A/N: So I came up with this story not too long ago and I couldn't get it out of my head. The idea for this was sparked by the original Where She Went by the inspiring Gayle Forman. I highly recommend reading her work.

This is my first IchiHime multi-chap so let me know what you think.

Summary: AU. Six years have passed since Orihime disappeared from Ichigo's life. Since then, Ichigo has achieved success and Orihime is on the verge of fulfilling her dreams. Fate crosses their paths once more and Ichigo attempts to win over the girl he let slip away.

Rating: T

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.

where she went

karma

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:

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It was Saturday, June 11th and the day was expectedly warmer than usual. Dusts of clouds adorned the soft blue sky and a nice breeze made sure its presence was known. Everything seemed promising.

The citizens of Tokyo were aware of this and took advantage of day by spending it out. The parks were filled with families, couples and children.

Unlike the rest of the city, Ichigo Kurosaki spent his time inside his office. Granted, it had a fantastic view. He worked on seventh floor and the wall facing out was made of clear glass that allowed him to gaze at Tokyo's bustling life.

The rest of Ichigo's workplace was also grandiose. It was designed with modern taste, the desk made of glass and steel and the shelves pushed up against crème walls. The chair he reclined in was made of fine, black leather.

Bent over a document with a silver pen in hand, Ichigo's brows furrowed together. He was reading an incorrect exchange transaction.

Sighing, Ichigo dropped his pen and swiveled his seat backwards. He turned to sky, his expression pensive. An airplane came into view, descending towards the nearby airport.

Watching it made Ichigo frown. He had never taken an airplane before and he didn't plan on changing that. Whenever he was forced to travel, Ichigo opted to drive.

Ichigo closed his eyes and an image of himself racing through a terminal came to mind. Frantically, he had searched the crowd only to come up with nothing. He was too late, watching a plane take flight and take with it the only person he truly loved.

That day, Ichigo learned a valuable lesson: you never see it coming; you just get to see it go.

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:

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Sitting in the row ahead of Orihime, a pair of sisters giggled in delight as the plane dived in for its landing. They were young in age and had similar high-pitched squeals.

Listening to them made Orihime think of her and Tatsuki's friendship. Despite the long stretching distance that had formed when Orihime decided to attend the University of New York, her and Tatsuki managed to stay in touch through schedule phone calls, video chats and e-mails.

Now that Orihime was in Tokyo, she would find time to visit and see Tatsuki in person.

The thought immediately brought a smile to Orihime's face.

Once the plane landed and Orihime gathered her luggage, she spotted a familiar man with bright blue hair waiting. His cool and intimidating demeanor caused people to avoid getting anywhere near him.

Cheerfully, Orihime approached him. There was a joyous skip in her step that was almost childish. "Hello Grimmjow!"

Grimmjow's icy eyes assessed Orihime with careful attention to detail. After a moment, he reached over to assist her with her bags. "Come on. A car's waiting for you."

Unfazed by Grimmjow, Orihime followed his lead. "Ne, how have you been Grimmjow?"

"Busy," answered Grimmjow.

"And Nel-chan?"

"She's still studying," said Grimmjow, a note of pride in his tone. "In a year she'll have her Master's Degree."

"That's great!" praised Orihime enthusiastically. "I'd love to attend her graduation ceremony."

Grimmjow spared a glance at Orihime. He knew she was a genuine person and could not find a reason to dislike her. Her upbeat attitude reminded him of Nel and Grimmjow figured that was why he had a soft spot for Orihime.

He smirked. "Nel would like that."

Long lashes shielded Orihime's warm eyes as she looked down at her feet. "I admire Nel-chan. She'll save many lives as a brain surgeon."

Frowning slightly, Grimmjow muttered, "There's more than one way to save a life, Inoue."

Startled by Grimmjows rare words of kindness, Orihime peeked up at him. He showed to emotion and continued to look forward.

Orihime smiled. "Thank you, Grimmjow."

More often than not, Orihime found out that what was buried underneath a person was a grand treasure and Grimmjow was no exception.

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:

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Six years had passed since Ichigo lost the second thing he could not replace. In the years following that day, Ichigo went on to attend the University of Tokyo and acquired a degree in Business and Communications. Soon after, Ichigo gained an internship with one of Japan's wealthiest company, Urahara Enterprises. It took long, sleepless nights and unwavering determination to gain the respectable position as Chief Brand Officer.

