An IchiHime tale

[xxxdollface]

Orihime Inoue
18
5’6
111

Long straight ginger red often worn down with 2 blue star shaped clips.
A scar on her neck and shoulder from her brother’s hollow, and pink and violet butterfly tattoo’s along her torso

Orihime’s grown over the years. She’s grown into her body no longer the skinny with with big breasts and an odd shade of red hair. She’s got curves and even put on a few inches. Her chest is still large but fits her better.
She’s still the same bubbly, fun. Loving energetic slightly odd red head, but now she can cook a little beyond her strange recipes; she’s more thoughtful thinking about things rather than being spontaneous. The time on her own away from her friends helped her change somewhat. She still feels bad about things with the Arrancar’s but she doesn’t blame herself as much, and her spiritual pressures even grown some, and her friends are stronger.

Ichigo Kurosaki
19
6'0
165

[xxxdollface]

After the arrancar’s Orihime felt responsible for a lot of ichigo’s pain and trouble. She tried to pretend like nothing had happened, but she couldn’t it had been leaked her feelings for him. Though it was no secret to everyone else Ichigo was a little dense in that respect. He was surprised and didn’t know how to respond. He liked her, she was his friend but he didn’t know if he could say he loved her. She felt rejected on top of everything else she’d felt and Karakura town and found Sazuka one of her brother’s old friends; and lived with him while she finished high school. She kept in contact with a few of her friends but not Ichigo; she didn’t know what to say to him. But Uryuu kept her up to date on him. Letting her know things like when he had a girlfriend, when he was single when he’d done something stupid in school or with one of the few hollows that passed through.

A little over 2 long years she was away, but now that she’s out of high school she’s decided to come back, with some insistence from her friends.

That’s when the fun begins she’s going to the local college moving back into her old apartment. And eventually meets Ichigo again…


Actually I was thinking if you're interested you can choose if ya'd like an IchiHime , or IshiHime one. I actually like both. True she's in love with Ichigo so it'd be a little easier but her and the more reserved, quiet serious Uryuu could be cute.

PM if any interest. Maybe we can get something going. =}

[xxxdollface]

It was late in the morning, when Orihime, now a beautiful young woman walked down the street. Her curvy hips swayed as she walked her long ginger hair left down cascading down her back, pulled back slightly with 2 sparkling blue clips. Her bangs wafting in front of her bright 2 toned strawberry eyes. Her bag clung over her shoulder; her shirt exposed her shoulders as well as her tattoo, and scar from her fight with her brother’s hollow form. She’s changed over the years, her body developed and grew, no longer the skinny little girl with a large chest, her breast were still large but she looked a little more in proportion to herself.

She was going to Chad’s house before heading off to school. She was 18 now, and returning after leaving when she was 16, she’d kept in touch with a few of her friends. Tatsuki, Uryuu, Chad, Even Rukia till she’d returned to souls society.

The one person she couldn’t keep in touch with; was Kurosaki, the one person more than anything she wanted to keep in touch with. She was in love with him then she still kinda was. But she’d caused him so much trouble nearly got him and everyone killed when she was kidnapped, she felt so useless she didn’t want to be a burden to him to any of her friends again so she’d left. Finding Sazuka, he was a friend of her brother’s who was happy to let her stay with him. But she’d missed her friends so with some prodding from Chad and Tatsuki she decided to go to college with them.

She knew she’d have a high chance of running into Ichigo and if he’d even remembered her she’d cross that bridge when the time came. Shaking him from her thoughts she’d walked down the street Orihime approached Chad’s house to see Him, Tatsuki, Uryuu even Keigo waiting for her... none of them seemed to acknowledge it was her walking towards them till she called out to Tatsuki running up to the group with a smile. “Hey you guys.” She said smiling as she ran up to Tatsuki giving her a big hug, then Chad even Uryuu who was blushing a little at the contact waving hello to Keigo who was disappointed to not get a hug.

