…

…

Epilogue

(One year later)

…

…

Knock, knock.

Orihime jerked upright from the sink, her wide eyes widening. Spitting out the paste from her mouth, she wiped her pretty face clean. She poked her head into her bedroom, only for her large eyes to find the clock located right over her bed. She gasped instantly in horror.

"O-Oh, no!" Hurrying into her room, she tugged up her long socks up to her thighs, and wiggled the short skirt up her legs. She looped her arms through the sleeves, and heard,

"Orihime? What's wrong?"

Of course he would be worried.

She gave a high exclamation and hurried towards the door, banging her toe on the sofa in the process. She cried out at the sudden pain, and fell over, her skirt flying up with her erratic movements.

"W-What the hell? Hime!" The door was thrown open the next second, and banged against the wall. She looked up from her curtain of hair to see her boyfriend standing in the doorway. His concerned brown eyes landed on her upside-down form.

She laughed awkwardly, "K-Kurosaki-kun…you broke down my door again."

Ichigo nodded, dismissive of the fact, "I'll pay for it later. Are you alright?" He stooped down, and grasped her hips. She squealed at the contact, her cheeks flaring, and righted herself before he could.

"I-I'm fine! I'm very strong, after all." Breathing in his scent, she finally got to see his face easier. The last year had been well to him, since he was finally seventeen, and graduation was just around the corner. His body was still lean, and healthy, but his muscles were fine and long, and she appreciated the view. All the traces of childhood had left his face, and he became even more handsome with time, it seemed. It was amazing, so amazing to Orihime, that their relationship had lasted this long, since she was so silly most of the time, and her words could seem careless. Ichigo never minded though, and she never felt as though he was forcing himself to be with her. Their relationship was tranquil, and it had a loving aura that made Orihime's belly flip all the time.

She seemed to love him more than life itself.

"Geez," Ichigo sighed, placing a hand on the back of his neck, as she sat before him, legs in a W shape under her. "You're a real handful. Are you sure you're alright?"

"Hai~!" She stood, and Pedro rushed to her side, leash in mouth, ready for the day, "O-Oh, Pedro-chan, I'm not sure if Sensei will allow me to take you to class two days in a row…"

"Just bring him with you," Ichigo smoothed his hand over the dog's head, "She likes him anyway, and it keeps everyone focused in class. At least, at Pedro."

"R-Really?" Orihime smiled brightly, lightening up his world once again. He grinned back, for she did that to him, and smoothed a hand over her head, "I-I'm so happy! It's like he's a part of a big family~!"

Ichigo felt his face soften as he gazed down at her. A lot had happened since their fight together against Ginjo and Tsukishima. Ichigo was stronger now, and he knew she was too. There wasn't much that could surpass them. A year had gone by and they had been together since, hollows only daring to come between him. Ishida and Sado could usually take care of all that, but when it came to Ichigo wanting to become closer to Orihime there was always some sort of problem. They would be together, lips fused, his hands creeping lower, touching her, but never crossing that sacred barrier. He loved her body, and when she had complained that she wasn't as small as others, he had grasped her ass and replied "I like a woman with curves". Of course she had blushed scarlet and squealed, as he started on the buttons of her top, but then his Badge started ringing, claiming a hollow was near. It was hard to fight a hollow with an erection he had to admit. That was a week ago, and he had never realized how much he really wanted Orihime, but wished for it to be special. When they were together, it was easy to be lost in her, with the curves, and the flowing hair, the tiny, grabbing fingers, and her lips rosy and parted. How was anyone supposed to resist her?

Smiling prettily, she stood, and Ichigo took the leash. As they walked out of the house, Orihime locked the door behind them, before following Ichigo quickly, clumsily, nearly toppling into his back.

"I can't believe we only have two weeks left, Ichi-kun~"

Ichigo glanced at her, and his scowl deepened, "Me neither."

"W-When we get to campus, we'll have to work for the apartment and I might have to get a job as a secretary or something – because Tsubaki-kun says that is sophisticated – and I'll have a mean boss that'll order me to do things," Ichigo's eyes narrowed as she rambled, a faraway look in her hazel orbs, "and he'll want to grab my bottom and I wouldn't want to get fired so I'd have to—"

Ichigo felt that annoying anger push up to his throat, "W-What the hell is that coming from! As if I would let some old pervert touch you like that!"

Orihime blinked, "Eeh? But I work for him."

"Then I would probably end up getting you fired. I'll just beat the bastard's ass and then help you back your stuff. Tch," he nearly growled at the idea of someone touching his woman that way, "You act like I would let that happen."

Orihime beamed brightly, "Of course not, Kurosaki-kun~!"

"Tch."