Now at twenty-three, Ichigo was a successful business man with the world at his fingertips.

A sleek, black cell phone vibrated atop of Ichigo's desk. The screen indicated that it was Senna calling.

Ichigo hesitated and then ignored the call. Sighing, he pinched the bridge of his nose. As of late, his thoughts regarding Senna had grown complicated and lead to multiple headaches. The two of them had been together since high school but in last couple of years their relationship had become strained. Part of it had to due with Senna pursuing a career in investigative journalism but Ichigo was aware the main cause was his inability to forget a certain auburn haired girl he let slip away.

It did not matter how much time had passed, Ichigo could recall Orihime's features perfectly. In bittersweet dreams, her cloudy eyes haunted him and reminded him of the magnitude of his loss.

Ichigo shook his head to prevent poignant memories from invading his mind. Realizing there was only twenty minutes until his one o'clock meeting, Ichigo got to his feet. The moment he did so, Ichigo's stomach rumbled.

It occurred to Ichigo that all he had to eat was a single slice of toast and coffee in the morning. Scratching his head, Ichigo contemplated whether or not he could grab some lunch and return on time. Part of him considered sending an assistant but he preferred doing things on his own, especially when it involved such a simple task.

Deciding to act fast, Ichigo hurriedly caught an elevator heading down to the lobby. Each time the elevator made a stop at another floor, Ichigo irritably glanced at his watch. It took nearly three minutes to finally arrive at the main entrance.

Ichigo was halfway to reaching the sliding doors when the receptionist, Nanao, called out to him.

"Excuse me, Kurosaki-san!"

Pausing in mid-step, Ichigo glanced over. "Yes?"

Nanao adjusted her glasses. "I apologize for inconveniencing you but I was wondering if you still required the list of representatives for today's meeting."

Ichigo nodded once. "Just send it to my office."

"Of course," said Nanao. "Also, two walk ins wanted to know—"

Nanao's voice faded away as Ichigo's attention was disrupted. From the corner of his eye, Ichigo had recognized one of Aizen Incorporated's members. Grimmjow was at the drop-off area speaking to someone with flowing reddish-brown hair.

Ichigo's entire body tensed. It was not the first time he thought he spotted Orihime but many times he had been mistaken.

Yet, Ichigo was certain that only one person had that precise shade of ginger hair. The problem was getting a good look at her face since Grimmjow was in the way.

Frustrated, Ichigo deserted a still-talking Nanao and hurried outside. To his dismay, Grimmjow had assisted the unknown woman into a company car and was closing the passenger door.

Ichigo glared at the car as it swerved off.

"Who was that?" demanded Ichigo at once.

Grimmjow barely acknowledged him. "What?"

"The woman," snapped Ichigo. "Who was she?"

"Someone who doesn't concern you," scoffed Grimmjow, pocketing his hands and making his way toward the building.

"You're awfully arrogant for someone who can't even properly report foreign transactions," retorted Ichigo. "That file you sent me was shit."

Grimmjow scowled. "Or perhaps your incompetent brain was unable to comprehend it."

"Right," sneered Ichigo, "because I'm too inept to see that you failed to include the last three months exchanges."

Grimmjow cast a sidelong glance, his expression snide. "What are you trying to imply bastard?"

Ichigo responded with a fierce glower. "That you've been purposely hiding commerce."

"Now why would I do that?" mocked Grimmjow. "Urahara Enterprise is one of our most valuable partners."

"That's a good question. Maybe we should discuss it at today's meeting."

"Nobody cares what you do Kurosaki," drawled Grimmjow.

Ichigo stayed planted on the sidewalk and watched from over his shoulder as Grimmjow entered the lobby. He couldn't pinpoint legitimate proof but he had a hunch that Grimmjow and everyone at Aizen Incorporated were hiding something.

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:

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"Miss, please refrain from sticking your head out the window."

Orihime grinned sheepishly at the driver. With a nervous laugh she apologized and sat back down. "Hehehe. . . sorry sir, this is my first time in Tokyo."