“Inoue… You’ve changed.” Chad said in his usual calm low tone; she grinned nodding in agreement. “I grew up; it has been a few years.” She said politely with a nod adjusting her bag on her shoulder. “Hey you guys want to catch up on our way to school.” She said with a smile. Tatsuki gave her friend a shy smile looking around sheepishly for a moment. “Sorry Orihime, I’ve gotta go I’ve got to meet someone before school.” I’ll see you later; we do have a class or 2 together.” She smiled giving her friend another hug before running off. Frowning for a moment Orihime turned to the others with a small smile.

“Let’s be on our way. “ Uryuu suggested. They started walking the short distance to the college the ginger haired girl lost in her thoughts not really chatting much with the others. “Inoue… have you talked to Ichigo yet?” The tall dark haired man inquired. Shaking her head she frowned. “No… It’s been so long he’s probably forgotten about me.” She said her hair falling in her face as they walked hiding her saddened features.

“Uryuu you’re in my first class right?” She asked changing her demeanor giving him a smile. “Wanna walk there with me?” She asked seeing Tatsuki across the field as they’d made their way onto the campus. She began to wave about to call to her when she'd noticed she was walking with a tall slim yet toned red haired boy, a guy she’d hoped to avoid. Save them both the awkwardness of him not remembering her, or possibly bringing up her feelings. Pulling back her hand she'd turned her head standing between chad and Uryuu as they entered the building her and Uryuu making their way back to their class.

[Alsing]

Ichigo woke early as he did everyday and showered. He still lived at home over his families clinic. It was cheaper while he went to school than having his own place. With his duties as a soul reaper he didn't have a lot of free time to work a job. So instead he helped his dad out in the clinic for a few hours each day to pay his way.

For some reason his dad seemed fairly understanding of the time he was patrolling or vanishing for a few days to deal with some new crisis. By now Ichigo expected his dad to accuse him of partying and give him lectures on responsibility. If he only knew the kind of responsibilities Ichigo lived with. For three years he'd been a Shinigami or soul reaper. On a daily basis he protected and helped the souls of his town move on and find peace. In some cases he also had to fight some major threat that could end the world or at least do a lot of damage.

It was a hard responsibility to bear. After Orihime left it only got harder to bear. Ichigo shook that off. No need to open that old wound. When she told him how she felt about him he'd been too stupid to know how to react. He'd made a mess of it and she had gone away. In two years he had not spoken to her. His friends who she still talked to let him know she was fine but the fact that she never contacted him made it crystal clear that she had moved on and probably hated him.

Walking to his closet Ichigo opened it and despite her being gone over a year now still expected to see Rukia. The little dark haired Shinigami had been like a big sister to him. Always bossing him around and hitting him. He could still remember that first night he saw her. His life had changed so much after that. Inside he pulled out a pair of black slacks and a white shirt. Laying them on the bed he started to undress.

At nineteen he still looked much like he did at seventeen. His features had just matured a little. He was larger. Not as skinny. His active lifestyle kept him in shape as did regular exercise. His muscles were not overly big but noticeable and hard. His orange hair was still worn the way it always had been. Short and spiky. His sister Karen had been pestering him to change it. Make it more adult but he ignored her.

A few minutes later he headed out of the clinic and walked to school. With luck he wouldn't be distracted by some crisis today. Last night he was up late fighting a pair of hollows chasing a pair of twin spirits. Poor kids were terrified. It angered him so much when he saw the strong prey on the weak. After killing them he sent the twins to Soul Society and crashed for the night. Still he only got about four hours of sleep.

It was about a twenty minute walk to campus. Once there he headed for his first class when Tatsuki intercepted him. They chatted a little about nothing important then Ichigo felt Ishida nearby. The Quincy had a fairly unique spirit pressure so he always stood out from the regular students. Looking over Ichigo spotted the dark haired young man with dark hair. Next to him stood a beautiful young woman with red hair. He hardly recognized her until he spotted the hair pins. His heart nearly stopped and his stomach felt sore. "Is that Orihime?" He asked Tatsuki not believing it.

[xxxdollface]

Orihime walked with her friends smiling and laughing as they chatted. Taking in her surroundings as they’d made their way to the buildings where her class was. “So have any of you seen or heard from Rukia or the others in Soul Society?” She asked, “Not really.” Chad answered and she yawned stretching as she walked along.

