming of their house front door indicated that her husband had left. Tears pooled as she started to sob heart-brokenly.

She should have kept her mouth shut. Why did she have to say that? She was convinced she just ruined her marriage, well, her so-called-marriage.

Sure enough, the time bomb "ticked".

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Blitch xoxo 26.1.2019

Oh no what happened between them?

Hope y'all enjoyed this chapter. I know it's short but there will be more to come.