Author's Note: I bring you chapter 3! This took me a while to get out and I think the length will show why. Without my great Beta, Ichihime Kurosaki, there is no way this chapter, or story, would have turned out as it has. I hope you enjoy this chapter and review to tell me what you think. This story is taking a lot of time for me to do but I put so much effort in it. So please let me know what you think. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach or any of the original characters that Tite Kubo created. I do however own this story that I have placed them in. And even though they are his characters, I have changed them to fit this story. Which makes this an OOC and AU story. I also do not own any of the name brands or name brand products that are used throughout this story.

Chapter 3 - Suffering

Present Day Iraq - 11:45 P.M.

Day 3 of Captivity

"Get up!"

Ichigo's eyes slowly opened, zeroing in on the dark figure standing in the doorway of the little prison. It was hard to make out details of the person's features. The room was dark and dank, and despite his will, it also smelled like his puke - all adding to his incapability to make out any certain characteristics of the person. It was utterly humiliating; in normal circumstances Ichigo would never allow for this to happen. His stomach growled menacingly and he gritted his teeth, trying to concentrate on anything but the empty feeling that echoed within his body. The little bit of food Ichigo did get was old and moldy, which did not sit well in the stomach, and did not make him want to eat it, but he knew if this continued on… he would eat it. All of it.

"You American trash are being treated as you should be."

Startled, Ichigo looked up at the figure again as he sluggishly got into a sitting position. The man had just spoken English, it was broken and there was an accent… but no doubt about it, it was English. The accent did not sound like the ones Arabs had when they spoke. No, this one was different… familiar, but different. Several seconds ticked by and the answer came to him - Japanese, that was the answer! After the thrill of the discovery came the instant stomach-dropping reality. If the man was Japanese… things just got a lot more complicated. Ichigo, with his hands on his knees, slowly got to a standing position. His body protested against the movement but he effectively ignored it.

"You are not an Arab."

There was a chuckle, cold and sinister, "You are correct, I am not. But I control the men that ensnared you. I have known about your little… unit," Ichigo identified the voice as being male by the bartone sound it carried, seemingly spitting out the phrase, "that has been here for several months. I have been doing everything I could to get you where I wanted you and my patience finally paid off. Now, here you are."

That was not good to hear. If this man had planned the entire thing… what else had he planned? Was there another kidnapping scheduled? Would there be a way for him to put a stop to it if there was?

"I see you are thinking hard." A hand gripped Ichigo's chin and snapped it up, almost causing him to lose balance. "There is nothing you will be able to do soldier boy. We will break you, and if we do not… we will find someone close to you that will break."

Ichigo dealt with these types of threats daily when he was on the streets in Iraq. He was not overly concerned since it was not likely they would be able to do what they threatened to do. Everything precious to him was tucked away safely in Washington, D.C. with the military watching closely for protection. Nothing would get to them - he had to believe that.

"I do not fear you," he hissed.

That seemed to make the man angry; Ichigo saw his eyes flash dangerously, and before he had time to react to the threat his senses were warning him about, a fist collided with his gut. Doubling over, coughs ensued followed by the metallic taste of blood.

"You will die here American, that I promise you." The sinister voice vowed angrily.

Amidst the coughing, the soldier wiped the blood away from his mouth. Chocolate colored eyes stared at the tint of the blood, as if he was not truly seeing, 'He is probably right, and I don't like the thought of that. But if I have to die for my country so be it...'

The man tossed Ichigo to the side and looked at a figure that was behind him, out in the hallway. "Do what you can to make him talk. When he is about to die stop, we do not want him fading on us too quickly."

There was a sinister laugh and Ichigo could hear fingers popping intimidatingly. "I will have fun with him." The man replied in Arabic.

"Then I leave him to you."

Ichigo raised a skeptical eyebrow at the exchange of men that took place in front of him. This man was much larger and even though it was too dark to make out his features, it was easy to tell hygiene was not a high priority. Clearing his throat, the captive spoke, "You must be the one they turn to when it's obvious the prisoner won't break."

The big ogre of a man grunted, and stepped forward so Ichigo could see his beady little eyes. Scrunching his nose in disgust, Ichigo waved his hand in front of his face, adding, "If you must come closer, the least you could do is hold your breath."

The jibe worked; the man roared in anger and muttered something unintelligible in Arabic. Unlike before, Ichigo was able to dodge the sluggish attack. Falling backwards, his feet twisted up in a thin sheet - more like a rag, really - of a blanket that had been given to him upon arriving. The ogre laughed heartily, his head rolling back, forehead to the ceiling, making it seem like Ichigo's fall had been the funniest thing he had seen his entire life.

Tan hands tightened into fists, the fingertips red and blistered from the struggle that had occurred when Ichigo had awoken from being knocked senseless. Fire erupted within his body, the only thing on the prisoner's mind was death. No way was he going to take this shit, not one bit. Just as the jailer reached down to capture his leg, Ichigo reared it back and thrust it forward, aiming for the man's right kneecap. The hit struck home, and the giant cried out in pain, his heavy body sagging against one of the four walls.

Rolling to the side, Ichigo propelled his body up using the strength of his arms. Once standing, his amber eyes roasted with pure fury, "If you think I'm going to roll over and just allow you to hit me, you are sorely mistaken." The words rolled off his tongue, his tone deadly.