After walking a bit she felt someone familiar, a strong pressure she could never forget if she’d tried, and she wasn’t disappointed, seeing a dark haired Tatsuki, as well a much taller handsome fiery red head walking together. She found herself stopping a moment and staring at the pair she didn’t know if they were dating, or had. She’d known for a brief time at least Tatsuki had feelings for him, like she did everyone knew of her feelings though. She finally looked away before either of the two caught her stare. Keigo whom was walking behind the trio saw her momentary daze looking off in the direction she had and spotted his friends. “Ichigo and Tatsuki back together?” he asked no one in particular but his question got the red heads attention glancing back at him as he looked ahead of him giving her a glance as she turned away. She gave the two one last look before walking into building C following Uryuu down the hallway after parting with Chad.

The red haired girl walked along side her tall friend chatting absently as they made their way in the classroom. She felt weird feeling eyes on her both male and female though more male. She saw a familiar face staring at her making her chuckle embarrassed. She remembered the girl who was always obsessed with her body but she’d forgotten her name. giving the girl a wave she sat beside Uryuu lost in her thoughts a moment as she rummaged through her bag till she’d turned her head towards her friend as he spoke.

“Inoue… Ichigo and Arisawa. They went out along time ago, and only for a short time.” He said pausing a moment. “He liked you. He’d felt bad for how things went when you confessed. He was surprised and didn’t know how to react. I like the guy but he was kinda slow he was the only one who didn’t see how you felt.” He said with a sympathetic expression. He felt bad admitting the feelings his friend had admitted to but he’d felt even worse for Inoue, he could see she was worried about meeting up with him again, and that she still loved him.

She nodded not sure what to make of his words sitting in thought as she waited for class to begin. “Thank Uryuu. I don’t know if I’m up to seeing him yet, but if it happens, it happens. I don’t want things to be awkward especially if he’s dating Tatsuki.” She said softly. He nodded not sure if the two were trying again though if they were the timing was highly suspect. Soon the teacher walked in and class begun.

[Alsing]

"I think it is. Do you want to talk to her?" Tasuki said surprised. She hadn't expected to see Orihime again. That had made her sad since the red head had been her best friend but after everything that had happened she wasn't sure where they stood. Tasuki had not completely understood why Orihime had left. It had hurt and she'd been angry. One night she had been so hurt and lonely and she and Ichigo had ended up making out and soon decided to date. Things had not lasted very long. Tasuki had always had some feelings for Ichigo but he never did feel much more for her than friends. They had just been lonely and needed some comfort. They agreed to call things off and managed to stay friends. Now seeing Orihime Tasuki wanted to go over and talk but after what had happened with Ichigo she worried she would not be well received. Tasuki had known all along how Orihime felt about Ichigo and knew she had betrayed a friend.

The bell rung and Ichigo shook his head. "Maybe later." He said not meaning it. As much as he wanted to see her the fact that she had not come over or even waved to them made it clear to him that she didn't want to have anything to do with him. That made him sad but he knew he deserved it after hurting her.

"Alright well I'll see you around Ichigo." Tasuki said then jogged off to class. Ichigo headed for his own but at a slower pace.


The rest of the day Ichigo had trouble doing anything but think about Orihime. When she had gone to Hueco Mundo and he had lost her Ichigo had felt something inside that he didn't recognize. It had caused him to go into the hollow's realm after her. True he'd gone to save Rukia but he owed her for making him a soul reaper and she was being executed because of him. He would have gone after her regardless like any of his other friends but when it came to Orihime he'd gone even further. The need to save her had pushed him beyond any limit and even brought him back from losing himself to his hollow side. The truth was that he loved her and didn't even realize it. When she confessed to him how she felt he'd been too afraid to admit it and had lost her again. Although that time there was no one to fight. There was no way to get her back.

