Happy Birthday Kazui darling!
Chapter 12
A 15 year old Orihime would have been overly excited being at such a glamorous event.
The current Orihime still was still very much jumping inside, but she knew better. She managed to contain her excitement and play the part of a sophisticated lady who owns the place, as she waltz down the red carpet. Following her dashing husband's lead, left hand linked around his arm, her right hand a small wave while smiling brightly at the flashing cameras.
Blut Corp sure knew how to throw a party, at least, the top event planners they hired did.
The red carpet from the grand stairways led the guests towards a luxurious hall.
Everything was rose gold, maroon, white and black, and marble. On the one side, they were greeted by a row of smart looking wait-staff offering champagne, on the other side were flowers made into a romantic arch and a decorative backdrop that was a perfect spot for insta-worthy-photographs.
Behind the flower wall, the guests were welcome to an outdoor garden area with lush velvet couches, where pre-dinner cocktails and canapes were served.
The auburn head noticed familiar faces of A-listers, people in powerful position, the rich and famous. Then there were some unrecognizable faces, who she later found out from Madam Kurosaki, were actually very popular "influencers". Orihime was as befuddled as Yukiko about what these influencers do, but they didn't really care. After all, it was for charity and you can't stop those with enough money, regardless of their intention.
They spotted their aunt and approached her as she welcome them with a light hug and no-contact (air) kiss on the cheeks. (To avoid ruining make up.)
The chairwoman was dressed in a royal blue gown that covered her toes, it was an off-shoulder style, on the covered shoulder stood a shiny embellishment, a classic royal blue sapphire pinning down long sheer fabric in matching blue which draped behind her arm to the ground. The only accessory she opted for was a huge diamond and sapphire ring.
"Wow, Aunt Yukiko, you look like a queen!" Orihime smiled in open appreciation.
"Thank you Orihime, you look absolutely dazzling, you both do," she turned to her nephew. "You sure know how to pick a wife my boy,"
The married couple blushed and were in shock, but more because of how nice, relaxed, warm and fun and even affectionate Aunt Yukiko seemed to be around the two of them that evening. It was a side of her that they hadn't seen, and they really like it.
Orihime was in awe of how well spoken and charismatic their aunt was, mentally taking notes.
But who really impressed Orihime was her husband, he was talking to a group of men Madam Kurosaki had just introduced to him before she sauntered off to mingle with other guests.
She knew her orange haired husband was alpha from back when he became a substitute shinigami, he was in control on the battlefields, determined when he fights, competitive at school sports. But she had not seen this business side of him, networking with much older, more experienced business partners, all while including her, not letting her feel left out. He wasn't one who cared for socialising or small talks. But he managed to step up to the plate, carrying himself with eloquence and class.
Was it weird to be so turned on by him in the presence of others? In her little head, she imagined pouncing on him, where she would be on top victorious.
Ichigo was very impressed with his wife, unaware of her dirty daydream. He knew his auburn haired wife was always good at making new friends and getting along with others, from back when she first went to soul society, and visited Tessai's underground training room. It was no surprise that everyone were drawn to her genuine down to earth nature.
But this was a very different type of occasion with an intimidating crowd, not only had she known many of the guests' names and remembered them, she was able to converse with them with ease. No longer the bubbly school klutz, she managed to step up to the plate, carrying herself with elegance and grace.
How long more must they keep up with this charade? He was already so turned on, all he wanted was to take her home, or perhaps the toilet nearby.
Unaware of her husband's heated gaze, Orihime put a mental note to thank Aunt Yukiko who made her do her homework, and the auburn head was glad her diligence paid off.
Oh Kutsuzawa-san, I read your recent interview with Timez-magazine, and I was so moved when you said... ...
Ms. Jackie Tristan? My gosh, that was such an inspiring article you wrote on workplace equality, we need more... ...
Orihime was proud to be able to network with Ichigo, side by side. She was not just a pretty face hanging off some of the men's arm like a trophy.
Soft classical music played throughout the evening by a group young musicians from the state orchestra on stage.
Orihime found their table near the front of the stage before dinner commenced. No details or budget were spared to put this show stopper of a charity gala together. Each of the round tables had centrepieces of rose gold glassware and lit candlelabrums. From the ceiling hung bunches of hydrangea flowers, which gave a dreamy cloud like effect.
She looked around, wondering where her husband was but found bright orange hair amongst the crowd immediately.
Something didn't feel quite right because she noted it was the first-time he's spotting a scowl in ages.
"He's back. He's goddamn back." It was her aunt who spoke next to her.
Orihime swore she saw for a split second, the look of concern on her aunt's pale face as she stared at her nephew and 3 other men.
"Are you okay Aun-"
"Come Orihime," the chairwoman recovered.
Orihime stood immediately, grabbing her aunt's waiting hand which tugged her towards Ichigo and his new company.
"How cheeky of you to surprise us! Why didn't you call?" Yukiko stood amongst the men confidently, her earlier trace of worry vanished.
"My dear, I know you were busy with this..." an older man glanced around the hall with raised arms, "What an extravaganza!"
Ichigo was glad to see his wife, her presence calmed him, she touched his arm, and he smiled again.
"Looks like you have been introduced," Yukiko glanced at Ichigo, who quickly replied.
"Hai,... this is my wife, Orihime Kurosaki."
The man next to him was tall and skinny, he was very fair too. He wore his chin length long hair like Sora-nii used to.
Orihime extended her hand for a shake but that man, introduced as Shukuro Tsukishima, took Orihime's hand and kiss it.
Ichigo immediately, almost too obviously, placed his hand firmly around her bare shoulders, moving her back to his side.