"You ghabi! I will make you wish you never touched me!" Ogre man hissed, leaning heavily against the wall. Ichigo smirked at the phrase; he had essentially called him a dumbass. Perhaps it was time to prove that was a far cry from what Ichigo was. Moving along the opposite wall, said man sneered, "If this was a fair location, and I wasn't starving, I'd whip your sorry-" he stopped abruptly, his eyes landing on the open door. Ironically as the two men switched, the door had been left wide open, begging him to leap out. The Ogre's beady eyes followed Ichigo's line of sight and he cursed madly.

"If you even think you can survive out there-"

"Shut up," the orange-haired captive muttered, his head snapping back to the man whose kneecap he had shattered with a forceful kick. Bruised and bare feet glided over to the Arab, "I know I can survive out there." Hands shot out, fast as lightening, and gripped the grungy man's shirt, yanking him forward, "There is nothing you - or anyone else - can do to me that will make me talk. I. Am. Not. Afraid. Of. You." Ichigo emphasized each word as he glared at the man, their faces inches apart.

The man, Mallu, as he was called, felt a chill run through his spine as the soldier - a boy, really - looked at him with not an ounce of fear. The boss had said this would be an easy break, but as he studied the prisoner, who was almost eager for a fight, he decided that was not the case. This man had gone three days with nothing more than two slices of moldy bread, and yet he seemed to have more than adequate strength. It would take much more than physical torture to get this one to crack - much, much more. With a half smile Mallu spoke, "There are ways to instill fear."

A grunt of pain escaped Mallu as he was forcibly tossed against the wall. Ichigo had a look of pure disgust on his face as he wiped his hands together, as if trying to get the feel of Mallu's dirty clothing off his skin. Calculating eyes sized up the way the Ogre's knee was swelling and certainly causing him pain. 'This is my chance. I'm weak, it's taken nearly everything I had to do what I've done, but I can't let this opportunity slip by. Its now...' pivoting on his right heel, the open door came into sight, '...or never.'

Wide-eyed, Mallu watched as the man he was charged to break by any means necessary, began to confidently stroll towards the door. Struggling to right himself, he gritted his teeth as the overwhelming stab of pain tore through the injured knee and traveled up his leg, causing aches to overwhelm him. Mallu had no choice but to do everything in his power to make sure this soldier did not leave the compound. The boss had been very specific with what he expected, and if Mallu failed… it would mean certain death.

Determination now set, Mallu took a deep, silent breath and urged the injured leg to move. At first the knee almost gave out but somehow it was able to hold his bulgy weight. Pushing through the pain that threatened to engulf him, Mallu limped with quite some speed, to Ichigo. The loud wheezing of his breath alerted the soldier of his approach causing him to shoot a look over his shoulder and then bolt, with speed Mallu didn't think he was capable of, out the door.

Cursing, Mallu began shouting in Arabic. Ichigo glanced back once and then kept his eyes straight forward. There was no time to think about the Ogre behind him. That injured knee would slow him down tremendously. Darting around a wall he leaned his back against it, slowly peering around the corner to see any enemy that could be near. No one was in sight. Now was his chance to find the exit, or at least find some food.

Ichigo knew without food he would not make it far. And there were so many unknowns that would be in the pathway back to the safety of his unit. First of which was discovering where it was these people had taken him. Suddenly there was a noise to the left, just around the corner he presently needed to look beyond to discover if the way was clear. With an arch in his back, the soldier moved stealthily along the wall. Barely moving, the special ops platoon leader glanced around the edge of the wall. Two men, both armed with K-49's, stood chatting with one another by what appeared to be an exit. Just two… did he have enough strength to take on two armed men?

Brown eyes closed, he rested his head against the wall. 'What am I going to do? Either way I see this playing out I get shot. Two of them, one of me. Both armed against a weak man with no gun or knife -' Ichigo's thoughts were cut short by the loud voice that boomed from the area he had just escaped.

In response the two guards ceased their talking and listened intently to the words the giant was grumbling. Then, instantaneously, they hoisted their K-49's into the position and walked down the hall. Ichigo could hear their footsteps nearing, and cursed under his breath. Would there ever be a break? Or were things always destined to turn out sour?

There was no time to dwell on the negative turn things were taking. The question now was should he go out fighting? Or allow them to torture him until they decide to take him from this life? Two questions, the answer to either of them was the thing that would turn the fates. If he gave in and let them imprison him...was it possible to get out alive? A loud voice barked and Ichigo jumped back, a K-49 pointed right at his head.

"You! Don't move or you will die where you stand."

Ichigo's eyes narrowed, but he otherwise raised his hands in the universal sign of surrender. Making a choice to live, instead of die immediately, Ichigo relented. Hopefully another chance to escape would come, and if not… then hopefully they would make his death quick. The latter wasn't likely… but it could be hoped for.

A few minutes later, with the muzzle of the K-49 jabbing into the prisoners back, the two guards came upon Mallu. "Here is the prisoner you were shouting for."