After school got out Ichigo decided to head home. His head was too scattered to risk fighting hollows. Sadly he didn't seem to have a choice. A pair of young twin girls came running out of an alleyway. Behind them Ichigo heard a hollows howl. Without a second though Ichigo sat down on a nearby bench and popped his soul out. Leaping into action his black robe blew out behind him and his sword unwrapped as he gripped it. Swinging the half mood shaped blade around he started to fight. The hollow was strong. Not anything compared to the arrancar but still strong. Ichigo went for a quick kill but the beast parried and Ichigo was shocked to feel it's claws cut into him. He bounced back and winced as his side bleed freely. He was limited from doing anything too powerful in the city. Normally that wasn't an issue but he was having trouble focusing on the fight. Again he charged and slashed. This time he caught the hollows right hand. It vanished and came from behind. Ichigo started to spin but he was moving slower than normal. The claws raked across his chest. Ichigo cried out and was slammed into a brick wall. While dazed the hollow came in for the kill. Ichigo threw up his blade and blocked the strike then in a blur he severed that hand and swiftly sliced the hollow in half. As it faded Ichigo slid down the wall and passed out.

[xxxdollface]

The teacher for Orihime’s class finally arrived and after getting settled and taking the attendance class was underway. Orihime sat through class finding herself distracted. Playing over the image she’d seen before class between Kurosaki and her best friend. “Why hadn’t she mentioned they dated? I was never his girlfriend. He didn’t like me as more than a friend so it’s not like she was stabbing me in the back even though I would have been jealous. But if he could find happiness with someone.” She thought out loud mumbling some of it. Jumping a little the first time their teacher called on her not sure what he was asking she blushed and her classmates chuckled except Uryuu who told her the answer.

With a warning her teacher continued on asking another student to answer a question and Orihime’s mind drifted off again amazed how just seeing Ichigo brought her feelings back. Though she knew if there was any hope for a friendship she couldn’t let that out. She sighed sadly called on yet again and again not sure the answer. She apologized looking at her book skimming the page finding a part of the answer and the teacher nodded continuing. He’d called on her at least 2 more times which was aggravating her but she did her best to focus. And she was relieved when the teacher told them it was time to leave. She slowly gathered her things waiting for Uryuu who was talking to the girl sitting on his other side.

“Thanks…” She said when he’d finally turned his attention to her. He gave her a look asking what for. “For helping me out when I didn’t know what he was talking about… I just couldn’t focus.” She admitted following him as he got up to leave. The teacher calling her over she waved to her friend who’d went on ahead. “Young lady, if you’re not going to pay attention you better think of other ways to pass.” He said matter-of-factly looking over her young body stopping a moment too long on her breasts. She was still a little naive giving him an apologetic look. “I’m sorry I had something on mind and couldn’t concentrate.” She apologized bowing politely. The teacher just stared at her chuckling when she didn’t get his meaning letting her go for now watching her as she left.

She walked down the halls till she was outside once more. She didn’t have another class till noon and it was only 10.45 she decided to go for a walk seeing if maybe she could clear her head finding herself in front of a lake by the soccer field. She was looking over the water alone with her feelings which refused to settle stuck on Ichigo. “Why did I have to get captured? Maybe things would have been different if he’d never gotten hurt or I never admitted how I feel.” She sighed to herself knowing not even her powers could take back things that have been said. She sat by the water for a few hours knowing she wouldn’t be able to concentrate in her other classes, and plus what if she’d have a class with him.

She found herself not being disturbed except an occasional couple passing by to fool around. It was after 4 when she finally got to her feet, she was about to head to her home when she’d felt something familiar, something she hasn’t felt in years. “A hollow?” She asked no one, her first instinct was to hurry to where she’d felt the feeling but she halted knowing Ichigo was there. And knowing he’d take care of it just fine without her getting in the way. She tied to get herself to go to her home but she couldn’t help but worry for him.

Hurrying down the path by the time she arrived the hollow was gone and the red haired Shinigami leaning weakly against the wall, she stayed in the shadows holding up a hand, ‘Soten Kisshun’ she thought as her old friends ayame, and Shun’o flew from her hair pins covering Ichigo in her protective shield. Keeping her eyes on him as he was regenerated, “Baka… Still recklessly doing things alone.” She sighed out loud to herself..