Pedro-chan watched them curiously. When they reached their destination, Ichigo paused a few feet away from the shop. Orihime walked in front of him, smiling happily, a tune in her head, when Ichigo called her name softly, "Hime," And she turned her head, only for his lips to meet hers passionately. She gasped into his mouth while Pedro barked. Pulling away from her sweet mouth, Ichigo smirked at her pink face.

"Happy birthday,"

Orihime gasped dramatically, "O-Oh! It is my birthday, isn't it?"

Ichigo clenched his jaw, and crossed his arms over his chest, "What the hell? Did you forget your own birthday?"

Orihime's face darkened in color, "I-I wasn't really thinking of the date. Gomen ne~"

Shaking his head, he bent down and kissed her again, braiding his fingers into her hair, keeping his other hand wrapped loosely around Pedro's leach. When she parted her lips eagerly, he nearly growled into her mouth, delving into the heated crevice, bringing her closer, palming her cheeks.

"Would you guys NOT do that in public?" They heard the familiar voice a few feet away yell in disgust. Orihime squeaked, and broke away from Ichigo, whirling around to see Tatsuki standing there, hand on her hip, the other holding her bag against her side. Ichigo scowled at her, upset that his kiss had been interrupted.

"T-Tatsuki-chan!" Orihime turned beet red, "Don't sneak up o-on us like that!"

"Well, you shouldn't do it in a public place like this," she put in lazily, "Besides, you know I meet you here every morning anyway. Don't act like this is new."

Ichigo glanced away, "It's not like we asked you to."

Tatsuki crunched her fist, and Orihime's eyes widened when she saw the fiery depths of Hell erupt around her friend. Tatsuki gave a wide grin, pushing up her sleeve, "Wanna say that again, carrot top?"

"T-Tatsuki-chan!" Orihime squealed, "Don't hit my Kurosaki-kun~!"

Tatsuki froze and Ichigo grinned.

"Ara, ara~! So rambunctious this morning, Inoue-chan~!" They all snapped their eyes to the blonde, who was just stepping from the shop. He smiled brightly at them all, bag by his side, his golden eyes dancing with happiness and mirth, "Beautiful day, neee~?"

Tatsuki felt the red tic mark appear on her head, "Idiot! It took you forever! I've been waiting for ten minutes." She scolded him, but they all didn't miss that her voice softened with him.

Orihime waved happily at Tamashi-kun, "Ohayo~!"

Ichigo raised a hand as well, "Yo."

During the year that passed, Kouichi had stayed with Urahara-san and decided to work there. His Fullbring had fully diminished, and his heart would beat and he had to breathe. His reiatsu was higher than any other human's, but to the others, he was a regular human, something Kouichi seemed very happy for. Hopping towards Tatsuki, he took her frail hands in his, "Gomen neee~! Next time, I'll hurry for Tatsuki-chan,"

Blushing, she yanked her hands away, and averted her gaze, "D-Don't say such weird things, pervert! Just don't take forever next time, got it?"

"Hai, hai." He leaned in and kissed her cheek, beaming at her. Turning towards Orihime, he wrapped his arm around her shoulders, "Happy birthday, Inoue-chan!"

Ichigo felt that familiar pang of jealously hit his stomach. As he was about to reach out, Tatsuki yelled out, "IDIOT! Don't touch her!"

Kouichi ignored her, "What was that, Inoue-chan?" He asked seriously, bringing her closer, and she was surprised at his solemnity in his voice.

"Eh? What is it?"

"Is it true," he pulled back and held both her small hands in his, and gazed into her eyes passionately, "that you love me more than Kurosaki?"

"Eeeeeh?"

Ichigo felt his eyebrow twitch.

"It's okay, you don't have to hide it," he whispered, pulling her closer by her hands, wrapping her arms around his narrow waist, "I'll protect you from now on, Inoue-chan, and we'll run together in the forest!"

"B-But I'm with Kurosaki-kun—" Orihime tried to protest, only for a small, familiar foot to slam into Kouichi's nose. Orihime gasped and stumbled back, only for Ichigo to catch her shoulders gently.

"Fool!" Rukia shouted angrily, "Don't touch Inoue so familiarly!"

Kouichi did a backwards flip through the air before he landed on his stomach, body limp. Tatsuki looked down at her boyfriend, and shook her head before giving Rukia thumbs up, "Nice kick."

Renji shrugged beside the petite Shinigami, "Rukia got him before I could. I probably would've done better."

Turning towards the two Soul Reapers, Ichigo frowned, "What're you two doing here? Shouldn't you be in the Soul Society discussing wedding plans?"

Renji clenched his teeth, "Don't go spewing that shit! I will propose when I am ready!"

"You're just afraid of Byakuya." Said the orange haired smugly.

"SHUT THE HELL UP, YOU STRAWBERRY!"

Instantly, a vein throbbed in Ichigo's temple, "What'd you say, you fucking monkey?"