Mallu smiled wickedly, his hand gesturing towards his bandaged knee. Ichigo grimaced, now it was time to pay for his discretion. "As you can see I have managed to bandage the knee that you kicked." Mallu motioned towards the prison cell, "Shall we continue? This time how do you say it..." he paused trying to find the English words, "...we shall do it with strength, rather than fear."

Ichigo stared at the single chair that resided in the middle of the room. It hadn't been there previously… which could only mean this round of torture would be different from the others. Raising his head - determination set in his deep eyes - he squared his shoulders, "Let's see what you have."

The men behind Ichigo pushed him harshly into the room, nearly causing him to trip over his feet. No surprise came when Mallu took a hold of the soldier and shoved him into the chair. Mallu motioned to the men to take the chains and restrain the prisoner. Helplessly, Ichigo sat frozen as chains were put around his forearms and ankles, effectively restraining any hope of movement.

The two rebels stepped back and out of the way as Mallu hobbled forward. Ichigo smirked; it was something to be proud of, causing this giant of a man pain. Black eyes clashed with deep brown as Mallu placed his gangly hands on Ichigo's forearms, his back hunched over so they could see levelly.

"You are going to wish you had never done this to me. And when you are begging for deliverance from your pain," putrid breath fanned Ichigo's face as Mallu laughed loudly, "I will not give you what you beg for. It will give me much pleasure to force you to the brink of death, only to pull you back. In essence, I will be your God."

The corner of Ichigo's lips turned up into a smile, "My God? I'm afraid you're not bathed enough to be my God."

A hand shot out and said man felt the blow strike the left side of his jaw. Pain shot through the area, and Ichigo, head turned in the opposite direction, laughed, "Must admit, you hit better than the girls that were here earlier."

Mallu felt anger begin to boil through his body. Barking back at the men that had stepped away, Mallu instructed them to retrieve several objects. When they turned and left the room to do as they were instructed, said man grinned wickedly at Ichigo.

"You have a mouth on you. Do you know what happens to us if we talk out of turn?" he waited for a few seconds for a reply and just when Ichigo opened his mouth, he interrupted, "Our tongues are cut out. Sadly I am not permitted to do that to you, but I will do something different."

Calculating eyes watched as the men returned with a large tool box in arms. Ichigo leaned his head back, watching closely as they set the box down on the ground beside the wall that was only feet away from where he was chained. Things were about to get much more interesting. Mallu whispered something to the rebels as they passed, and they nodded and stepped out of the room, closing the wooden door behind them.

"Now it is just you and me," Mallu declared, hobbling awkwardly to the tool box. With a single tug of the giant hands the box opened. Clinking sounds were heard as the captor rummaged through the tool box. An exclamation of "Ah-ha!" left his lips as the item that was sought after was discovered. He turned to Ichigo with a malicious gleam in his eyes.

"What is your name?"

Ichigo, eyes unafraid, answered, "An American soldier."

Mallu clicked his tongue disapprovingly, "Every man has a name; that is not what people call you. I shall ask another time, and you would do well to answer. What is your name?"

The limited light in the room glinted off the dull metal of the pliers, Ichigo noted, that lingered in Mallu's right hand. Despite Mallu wobbling towards him, Ichigo met his gaze steadily, "I gave you my answer, must I repeat myself?"

"Tch, wrong answer." Mallu gripped his prisoners left hand and tapped the set of pliers on his pinky, and then moved on to the ring finger as if counting the digits. Without blinking, the specialist soldier eyed his hand, watching the pliers move over his skin. They stopped on his thumb and then retraced their steps back to his middle finger. "You will see that I have my ways to make you talk..." The pliers opened and despite his will, Ichigo inhaled deeply, preparing himself for what was to come.

The pain registered and a groan escaped the captive's lips. "...or scream." Mallu finished his earlier sentence, relishing the look of pain on the man's face as the pliers continued to pull out the nail of the middle finger. Clenching his jaw, Ichigo closed his eyes, not wanting to give this man the pleasure of seeing the pain reflected in his eyes. A voice came to his head, from a former mentor who had trained him for the possibilities of being taken and tortured. "If you ever find yourself in this situation, which I hope you never do, remember to take your mind to a place where it can dwell on something else, rather than the pain its feeling."

Yes, that was the answer, wasn't it? The nail came free of the skin that confined it and Mallu held it up, examining it as if it was something miraculous, "The human body, it is fascinating no?"

Painstakingly slow the soldier opened his eyes. Beads of sweat were rolling down his face, occasionally going into his eyes. Mallu raised a skeptically eyebrow as he noticed the labored breathing that was coming from the lad. "I will ask again, what is your name?"

Catching his breath, Ichigo snickered, "Go to hell."

"Tsk, tsk, tsk, once again… wrong answer."

The leaders muscles tensed as the body naturally prepared itself for the pain that was to follow, this time on his right hand, ring finger. Closing his eyes, Ichigo allowed for his memories to surface, to envelope him in their sunrays of hope and peace.

July 24, 2011 - Austin, Texas

A flock of yellow canaries chirped a melodious symphony as they eagerly took flight in the cloudless, cerulean-blue sky, almost as if they were part of the fairy tales told to children. A lone man rocked on a swing held up by two thick hooks connected to the roof, under which he sat. This porch had been the entire reason why the young married couple bought the house, even though they knew they would not be here longer than a year, two if they were lucky. The military member laced his fingers together and placed them behind his head, at the base of his neck, as he leaned back into the swing. Brown, mystical eyes took in the vast yard as he pushed his feet forward and back to set the swing in motion.