Through the rearview mirror, the aged man smiled kindheartedly at Orihime. "Is it your first day here?"

Orihime gave up attempting to smooth her windblown hair. "Un!"

"You're in for a treat," said the driver. "There's so much to see and do here."

Orihime nodded eagerly with an excited gleam in her eyes. "I know. It's amazing!"

Chuckling slightly, the driver asked, "Where are you coming from?"

Orihime tilted her head to the side thoughtfully. "Well, technically I'm from Karakura Town but I've spent the last six years in New York City."

The driver seemed impressed. "So you're used to the city life then?"

"Yes but I also enjoy the countryside and the mountains and beaches! And anyways, Tokyo is a completely different city than New York so it's like I'm in a new world."

"I see."

Orihime turned back to the window and resumed admiring the scenery. Tokyo's tall buildings and bright lights were somewhat similar to Times Square. There was much to take in from the city, the people, the food, and the sites. Simply thinking about it thrilled Orihime.

Downtown Tokyo drifted away as the driver changed routes and headed to the outskirts of the area where multiple hotels and lavish apartment complexes resided. The car came to a stop in front of larger hotels where a bellboy was already awaiting.

Orihime gave the driver a grin as wide as a crayon. "Ne, thank you very much!"

"No problem, Miss."

For a moment, the bellboy gaped at an oblivious Orihime when she first stepped out. Then very eagerly, the bellboy assisted Orihime with her luggage and led her to the front desk to check in.

"Here's your key," said the receptionist once Orihime had gone through the motions of checking in. The woman handed over a small white envelope with something hand written on it.

Orihime read the message written in an elegant print: Welcome home.

:

The key opened the front door of the penthouse. Walking in for the first time, Orihime's eyes widened at the extravagance of it. Due to her job, she had visited and seen many swanky residences but this was grander than anything she had encountered.

Orihime became more overwhelmed as she searched around. For some reason she felt out of place. The entire exterior of the penthouse made her feel meek and small. It was simply too much for someone like her. Despite living in a city like New York, Orihime had stayed in an overpriced, humble apartment that was more than enough for her.

The sinking feeling in Orihime's stomach ceased as she looked at the envelope in her small hand and reread the message.

"I'm home," she murmured to herself.

Taking a deep breath, Orihime began unpacking and settling in.

I'm home.

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:

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It had been a long day for Ichigo. After a frustrating meeting that got the company nowhere, Ichigo became bombarded with paperwork. By the time he left his office it was nearly five o'clock in the evening.

It also didn't help that the mysterious woman from earlier kept popping up in his mind every so often.

Exhausted, Ichigo stepped into his apartment. He was fully prepared to slip into his bedroom and fall straight asleep.

"Hey there."

Ichigo lifted his head and blinked. Sitting on the coach with a laptop in front of her was Senna. She offered him a smile than made Ichigo weary and he hated himself for it.

"Hey."

Senna observed him for a moment. "You look tired."

Ichigo frowned. "That's because I am."

"And grumpy," added Senna with a slight grimace.

Ichigo sighed and ranked a hand across his hair. "Sorry," he muttered. "I had a rough day."

Senna's fingers resumed typing against the keypad. A crease formed between her brows as she concentrated. "It's fine."

Ichigo slipped out of his work clothes and joined Senna on the couch. He leaned back against the cushions and tried to relax. Senna stared at Ichigo then put aside her work. Silently, she curled herself beside him.

Senna grabbed the nearby television remote and then clicked it on. Idly, she switched through the channels and paused every so often to watch a certain program.

"Leave it there," said Ichigo suddenly.

"Huh?" Senna turned to Ichigo, dubious. "You want to watch Laugh Hour?"

"Yeah."

"It's not even funny, Ichigo."

"I think it is."

Senna remained quiet but her tawny eyes constantly flickered at Ichigo. Reading his face had become a challenging task for her. It almost seemed like Ichigo had closed himself from her.

Senna waited but not once did Ichigo spare a chuckle.

:

It happened four days after graduation. Orihime had asked Ichigo to meet her at the nearby park where sakura blossoms had begun filling the trees. At four o'clock Ichigo arrived and searched for a sign of her.

He found her deep in the park, perched on a wooden bench. As usual, she was looking up instead of forward. She was someone who had her feet on the ground but her head in the clouds.