"Wanna go?"

"BRING IT ON!"

Rukia, growing tired of the squabbling, placed on hand on the back of their heads, and slammed their foreheads together. There was a satisfying, low thud and they both fell on their bottoms. Orihime squealed in surprise.

"Ichigo-kun! Are you alright?"

"DAMMIT, RUKIA!" Both the bright haired men shouted at the petite woman.

"Stop arguing!" She yelled back in frustration.

Orihime looked towards the woman, "Ah, Rukia-chan, why're you wearing the school uniform? Are you planning on staying a while this time?"

Rukia smiled softly towards the redhead, "Just a week. We both wanted to congratulate you on your birthday."

Renji, quickly perking up, grinned wide, "Oh, yeah. Happy birthday, Inoue."

Orihime blushed daintily and prettily, "T-Thank you."

"Do we even want to know what happened here?" Inquired a dry voice from behind the group. They all turned their heads to see Ishida and Chad a few feet away, staring at the scene before them.

Sado hummed, "…It's like this every morning, isn't it?"

…

…

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ORIHIME!"

Said girl looked up in surprise from her red bean paste sandwich. She was shocked when she saw the cake in Renji's hands, lit up like a firecracker. Ichigo leaned back, smug from watching her face, lips parted, eyes wide. They had been resting under the old tree, lunch almost over. As it was placed in front of her, all the friends crowded around, Keigo screaming the loud 'Birthday Song', Mizuiro clicking away pictures, Tatsuki and Kouichi leaning against each other, smiling at her, Rukia was grinning like a Cheshire cat, Renji carefully making sure the cake was stable, Chad gave a thumbs up and a rare smile, Ishida was smiling as well, arms crossed over his chest, and Kon was desperately trying to break from Rukia's backpack.

But they all paused when they saw the big, fat tears in her eyes. Ichigo watched as she balled her hands under her chin and gasped in little breaths, her cheeks heating with a pink blush.

Renji hovered his hands over her, worried, "HUH? Don't cry, Inoue!"

Rukia also panicked, "The cake's not that bad, is it?" She looked towards her redheaded fiancé, "I TOLD you to use a different batter!"

Renji flailed and pointed a finger at the substitute, "He's the one who wanted to use chocolate!"

Ichigo instantly felt the familiar anger pulsing against his belly, "W-WHAT? You cheap BASTARD!"

Orihime's bottom lip shook before she took in a deep, shuddering breath, "I-I'm not sad…I'm really, really happy!" They all watched as the tears spilled over and fell down her cheeks, hitting her sweater and the grass below, "Really…happy…"

A small smile lit up Ichigo's face and the group relaxed as he leaned over, wiping the tears away with the pad of his thumb. He touched her lips gently, and grinned, "Don't cry, alright?"

Orihime beamed under his touch, and nodded happily, "Right!"

Tatsuki patted her head, and she leaned into it favorably, "You've grown up." She mused with a little smile.

Orihime shook her head wildly, frowning, "WROOONNG~!"

Ichigo's eyes widened, "EEEHH? How do you do that?" He jabbed a finger towards her face as Ishida sweat-dropped, "You're eyes look like the number three!"

Tatsuki nodded her head smugly, crossing her arms over her chest, "Orihime's gotten a lot better at making faces."

Tamashi scratched the back of his head, "What a bunch we are."

…

…

Dammit.

Dammit.

Dammit.

Ichigo ran after Rukia and Renji down the halls.

Rukia held up her cell phone, and frowned shortly, "Damn. They're everywhere. We might have to split up." Opening a window quickly, she slipped out, her skirt fluttering around her lean legs, and Renji followed, complaining about his stupid gigai.

Ichigo scowled, opening his gray sweater to show his green shirt underneath. Great. Hollows. Just his luck. School was almost over and Rukia's phone decided to go off just then. As he slid out of the window behind the two and watched as they stripped from their bodies, he heard,

"Kurosaki-kun!"

Leaning his head back towards the window, he almost collided his forehead with Orihime's. He was lucky. He really didn't want to experience that again. Her hair fell down around her pretty face as she paused, slightly out of breath. She placed her hands on the window's ledge and stared up at him, Pedro behind her.

"Do you need help? It seems like a lot…"

"Nah," he shook his head, "Besides, I wouldn't want you fighting hollows on your birthday."

Orihime blinked, "N-No! It's fine. I really don't mind, Ichigo-kun."

He scowled, "Well, I do," sighing, he reached into his pocket and pulled out the pill, "If things get too much, you'll know and bring Chad and Ishida with you."

"Are you sure?" She pouted up at him, nervously tugging at the end of her short skirt, "I can help, you know."

"I know," he leaned closer to her until he could feel her breath on his face, "But it's not a big deal. And," he kissed the corner of her mouth and she gasped against his lips, "you have to save your energy for tonight."