The front door squeaked as it was pulled open, and a harmonic voice filled the air, "So this is where you ran off to. I was looking for you in the office but you weren't there."

"Sorry," came the apology, a sheepish look accompanying it, "I wanted to come out here and enjoy the weather."

"But it's hot," the young wife complained, despite walking out to join her husband.

"Orihime, of course it is," Ichigo Kurosaki chided with a feigned look of reproach, "We are living in Texas."

Orihime Kurosaki rolled her eyes dramatically before stepping closer to him. A blush adorned her cheeks when his eyes went to her swollen belly. Lifting her hands, the mother to be rested them on her stomach. Slowly she began to caress the bulge, "I can't believe we're going to be parents soon. I never thought I'd survive the drive from Nevada."

"I hated having to move when you're this far along." Ichigo mumbled, a look of pure disgust on his face, "I tried to tell my superiors that but they wouldn't have it."

The young girl rushed over to her husband, cradling his face with delicate, small hands, "Shh… I don't blame you. Obviously I survived, the baby didn't come along the way. So there is nothing to feel bad about Ichigo."

Big-muscled arms outstretched, it was easy to see what the American soldier wanted. No words were exchanged by the couple as Orihime easily slid into his arms, having been drawn into his lap. Mentally she wondered if the swing would hold their weight considering the expecting woman felt like a hippo. Seeming to hear her inner thoughts, her husband spoke, "You aren't heavy."

"H-how can you say that?!" The auburn haired girl exclaimed louder than first intended, "I weigh more now than I ever have. And -" the words were cut off when the newly married woman felt the defined end of a pointed chin rest on her shoulder. Ichigo buried his nose in her hair, inhaling the scent of lavender that lingered there from the shower she had just taken.

"It doesn't matter..." his hand found it's way to her belly and began to caress the roundness of it, "...because you are having my child. Not another man's - mine."

"Possessive aren't you?"

A chuckle escaped the man's lips as hair was lifted away and was replaced by tender lips, "You have no idea."

Orihime grinned, her chin lowering to her chest to hide a blush. They had known each other almost an entire year, in a month it would be a year. It had been the happiest year of her life, considering what she had been through before.

Sitting on Ichigo's lap, Orihime closed her eyes as he continued to place kisses on her delicate skin. She idly began to play with his left hand as it rested on her stomach. Starting at the thumb, her fingers traced the long, muscular, digits. Reaching the ring finger, Orihime smiled slyly at the feel of the metal that surrounded the finger. Platinum metal was the decision she had come to when it was time to purchase the wedding ring for him. This ring was a symbol that Ichigo Kurosaki was hers… and hers alone.

"What are you thinking about?" Ichigo's voice interrupted Orihime's thoughts.

Leaning back so she could feel the contours of his muscled chest, she replied wistfully, "About the day I bought this wedding band for you. I hate how you can't wear it all the time..."

Ichigo kissed her cheek, "I know, but I wear it every chance I can."

The nature of being a soldier kept the spirited wife's husband from being able to wear the wedding band while on duty. "I don't understand it, wouldn't they assume you had a family anyway?" They had gone over this very conversation more than once, but Orihime couldn't seem to let it drop.

"Hime..." He sighed.

Orihime looked over her shoulder in order to make eye contact, "I know we've talked about this but I still don't fully understand the reasoning behind it. I'm not sure I ever will."

"That is becoming obvious." Ichigo grunted and then smiled, "Changing the subject, I must say I am enjoying this mini maternity dress."

Orihime raised a quizzical eyebrow, "Really? I would certainly hope so since you are the one that picked it out." The dress itself wasn't very elaborate; it was baby blue in color and came to the middle of her thigh. It had cut off sleeves and the neckline was that of a normal t-shirt. A simple white belt fit around her expanding belly, but barely.

The couple continued to enjoy the weather as the minutes rolled on. The 21-year-old nearly jumped out of her husband's hold when the fabric of the dress was pushed to the side. Looking over her right shoulder, Orihime watched as Ichigo rubbed the mark that had been there since her birth, a piece of herself that she could never erase.

Hesitantly she spoke, "What are you thinking?" Whenever Ichigo rubbed the flesh, it made Orihime's heart beat rapidly as images forced themselves into the front of her mind - things she wanted to forget, but never seemed to be able to.

"Just that I wish I could make everything go away. All the pain… all the suffering… everything you ever had to go through."

Emotion's caught in the wife's throat as the sincerity shined in the young man's eyes. They were filled with love… love for her, and that was enough to help the memories of terror and fear fade. Leaning forward, Orihime kissed Ichigo's lips slowly and sensually. When the two broke apart Ichigo smirked at her, "What was that for? Not saying I hated it, because the opposite is true. Your kisses are something to always crave and yearn for."

Rolling her eyes dramatically, Orihime tapped the tip of his nose, "It's me that is addicted to you. Why else would I cast my spell on you?"

"The spell to make me fall in love with you?"