[Alsing]

Ichigo lay against the wall for who knew how long. His body ached and he just felt too tired to move. It had been a while since something had hurt him this bad. Sadly it was just a plain hollow. Clearly he was losing his edge. Not surprising though with Orihime back in town. He had managed to get her out his head after so long of thinking about her and feeling heart ache that she was gone. Time had healed his heart or at least he thought that was the case. It now seemed that it had only covered the hole and just seeing Orihime had uncovered everything again.

With shallow breaths he tried to stand but fell back. Finally his body force him to rest and Ichigo passed out. As he slept he dreamed about Orihime. Flashes of his fight in Heuco Mundo as she watched. Things turned out differently though. Instead of changing into a monster and heading back home to deal with Aizen Ichigo went to Orihime. He put his arms around the red head and confessed his love for her. Then he kissed her deeply. Things had started to get a little more intimate when he heard a voice.

Waking with a start Ichigo gripped his blade and at first realized he wasn't hurting anymore. Then he noticed Orihime. Registering her comment he gave her his signature tight smile. "Yeah well it is my job. It sucks but someone has to do it. He set zangetsu down and leaned his head on the wall. Letting out a breath to clear his head he said. "Thanks for helping me out." After he felt he'd recovered Ichigo stood and slipped his wrapped blade on his back. Sincerely he said in a soft tone. "I'm really glad to see you again."

[xxxdollface]

Orihime watched him try to get up but he’d stumbled back against her forcefield in his weakened state passing out fro his injuries. She frowned that he’d gotten himself so hurt Shaking her head she was startled when he started to wake and looked her way. Calling back Ayame and Shun’o she took a hesitant step towards Ichigo. “You can ask for help, Uryuu, chad they’d gladly help you.” Said matter-of-factly.

Orihime shrugged when he’d thanked her for helping him out. “It was nothing, I’m not going to let you suffer, despite anything.” She admitted looking him over a part of her wanting to run to him, hold him; make sure he was really olright, a bigger part wished nothing more than to run away which resulted in her standing in place a confused look on her face.

Turning her head her eyes on him when he’d said he was happy to see her, “Why?” She asked confusion in her voice her eyes shifting away from him looking beside her. “I left without saying goodbye to you; I never really talked to you at all while I was gone.” She said pausing a moment taking a deep breath. “I wanted to; I even called your home once. But you were on a date. Yuzu told me. And don’t be angry with her I told her to not tell you.” She admitted crossing her arms in front of her chest trying not to let her emotions through.

“I’m sorry… I’m sorry if I’d hurt you. It was a spontaneous thing. I just had to go away and clear my thoughts.” She said taking a heavy breath calming herself before she began to cry. “But we were friends. I should have at least said bye… or something.”

[Alsing]

"I was never upset with you over leaving Orihime. I blamed myself not you." He paused for a moment. "I should have have handled our last talk better." Ichigo wasn't sure what to say. He was no good at this stuff. Ichigo was a fighter not a lover. Combat was instinctive for him but emotions were not. Especially love. After losing his mother Ichigo had closed his heart. He didn't want to feel that kind of lose ever again.

"Tasuki and I went out for a few weeks. We were lonely and tried to comfort each other but nothing really came out of it. I just don't love her in that way. She's a dear friend but she's practically my big sister in some ways. Rukia was always the same way. I care about her but not romantically."

Ichigo was on a roll now and before he could think about it he said. "The only one I ever felt that way about was you. When you were taken by the Espada I felt my world shake. I couldn't accept that you were gone. I didn't care if anyone came along to help but I'd beat down every last Arrancar to get you back. Then right after I got you back I lost you again. It wasn't easy but it was my fault. I would have called you or visited but I honestly thought you hated me." Ichigo finished in a sad tone.