"Inoue."

Orihime paused from appreciating the cherry blossoms and turned around. A long curtain of hair swayed behind her. Then she smiled and suddenly Ichigo's chest felt tight.

"Hi, Kurosaki-kun!"

The corners of Ichigo's mouth twitched upward. Orihime said his name with such mirth that it softened something within him. But that was always the case whenever it involved Orihime and Ichigo couldn't help but be particularly gentle. He didn't understand why but perhaps it was her compassionate and benign nature that brought it out of him.

Leisurely, Ichigo approached Orihime and took a seat beside her. "What are you doing?"

Orihime's gaze returned to the trees overhead. She spoke delicately, her words like fragile glass. "I was just admiring the flowers. They're beautiful, huh?"

"Yeah," said Ichigo, his voice gruff and eyes fixed on her. "They are."

"I really love spring," murmured Orihime wistfully. Impeccable lashes brushed against her cheekbones as she closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. "I love the smell and the feeling of new beginnings."

Ichigo's brow arched. "New beginnings?"

Orihime opened a single eye and peeked at him. "You know, like change?"

"Never thought of it that way."

"I guess I'm just weird," quipped Orihime with a rather self-conscious laugh.

Seconds ticked by and neither uttered a word. Ichigo didn't mind and continued to watch Orihime intently. A sprinkle of petals fell into her hair as a breeze rustled through the branches. Without a second thought, Ichigo reached over and brushed them away.

Orihime turned rigid. "W-What are you d-doing?"

"You have petals in your hair," answered Ichigo casually. He was fascinated by her blush that matched the sakuras and found himself being drawn in.

"Kurosaki-kun?"

"Yeah?"

Sparkling eyes met Ichigo's gaze, their hold firm and set in determination.

"I love you."

:

He froze, unsure of what he just heard. Maybe he imagined her confession but he had seen her lips move in sync. "What?"

Orihime's blush deepened. "I love you, Kurosaki-kun."

It was as though Ichigo's supply of oxygen had been cut off. His mouth went dry and the words dangling on the tip of his tongue evaporated.

"I, uh, asked you to come because I was wondering, maybe, you could give me the chance to be with you . . . ?" Orihime halted for a moment but Ichigo kept quiet. "I mean, I know you just broke up with Senna and this is very sudden and all—"

Ichigo swallowed painfully and found his voice. "Inoue."

Orihime stopped and stared at him wide-eyed. Everything about her seemed open and vulnerable and it only made the knot in Ichigo's stomach tighten. It was overwhelming and words stumbled out of Ichigo's mouth. "Inoue, I can't."

"H-Huh?"

"I can't go out with you. I still have feelings for Senna."

Orihime went still, her silence ominous. Ichigo witnessed as she began chipping away, crumbling into pieces and—

Damn me, God fucking damn me.

—and sparkling tears formed in her eyes that became clouded with anguish.

"She's lucky," whispered Orihime, dropping her head. But she did not cry, not in front of him at least. It took all of her will power to keep her tears from spilling over.

"I'm sorry, Inoue—"

Abruptly, Orihime stood up. Her back was rod-straight. "I should go and get out of your way."

Ichigo couldn't think of what to do. He was at a loss and was forced to watch Orihime walk away.

And she left quietly, never to return.

:

Two weeks went by and Ichigo did not hear a word from Orihime. He spotted her once at the grocery store but quailed before attempting to speak with her. Time went by and Ichigo couldn't bring himself to face Orihime.

On the sixteenth day when a storm dawned on Karakura Town, someone knocked on Ichigo's front door.

He opened the door and then doubled over as a foot rammed itself into his gut.

"You fucking bastard!" snarled Tatsuki. "How could you do that to her?"

Ichigo didn't not try to defend himself as Tatsuki responded with punch to his jaw. He was sure she had dislocated it.

"You coward!" she yelled. "You fucking spineless coward! She's gone because of you!"

"What?"

Tatsuki glared at Ichigo with loathing. "She's gone."

Then Tatsuki turned on her heels and left as well.

:

Ichigo sprinted in the midst of the storm to Orihime's apartment complex. He ran up the stair two at a time and pounded against her door.

"Inoue!" he shouted. "Inoue, open up!"