"Yes, also the spell to compel you to marry me. Without that spell there is no way you would have ever taken the plunge." The expecting mother stated, her deep gray eyes searching his own. "It still amazes me that you were there the very moment I needed you. I just didn't know it at the time."

Ichigo Kurosaki broke eye contact and leaned forward to place a tender kiss to the mark that resided on his wife's right shoulder blade. The raised skin felt warm against his lips, something he noticed tended to happen on occasion. There had been times when he wanted to ask Orihime about the strange temperature that would emanate from the tissue, but the soldier never worked up the nerve to. The entire situation was sore spot with the love of his life, and the last thing the new husband wanted to do was frighten her with the memories that would surface with the questions.

Orihime Inoue - Kurosaki now - could sense the mood that overcame her husband. And as his lips made contact with her birthmark, it was clear what was on his mind. Forcing the feelings of fear to fade, she took hold of his large, tender hand and brought it to her lips. Hearing his breath catch in his throat made Orihime smile as she kissed each of the fingers, slowly dragging the digits through her teeth.

"Not fair," he groaned out, his voice suddenly husky.

Orihime hummed in response, the vibration from her throat shooting through his index finger. The woman was proud of the fact that she was this man's weakness. The fact that it was Orihime that had captured the young man's attention helped in that pride.

Suddenly Orihime was left blinking, the finger that had been in her mouth gone. "Wha?" A large hand was on her cheek, turning her face to the side. A thumb pressed her lower lip down before a pair of lips assaulted them. The young wife hummed against her lover's lips, she never could get enough of them.

The couple kissed for a few more minutes until someone cleared their throat. The action caused for Orihime to jump and spin her head around to look at the person standing at the steps. Ichigo looked around his wife and smiled, "Renji, what brings you here?"

The red haired man smiled ruffly at his comrade, "Was in the neighborhood, thought I'd stop by to see how you were settling in. Looks like you are comfortable."

Ichigo laughed and motioned for his friend to come closer. "C'mon in, we'll show you around the house."

Taking her cue, Orihime got off Ichigo's lap and smiled shyly at Renji. "And we'd be happy to have you stay for dinner as well."

Renji grinned willfully and puffed out his cheeks, "Really? I can stay and eat great food from the master?"

That made the girl blush and Ichigo put his hand on the small of her back, "Let's all go inside." The three entered the old fashioned home and the mute blue colors assaulted the friend's eyes. "Wow, it's a nice place, but the colors… think you'll repaint?"

"Why? We won't be here forever." Ichigo stated offhandedly as they neared the kitchen.

Renji eyed the vast kitchen, enjoying the nice granite counter tops and mahogany wood of the cupboards. "That part always stinks."

"It gets hard to move around all the time." Renji looked over at Orihime who had just spoken. A sparkle was in her eyes as she dabbed at the corner of them. "But at least with the moving around we get to see lots of places. The world is a beautiful place and there is so much to see. I get to see it."

Ichigo went over and draped his arm around the wife's shoulders. Pressing a kiss to her forehead he spoke, "I am so glad you see it that way. Renji here tends to think negatively about things. It's a good thing he has your influence in his life to help make him see a different light."

"I resent that!" The pineapple red head mocked, "I do not always see the negative side of the equation. I just accept the bad parts of life as well."

Orihime's eyes lowered, her toes curling under her foot, "I know the negative… all too well, but that doesn't mean I want to dwell on it."

Renji was at a loss for words as he saw the emotions roll across the girl's face. There was something behind the surface that Orihime was trying to hide from the two men. Was it possible that Ichigo knew what it was? Or was he in the dark just as much as Renji was? Renji shook his head, a small chuckle leaving him. "You are something amazing, Orihime. I'm glad you found this big oaf here and made him realize that having a family wasn't a bad thing. Ichigo tends to be too cautious and forgets to live."

That won Renji the smile he had been aiming for. The expecting mother-to-be snaked out of Ichigo's embrace and moved over to the taller man. Raising herself up on her toes she wrapped her arms around his neck and squeezed him affectionately. "Thank you for being you, Renji."

Renji awkwardly stood in her hold and then raised his frozen arms and wrapped them around the woman's small frame. Looking over at Ichigo he mouthed, 'Is this okay?'

The other man only smirked and nodded his head. When Renji closed his eyes and accepted the hug fully, Ichigo made his way to the fridge and pulled out some chicken that had been pulled out of the freezer earlier that morning. Hands moved expertly as they got the pans and needed supplies for the dinner that Orihime would put together for the two hungry men. A bang rang through the room, pulling Orihime out of Renji's arms, her gray eyes wide and frantic.

Ichigo straightened his back from having retrieved the metal spoon that had slipped from his grip. "Ah ha ha, sorry about that, didn't mean to scare everyone."

"The only one you scared was your pregnant wife. She could have gone into labor with that scare."

The repentant husband put the spoon on the counter and opened his arms wide. Orihime smiled weakly as her feet automatically took her to his embrace. "I'm sorry," Ichigo whispered into her ear, arms tightening lovingly around her curvy frame.

Orihime melted in his embrace, feeling reassured of the protection he provided her. Ichigo pulled back when pressure hit his stomach. Gazing down at his wife's swollen belly he smiled, "I think our daughter is getting anxious to see me."