[xxxdollface]

Nervously she ran her hand through her hair listening as he’d told her about Tatsuki, and how he’d felt for her, and how he didn’t. And how he felt for Rukia which confused her. “I always thought you and her were something special…” She said softly her eyes settling on his worn body but hearing his next words took her breath away. . "The only one I ever felt that way about was you. When you were taken by the Espada I felt my world shake. I couldn't accept that you were gone. I didn't care if anyone came along to help but I'd beat down every last Arrancar to get you back. Then right after I got you back I lost you again. It wasn't easy but it was my fault. I would have called you or visited but I honestly thought you hated me." She wasn’t expecting those words from his lips, “You… you don’t have to pacify me now. I know when I admitted my feelings it was out of no where for you. I kind of figured you knew already our friends seemed to.” She finished in an embarrassed whisper.

"I’m going to be honest; I still care deeply for you. I learned that there’s not one like you to me." She admitted with a soft sigh. “I’d tried dating Setsuna, my brother’s friend whom I was living with. He was sweet, handsome, friendly liked me. But… There wasn’t anything. He wasn’t you.” She concluded in a soft tone the wind blowing her bangs in her eyes.

Orihime wanted to walk away save them either any more hurting or awkwardness but after all that had been said she couldn’t and knowing he’d thought she hated him broke any resolve to leave. Slowly she took a few apprehensive steps towards him. “Kurosaki…” She whispered softly not meaning to make him feel the way she had. “I’m sorry… I thought you might feel that way. But I still couldn’t contact you I felt bad. It was my fault; I’d gotten taken in by Ulquiorra. You and everyone got hurt and put through so much because of me, I never meant for any of it…” She finished finally taking the last few steps standing in front of him looking down at him through her fiery bangs.

[Alsing]

Ichigo shook his head. "Nothing happened to us because of you Orihime." He walked towards her but was still out of reach. His body was healed and he felt strong again. After the beating he took it was an improvement but he didn't feel better. Hearing her words mixed so much inside him.

"We got hurt for you. We risked our lives for you. We did it to save you. We did it because we all care about you. I did it..." He paused. Since his mother had died he'd never said this to any one. Finally after a moment he finished. "I did it because I love you. I didn't know that was why I did it at the time but there isn't anything I wouldn't do for you. Nothing I wouldn't face to save you. Like the rest it was our choice. You have nothing to feel guilty about."

Finally closing the distance between them Ichigo reached out and took her right hand. "I'm sorry I didn't say it to you back then. You have no idea how much I regretted it after you left." Gazing into her eyes he said. "I do love you Orihime and I have for a long time. There isn't anyone else I've had these feelings for. It was always just you. I was just too stupid to realize it until it was too late."

[xxxdollface]

Orihime was taken aback by his words, she was surprised he didn’t blame her; she did after this whole time she felt bad for everyone getting hurt to save her when it was her own stupidity that had gotten her taken in the first place. She watched him get to his feet noting physically he seemed fine which she was relieved that he wasn’t hurt more. Biting her lower lip; he took a few steps towards closing the distance between them standing just a few feet from her.

She was lost in his words her head dropping looking at the ground. “No one should have had to. I didn’t want anyone to get hurt.” She said with a sigh looking at him curiously as he paused. Her shock by his next words apparent on his face. Her cheeks took on a light pink hue when he’d admitted he loved her. Unconsciously a few small tears welled in her eyes wiping them away before they fell she looked up at him with a soft same. “Well… I’ve got some amazing friends but I still feel like I’d gotten everyone hurt. I just… I don’t know I was weak.” She said in a whisper.

Watching him as he closed the distance between them feeling like she wanted to melt as he took her hand she shook her head when he’d apologized for not telling her then. “If you didn’t feel it then, you wouldn’t have anything to say.” She said softly.

"I do love you Orihime and I have for a long time. There isn't anyone else I've had these feelings for. It was always just you. I was just too stupid to realize it until it was too late."Hearing him her cheeks still pink; her expression warmed, not able to stop a few tears from falling. She wanted to take a step towards him but ended up tripping landing against his firm chest frozen a moment from her misstep she wanted to pull away but felt her body unmoving unable to hold back her emotion her forehead resting against his chest crying softly. “I still care about you.” She whispered her soft spoken words muffled by his shirt.