A tanned muscular man, whose frame was almost like Chad's, had comb back black hair merely smiled and nodded to her. His name was Ginjo.
Lastly...
"And I'm Yhwach Kurosaki," the older man's voice was deep and commanded attention.
"... Ichigo's uncle."
The gala had turned out to be a huge success with no dramas, in spite of the surprise encounter with the three surprise guests last night.
Ichigo stepped out of the shower, a towel around his waist, and started to look for his wife, only to find her downstairs, on a chair, glued to her phone screen.
That noon, Orihime had received texts from her best friend and the younger twins with web links to some entertainment news. Images popped up, revealing pictures of none other than the auburn head herself from the night at the gala. She looked photogenic in her pink & gold ensemble, her hair up in a messy bun, looking effortlessly perfect.
It seems that the public were fascinated with Kurosaki's hot young wife. What was she like, where was she from, and who was she wearing from head to toe.
Because of her fresh face girl next door image, combined with alluring bosom on display, the news called her "An angel with a devil's body,".
"What does that mean?" Pouting as she wondered aloud, not happy to be associated with the word devil.
She was all over social media even though she didn't have a personal account. The only online page she had set up was dedicated to her little cupcake business.
"Am I married to some celebrity now?" He sounded amused as he leaned his chin on her shoulder, hands on her waist.
"Am I married to someone that's crazy about fame, hmm?" She teased back.
Their relationship had developed so much as compared to how they were at 15.*
"No... but," his hands swiftly snuck under her baby pink tee shirt, "I'm crazy 'bout these,"
He groaned in approval as he cupped her, instantly knowing she wasn't wearing anything under her top.
"Naughty girl," he breathed out against her neck, kissing her soft skin.
"B-But I'm at home!" She defended. Trying not to moan but it was hard to, when he knew exactly how and where to touch her.
"A naughty girl shall be punished," he whirled her around to face him.
"We just did it last night," she stated as a matter of fact with wide eyes.
"So?" He chuckled.
His wife had gone silent, and was now staring at his bare chest and toned abs with lust.
Fresh memories of last night flooded her mind, her cheeks flushed at how wanton she had sounded moaning his name. She shuddered at how sexy his intense gaze was as he planted his face between her legs, licking, kissing, sucking... repeat.
"You don't fool me Orihime, I shall punish this girl pretending to be an angel..."
He crushed his lips against hers hungrily. Pulling her tee shirt up, he broke the kiss to look at a pair of inviting big tits. He flicked her nipple, making it harder.
"Ah~!" She blushed a deep red, feeling heat between her legs pooled as she heard him whisper.
"...See? Your body doesn't lie... It is the devil... Because it makes me sin... makes me wanna do bad things to you... "
He firmly grabbed her waist and lifted her over his shoulder, inducing a little squeak from her.
It was a good thing he carried her, as she was already weak in the knees knowing what's to come.
And so, they spent the rest of the day in his room, until they were completed spent.
(A week later)
The mood in the office had done a 360 turn after coming down from the high of a successful showstopper.
The hushed conversations and worried glances around office was unbearable. The staff members was extremely sensitive about the edgy management team.
The pressure felt like a tonne of bricks on the orange head's shoulders.
"Your great-grandparents and grandparents work very hard to build this - and the intention is for future generations to benefit. It would be a shame for this all to go to waste,"
Ichigo had wondered why he was chosen to inherit the company.
Ichigo knew he was very lucky. It was not easy making a living, securing jobs in this rat race. Many dream of such fortune, many die trying to get rich, but without asking for it, it was handed over to him on a silver platter.
Besides, it was because of this, that he was able to ask her to marry him, it gave him a very convenient logical reason to.
"- so it is your responsibility to ensure the legacy continues. Instead of scoundrelling and wasting away. This should be passed down to the 3rd generation and hopefully beyond."
Ichigo had no words, because he agreed with his aunt.
Until the gala, where he was caught off guard. His uncle and his second cousin showed up. Why were they back now, all of a sudden?
For the first time since he was shoe-in to inherit Blut Corp, he felt his position threatened.
That uneasy feeling returned this morning when an urgent board meeting was called for within short notice. An hour notice to be precise. Which was hardly any notice at all for busy executives.
Ichigo sat in the large bright meeting room amongst other board members, awaiting the chairwoman's address.
"The CEO has went on sudden leave of absence. We need to appoint an experienced successor who has to be ready to hit the ground running immediately."
Resounding murmurs broke out in the room but was squashed when the chairwoman spoke again.
A short list of candidates were put forward, the former shinigami's name was not mentioned.
.
.
End.
Dear readers, thanks for staying with LOVE ME, I love you!
Mr. Nobody - that's a good idea, I slided something like that in this chapter thanks to u!
Hime-ichi-ulqui-grim - I hope this is soon enough hehe, thanks for supporting me kiss kiss
Makixp - so happy you like the development, more to come soon!
Cloverberry15 - big hugs my love, hope you enjoy the promised update
Guest (you know who you are) - 'm glad you like Yukiko, I loved 'creating' her
Elevatedjewel - welcome new reader, haha... I wonder when? X)
Recap: LM follows Bleach till chapter 425. Ater Ichigo defeated Aizen and lost his powers, back to normal human lives. No surprise, I included the FullBringers.. I didnt appreciate this arc at first but now I think it's one of the better arcs. The * is from the bread date tease-scene in the manga.
Spoiler alert LM and HH ending is all drafted. The end is nigh *sniff sniff* And please read BBC if you have the time to. Enjoy and don't forget to leave a review! xx Stay Safe!