Looking down as well Orihime grinned, her hand rubbing her stomach, "She loves it when you sing to her, so I agree with you."

"Wait," Renji spoke now, after having remained silent as the two held one another, "you sing to the baby? Really?"

"That so hard to believe?"

"Quite! You never gave the impression of the type that would sing is all."

Ichigo rolled his eyes and turned back to the counter, "When you become a dad, you'll find yourself doing things you never thought you would as well."

Orihime placed her hand on Ichigo's wrist, stopping him from moving the chicken into the pan that was on the stove, "Why don't you and Renji go into the living room and I'll finish dinner."

After a few seconds of glaring at the chicken, the husband pushed away from the counter and stalked out of the kitchen. Watching the two men leave the room Orihime rubbed her stomach again, "Daddy is just as excited to see you as you are to see him." With a fond smile she turned back to the stove and began to make dinner.

The dinner went well and the couple enjoyed having Renji over. After dinner was finished and the dishes were cleaned, the friends enjoyed reminiscing over old days. Around nine in the evening their friend let himself out of the house, leaving the young couple alone. When the house was settled and the cups from the coffee Ichigo and Renji had were put in the sink, Orihime fell onto the couch beside Ichigo.

"That was fun, wasn't it?" Her legs fell over his lap as she situated her big belly around so she could find a comfortable spot.

Ichigo took Orihime's feet in between his hands and began to knead the skin. "It was, I'm glad he decided to stop by, even though he can be annoying."

Orihime laughed, "You only say that because he was talking about some of the things you did in the academy. If he hadn't done that then you wouldn't be sulking like you are."

"Hey!" Ichigo huffed, "I am not sulking. I just don't think some of the stories he told you needed to be spoken."

Ichigo's eyes narrowed as his wife continued to laugh at him. It wasn't that he was angry at her for laughing, the truth was he loved her laugh. It was just the thought of her finding out some of the stupid things he did when he was much younger that was the problem. So you could say it was a pride issue. Ichigo Kurosaki's pride was ruined, that was the problem.

"I love how the corners of your mouth turn down when you are brooding over something." The tender voice of Ichigo's wife entered his ears, coaxing him out of the dreary thoughts that were on the soldiers mind.

Orihime stretched out her arm, her fingers barely touching the sharp line of his jaw, "You are my everything, and now we're going to have a baby together."

Ichigo tried to fight the smile but when he looked over at his wife he couldn't do it. A bright smile broke over his features, making them go from hard to elated, "I never thought I would be a father. I am so excited and I know with my very soul that I will protect our daughter..." he paused, shifting in the seat so Orihime was more in view, "...and you. I swear to you -" Ichigo lifted his hand from Orihime's ankle, placing it on the base of her neck, his fingers filing through her silky hair, "that I will protect you from your past. Everything that has ever frightened you, I will make sure it never finds you."

Gray eyes filled with tears before they brimmed over and the liquid trickled down the mother to be cheeks, "I know you will." was her husky reply.

Later that very evening, at 11 sharp, Orihime Kurosaki went into labor. The loving couple had barely made it to the hospital before their beautiful daughter, Avery Kurosaki, opened her tiny eyes, a cry falling from the tiny throat.

Ichigo Kurosaki's jaw clenched as he was yanked roughly out of the safety of the memory. Mallu's face was inches away from his own, the gnarly breath entering his nostrils. "What is your name?"

The American soldier narrowed his brown eyes, sweat rolling in beads down his face, "Go. To. Hell." All this brave man needed was the memory of his sweet wife and adorable daughter to keep him going. To keep him in the fight.

Present Day Washington D.C. - 1:00 P.M.

Orihime felt like her world was falling apart. Why was this happening to her family? Her hands began to shake. "No… he can't be..."

Panic was beginning to rise and she tried to fight it. There was no way this was happening, none. Ichigo was the best of the best… there's no way he could be missing.

"Did you… did they abandon him? That has to be the only way he could be missing."

The soldier shook his head sadly, "They are searching for him. The Delta Force doesn't leave their men behind. Not without a fight."

The world began to swim and Orihime felt herself falling backward. The man, the younger of the two that had spoken first, stepped forward and quickly steadied her. "We are here to help you in anyway we can. And I promise everything is being done to make sure he is found."

"What am I going to tell my daughter? When she asks where her daddy is… what am I supposed to say?" she was nearly hysterical now.

"I… don't know."

The other soldier that was with this young man stepped forward, "Orihime, we've known each other for a long time."

Orihime looked over at him now, realizing who he was. "Oh Uryu it's you. I'm sorry I didn't see you..."

Uryu shook his head and stepped towards her, with his hands outstretched he gripped her shoulders when he came to her, "I know this is hard for you, but you need to know that everything is being done that can at the moment. You need to know that Ichigo is on everyone's mind. He is the best we've ever seen; we won't leave him behind."

Tears filled her grey eyes and her bottom lip began to tremble, "But… what if you can't find him? What am I going to do?"

"Ichigo has been a cautious man, you and Avery will be set. You won't have to go back to work and she'll be able to attend the best schools. And… the government will pay you."

"I don't want their money! I want my husband!" The grieving wife exploded, her eyes now aflame with fury that had not been present just moments before. Tearing herself out of his hold, Orihime walked towards a red velvet rocking chair, it had happened to be Ichigo's favorite to sit in when they were in the front room... Something that was hard for Orihime to focus on at the moment.