No one came to the door. Desperate, Ichigo rattled the door in its frame. Right before he kicked down the door, the neighbor appeared.

She was a middle-aged woman with soft wavy hair. "Is there a problem, sir?"

"Inoue, where's Inoue?"

The woman's expression turned sympathetic. "You just missed her," she said. "She left to the airport."

"Airport?"

"Yes, she's going abroad you see."

Wasting no time, Ichigo brushed past the neighbor and leapt down the stairs.

:

The rain grew heavier as Ichigo arrived to the airport. He was completely soaked as he raced inside. Many fliers sent him nasty looks as he pushed his way through, not bothering to apologize.

He had to find her. He needed to find her.

Because if he didn't, she would never know that he lied. That he had been chicken-shit and pushed her away to keep her from getting hurt. That he loved her more than she'd ever know.

But Ichigo didn't get the chance to explain.

She had went away.

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:

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It was lunch hour and the restaurants in the downtown area were busy. Numerous employees hustled about to get themselves food and return to work. In front of a sub-sandwich shop by passers halted briefly, awestruck by a pair of woman sitting outside and enjoy their lunch.

Both women had a curved body and oddly colored hair.

"I'm so glad you found time to see me, Orihime-chan."

"I'm the one who's glad," protested Orihime. "I'm so happy to see you, Nel-chan."

The green haired woman smiled fondly. "So do you like Tokyo so far?"

Orihime took a hearty bite of her wasbi filled sandwich. She chewed her food thoughtfully and then gave a nod. "It's different from New York but it's wonderful all the same."

"Do you miss New York?"

"Yes," admitted Orihime. "They had the most amazing pizza there! Oh, and Broadway was so beautiful! And so was Times Square~!"

Nel chuckled. "Does that mean you'll go back after the ceremony?"

"No," said Orihime softly, sporting a blush. "I've decided to stay in Japan for good. I've been away from home too long."

"Have you already started working then?"

Orihime's blush deepened. "Today is my first day, actually."

Nel patted Orihime's forearm affectionately. "You'll do fine. And if you have any trouble, you can always ask Ulquiorra or Grimmjow."

"Right."

Nel glanced around to find a napkin but couldn't find one. She shrugged and began licking her fingers. "Next time you're free, you should come over and have dinner with me and Grimmjow."

"Okay."

Nel gazed at Orihime, noting how felicitous she seemed to be. She was glad Grimmjow had introduced her to such a kind person. "Orihime-chan?"

"Yes, Nel-chan?"

"It's really nice to see you again."

:

Orihime hurried to her new office on the top floor of Aizen Incorporated. She had nearly forgotten that she had a mandatory meeting to attend with a partner company.

Warily, Orihime approached the receptionist. "Excuse me, Loly?"

Sharp eyes filled with disdain snapped up at Orihime. "Yes, Inoue-san?"

Awkwardly, Orihime shifted her weight from foot to foot. It worried her that she was already disliked by her co-workers. Orihime was sure she hadn't purposely said anything rude to Loly. She considered offering a formal apology to make amends.

"Um, did the car I call for arrive yet?"

Loly's condolence smile quickly twisted into an insincere smirk. "It just left five minutes ago."

Orihime's shoulder's dropped. "Oh."

A smooth voice interrupted them.

"Is there a problem, Inoue-san?"

Orihime straightened up and turned to see her boss, Aizen, appear. He looked prominent in a handsome, grey suit.

"A-Ah, no Aizen-sama!"

Aizen smiled in amusement. "Please Inoue-san; don't hesitate to confide in me."

Orihime could feel Loly's glare on her as she explained herself. "I didn't manage to catch my car."

Stepping closer, Aizen rested a hand on Orihime's shoulder. "Come. You can join me. I'm on my way to the meeting as well."

"I don't want to trouble you, Aizen-sama."

He smiled, observing her face. "Don't worry. I'd love the company."

"A-Are you sure?"

"Yes. Now let's go before we're late.

"H-Hai."

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:

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"Man, this shit is nothing but a waste of time. We never get anything done."

"Shut it, Renji," snapped Rukia. "Nobody wants to hear your whining."

"I am not whining," snorted Renji, crossing his arms. "I'm just stating the facts."