Uryu winced at her tone of voice, "I know that, but you need to know that we are looking for him. We aren't going to pull out and leave him out there, not unless there's..."

"Don't say it!" Orihime wheezed her left hand squeezing the cushion of the rocking chair, "don't you dare say it!"

He did as she wished and closed his mouth. Uryu knew that Orihime was suffering but a part of him needed her to be calm in this situation. If she was to completely fall apart, there would be no one to take care of Avery the way she needed to be cared for. His eyes landed on the prescription bag that was visible from the room they were standing in. It was on the kitchen counter, "Is Avery sick?"

His question snapped Orihime out of her dark thoughts and she looked over at the bag. "She has another ear infection… she needs to get tubes in her ears..."

Uryu nodded his head thoughtfully, "We can help you with that. When is her appointment?"

Orihime told him when it was and what she would have to do in order to get things ready. With Uryu there telling her he'd handle the affairs with the doctors office she felt slight relief, but it was fleeting. It was little consolation for the worry that ate at her from not having if Ichigo was safe. He was out there somewhere - seemingly alone - with no one but the enemy to keep him company. It wasn't that she thought her husband couldn't handle it; she knew first hand that he could. Orihime couldn't stand the thought of him being held hostage.

When things were settled down and she could breathe, her and the two men sat down. The other officer ruffled his blonde hair as he leaned back in the chair he was presently sitting in. "We got word just a few hours ago that your husband was missing. The Delta's have been searching for him apparently for a few days and they plan to keep doing so."

Orihime looked steadily into his green eyes, trying to see straight into his soul. Her stare obviously made him uncomfortable for the private moved nervously. Her lips moved without hesitation, "Where was the last place he was seen."

"In Iraq, in a warehouse that was supposed to be abandoned." Uryu interrupted. "They were sent there to gather data that was left behind… but now we see it was all a trap."

"A trap? And you sent my husband right into it?!" Orihime exclaimed angrily, her hands gripping the arms of the chair. Crossing her leg over her left knee, she leaned forward. She saw how her movement caught the attention of the young soldier with blonde hair and green eyes. Tilting her head she asked, "What is your name private?"

The man snapped his eyes away from her legs, her pencil skirt hardly keeping anything to the imagination, "Private Williams ma'am, George Williams."

"Williams, do you know my husband?" came the wife's next question. Orihime Kurosaki was not going to sit idly by and let a greeny look at what wasn't his.

Private Williams peered over at Uryu, who nodded, and then he answered, "Yes ma'am, I do. He came to my unit and taught us some hand to hand combat. He is a very skilled fighter and not to mention smart. I have no doubt that he will find a way back to you."

Shaking her right foot, clad in Dolce Vita red pumps that matched her red blouse, she spoke, "I need to be in on this, I have to find my husband."

Uryu Ishida's eyebrow raised dangerously, "No Orihime, you know I can't let you do that. Ichigo made me promise to keep you safe at all costs."

"He's caught by the enemy! We don't have time for this." Orihime shouted, not at all wanting to be left out of the search for the love of her life. If it came down to fighting… well, fighting was something she was good at.

"Orihime!" Uryu's voice rang loudly in the room, successfully shutting the woman up. "You know very well why we cannot let you get involved with this. Don't make everything Ichigo has done for you fall apart, do you understand me?"

"Now that he's missing there's no reason for me to stay sitting here. I can help." her gray eyes were aflame with determination.

"There is more to worry about and you know it. We cannot let you get involved in this, I'm sorry."

Orihime faltered at his words, her mind running in circles, "I can't believe this is happening. This is insane. I need to know what he was doing at the time he was caught."

Uryu laced his fingers together and leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees, "We are not sure what mission he was sent on, that is something we haven't gotten word on. And we probably won't hear what it was. You know the Delta Force works directly under the President; they do everything and anything he says. And the world will never hear a peep about it."

Uncrossing her legs, she got to her feet and began to pace the wooden floor of the front room. "Is there a chance I should be worried for my daughter?"

The mother's grey eyes stared at Uryu, analyzing every small movement he made. He was skillfully trained therefore she wasn't able to make out what he was thinking. He cleared his throat, "I am not sure...we are here and we have been given order to check up on you every day."

Orihime gawked at him, "You make it seem like that isn't something I am used to. Believe me, I know I am being watched daily. When your husband holds a position as high as mine does, there isn't much hope for privacy."

She got up and walked to the window, her red pumps tapping against the wood floor. Pulling the blinds down with a single finger she motioned to the street, "Even as we speak, there is a black SUV parked down the street. They have been assigned to watch over me until Ichigo returns. But now that he's missing they will probably insist on coming into my home."

Uryu shook his head, "Not likely. If anything they would make their presence more known, perhaps even relocate you."

Her hands began to shake in order to calm them she clenched them at her sides and spun around, her eyes aflame once again. "Well?! What are the plans here? Obviously there is more to this story than even you two are made aware of. I want answer and I want them now, dammit!"

Private Williams was startled by the outburst just as he had been earlier. This was the first home visit he had assisted on and so far it was going horribly. Luckily Uryu stepped in, his voice calm and filled with compassion, "I understand. Trust me I am doing everything I can to get information from the higher ups. But getting that high level information is going to take time. A lot of time. I need you to be patient and not do anything rash while I am getting it."

Orihime rolled her eyes but otherwise didn't stop her pacing, "This is outrageous, you think they would be more willing to give you that information since I am Ichigo's wife. I deserve to know what was happening!"

Uryu sighed, his eyes lowering, "Unfortunately that isn't how things work. Here in the United States it isn't normal for families to get all the details of what their husbands were doing when they were killed or suddenly become M.I.A. While I am trying to get you the information, I'm not holding my breath. The likelihood of this happening is slim to none. I'm sorry Orihime… but you need to be prepared to not hear any news."

That was unacceptable! There was no way Orihime was going to allow for the military to get off that easy. There had to be something she could do in order to gain information on what was happening back in Iraq. Computers… that was the world's weakness, and you could bet Orihime was going to use that to her advantage.

Sadly Uryu seemed to follow her train of thought, "Don't even try it, I'm having your network monitored, you won't be able to gather the information yourself."

"Uryu!"

Said man held up his hand to silence her, "This is the way things have to be. Please, for now take care of Avery, we will help with that as long as you want and accept our help. Leave the matter of Ichigo to me."

What could Uryu possibly do to get the information? He wasn't that high in the military! Orihime threw her hands up in frustration, "Fine! But I am not happy about this."

"Duly noted," Uryu muttered as he got to his feet, Private Williams following his movement all too eagerly, "we will be letting you get back to Avery. If there's anything you need you know where to find me."

The agitated woman nodded her head and motioned towards the door, "Yes, yes, good day to you."

With solace the two men left the house. It was as the door closed and they were several feet away from the front door that Private Williams spoke, "That was unpleasant."

"What did you expect?" The older man asked wearily.

Williams shrugged, "I dunno, a crying wife that couldn't hold herself together at all. One that heard the news and accepted it, numb as she would be. And then after giving our message we'd leave. I was not expecting to awake a lioness."

Uryu Ishida laughed at the term, "Ichigo Kurosaki would not marry anyone less than a lioness."

"No, I suppose he wouldn't." Private Williams mumbled as he got into the car.

Washington D.C. - 12 A.M.

"Momma!" Avery's small voice screamed frantically in the night air. "Momma!"

Orihime snapped into a sitting position, the covers falling from her torso as the cries of her daughter woke her from a fitful sleep. When her daughter cried out again, the mother scrambled out of bed, nearly tripping in the process.

Avery's cries intensified and the small girl stumbled out into the hallway at the same time as her mother. Tears were streaming down the girls red cheeks, the green blanket clutched tightly in her right hand. "Momma!"

Orihime scooped her daughter up into her arms and embraced the crying child tightly, "Shh… it's okay Avery, momma is here." Avery trembled in Orihime's arms, worrying her further. Taking the child back into her bedroom, Orihime sat on the edge of the bed and rocked back and forth. "Momma's here."

The rocking motioned seemed to ease Avery's sobs and soon the hysterics were eased, now only small hiccups remained. Orihime continued the comforting motion until Avery was able to breath easily. Gently the mother spoke, "What happened baby?"

A shattered gulp for air left the small child as she opened her mouth, "Ear hurt… and I had bad dream."

"What bad dream?" Orihime asked, alarmed by her daughter's words. Avery hadn't been watching anything scary when Orihime had placed her up in the bedroom while she dealt with the visitors from the military. What could have scared her? The small girl rubbed at her eye, the blanket dropping from her small, tan hand.

"It was daddy..." a long pause as the girl pulled back from her mother so she could look into her eyes, "...he was hurting. I don't want my daddy hurt."

Orihime placed her left hand on the back of Avery's head and brought the child's head back to her shoulder. She began to sing quietly to her daughter, deciding not to respond to what the girl had said. Fingers glided through the orange curly locks of Avery's hair. The said girl closed her eyes and relaxed more in her mother's protective arms. Orihime's eyes went to her wedding ring that would emerge from Avery's hair with every stroke. 'Will I ever see you again? Can I be strong enough to protect our daughter from the man that hunt's me?'

Soon Avery's breathing was deep and steady, a sign that she had fallen asleep. Carefully the wife moved the small child to her bed, wrapping the green blanket around her. When she was covered and remained sleeping, Orihime gently removed herself from the bed, desperately craving a change of scenery. There was one particular thing she needed right at the moment: the twinkling lights in the sky, stars. The walk to the sliding glass doors that were in the master bedroom was short, and soon they were open. A gentle breeze hit the woman's face, blowing her hair up off her shoulders.

Orihime grimaced when she felt a burning in her shoulder blade. Reaching behind with her left hand she brushed the raised skin that had a temperature of it's own. Memories flashed through her mind, nearly causing her to fall to her knees. They were wounds that never truly healed… things she wished she could forget but knew she never could. If only Ichigo were there to hold her, comfort her. He would always keep her mind from straying down that road that led to her past, but now that he wasn't there and she didn't know when he would return, it was becoming more difficult to keep the memories at bay. 'Ichigo… I need you. Please don't be dead. Come back to me.'