"Keep talking like that and you'll find yourself unemployed."

Ichigo sighed and attempted to ignore his bickering friends. He lifted his bottled water to his dry lips and took a sip. They were in one of the larger conference rooms where a projector was set up on the back wall for presentations.

The room itself was already filling up with clients and other company representatives. Near the refreshment table were two more Aizen Incorporated employees, Rangiku Matsumoto and Gin Ichimaru. Not too far from them were Toshiro and his longtime girlfriend, Momo. Despite the fact that Momo worked for Aizen, Ichigo found her tolerable enough ("Tsk. Like I need your approval, Kurosaki," Toshiro had snickered.).

Ichigo rolled his eyes when he spotted Kisuke shamelessly flirting with Yoruichi, causing her assistant, Soi Fong, to grow irate. It amazed Ichigo that his boss was so nonchalant about the tense atmosphere in the room.

Among the attending companies was the prestigious Kuchiki Bank of the East, the infamous Yoruichi Marketing, and Hirako Group.

Renji huffed a breath. "That bastard Aizen is taking his sweet time."

"He just arrived from Europe this morning," said Rukia.

"No," said Ichigo. "Renji's right. That asshole has all of us waiting."

Rukia examined Ichigo discreetly. "What's wrong with you? You've been sulking this entire time."

Ichigo scowled. "Are you saying I should be in good mood even though I'm stuck in a bullshit meeting?"

"Watch it, Ichigo," warned Renji. "You don't need to act like such a prick to Rukia."

Ichigo forcibly bit his tongue to keep himself from saying something rude. He had no desire to pick a fight with his friends.

"Did something happen?" asked Rukia.

The silhouette of woman with auburn hair came to mind. "No," said Ichigo gruffly, stuffing his hands into his pockets.

Rukia was skeptical. "Are you sure—?"

She was cut short as Aizen arrived. "So sorry I'm late, everyone."

"'Bout time," grumbled Renji under his breath.

At that precise moment, Rukia's eyes widened, she had caught a glimpse of a soft figure following Aizen as he strolled in.

"Oh, no," she gasped.

Confused by Rukia's reaction, Ichigo followed her gaze. The second he saw her, his world turned on its axis.

"Inoue."

:

The first thing Ichigo noticed was her eyes. They still filled her face and when she turned to him, they grew larger. Her mouth parted slightly. "K-Kurosaki-kun?"

Her voice. Oh, fuck.

He hadn't realized how much he missed it. That soft-spoken voice had filled his ears as a teenager with silly ramblings and thoughtful insight.

Kurosaki-kun~!

Hungrily, Ichigo took in Orihime. Time had been kind to her. Her curves had refined, flaring at the hips in her tight pencil skirt, sinking in at the waist and rising at her bosom. Her hair was finely done in a sophisticated bun, leaving a few tresses to frame her face.

Ichigo hadn't thought it was possible but Orihime had become more beautiful.

He moved to get closer but Rukia's hand pulled him back. "Don't," she whispered.

Annoyed, Ichigo shook Rukia off. Aizen had left Orihime's side and Ichigo took advantage of his absence. He stopped in front of her and fought against the primal urge to touch her, to push her up against the wall and taste her.

Orihime needed to lift her chin higher to properly face him. "I-Is it really you?"

Ichigo nodded. "Yeah."

He watched as a shiver ran down her spine. A thousands thoughts raced in Ichigo's mind. Are you okay? Where did you go? You've ruined me. Did you fulfill your dreams?

I still love you . . .

Stardust shimmered in Orihime eyes as she smiled brightly. "It's good to see you again."

"It is."

Another person appeared. "Who's this, Hime?"

Orihime squeaked, flushing. "U-Ulquiorra!"

Ichigo openly glared at the pale man with cold emerald eyes. He and Ulquiorra had never gotten along. Numerous times the two had argued over the phone and at meetings.

Orihime fidgeted with her hands, a movement that captured Ichigo's attention. "Umm, Ulquiorra this is my old friend Ichigo . . . Ichigo this Ulquiorra—"

The diamond ring on Orihime's finger glittered mockingly. It was Ichigo's turn to begin crumbling.

No, no, no.

"—my fiancé."

And then Ichigo shattered.