Flailing embarrassedly, "K-K-Kurosaki-kun!"

He grinned darkly, fiercely and sealed his lips to hers, and then broke away when he heard a loud roar in the distance, "Don't worry. If I don't make it back to walk you, take Kouichi, but tell him to keep his damned hands to himself." Once more, he kissed her, stilling her breath, and then backed away, swallowing the green, little pill into his mouth. When they both split apart, Ichigo jabbed a finger at Kon.

"Don't touch her, you idiot! GOT IT?"

Kon raised his hand to his head in a salute, "Early to bed, early to rise, that's my motto."

Ichigo nearly howled, "DAMMIT! STOP SAYING THAT!" Turning back towards Orihime, he waved towards her, "See you, Hime."

She nodded, and watched him take off into the sky before vanishing from her sight. Gasping, she was surprised when Kon wrapped around her waist, shouting, "ORIHIME-CHAN~!"

Pedro barked unhappily.

"K-Kon-kun…!"

…

…

"I'm ready, Kurosaki-kun,"

Of course those would be the words that threw him over the edge. His lips had met hers without warning, for both parties, and she had gasped into his mouth before trailing her slender hand up to his hair, gripping to soft locks, opening her lips for him in invitation. He took it, delving deep into her mouth, the movie in front of them forgotten as he lifted her from her couch, palming her round buttocks, bringing her closer with every kiss and gasp and groan.

He found her hips somehow and lifted her from the ground. Instantly, her legs lifted to wrap around his waist, and he growled into her plump lips. He was surprised at how much reaction she could get out of him; his veins filled with fire and his heart wouldn't stop pounding. His head swam, lust working through his veins. Just a couple of weeks ago, he'd been shocked when Orihime had asked for him for her birthday. He was, after all, her favorite, and he decided he would give her anything she wanted.

Wrapping her arms around his neck, she kissed him harder, little sounds leaving her throat as he broke the kiss and buried his face in the crook of her neck, inhaling, "You smell so good." He licked her from her neck and to her ear, nibbling on the lobe. Gasping, she felt the dizzying stabs of pleasure dig into her body, and ache something between her legs.

K-Kurosaki-kun…

He stumbled towards her bedroom door, and was thankful when he made Kouichi take her damned dog with him, just for tonight. Of course, the blonde had winked and teased Ichigo until he was forced to punch him in the nose.

He opened the door, and they made it into the dark room. He groaned, breathless, as Orihime hands weaseled under his shirt and her blunt nails ran down his back, bringing him closer, and he arched in her touch. He decided to do the same, bringing his hands under her shirt, touching the soft, velvet skin. He had already learned that he loved the feeling of her smooth, gentle skin beneath his palms. She gasped and arched her slender back, her hair sweeping under her as he placed her on the bed, leaning back to look at his work.

Her short, shorts had already been disposed of, and just so Tsubaki or any of her annoying fairies come out, he had tucked her hibiscus clips into his pocket. Her panties were pink today, and covered in little hearts. Two buttons were unclasped on her blue shirt and her hair was framing her heated face beautifully, her cheeks red and her eyes heavily lidded by her long, thick eyelashes. Her swollen, rosy lips were parted, shuddering under the intensity of his gaze.

Her eyes snapped wide when he shredded from his shirt, and lowered back towards her, his arousal brushing against hers. She whimpered, and her back arched into a perfect arc, the sweat and heat sticking to their skin. Ichigo's eyes burned as he listened to her cry out, twisting and struggling beneath him as she tried to find her end.

Quickly, he stripped her clothes, ripping her shirt, buttons flying everywhere, and her panties were thrown somewhere behind him. She took work on his zipper, fumbling clumsily with her hot, shaking fingers, and got rid of his belt, tossing it over towards her underwear. He hurriedly took off his jeans, and came back up to catch her lips in a hungry kiss. She pressed her hands flat against his flexing muscles, a strangled sigh leaving her throat when she felt the scorching heat emitting from him.

"Ichi-kun…" She breathed against his lips, tangling her legs around him. His arousal touched her own, and his hands touched the swells of her breasts. "Aaahh…"

He chuckled then, "You sure are eager." He watched as her hips bucked, and her thighs opened in invitation. He leaned down and took a nipple in his wet, hot mouth and suckled. She gasped and breathed out raggedly as one hand buried deep in her hair, and the other grasped her other breast, squeezing and molding to the heavy mound. He bit and ate at her nipple, her skin the tantalizing substance he'd ever tasted, and when he switched to the other, she was mewling under him, a sliver of drool leaving her mouth.

She was beautiful like this, but he liked her better when she was asleep, slobbering on his chest and pillow. Grinning softly, he took a hold of her hip, and pressed them together. As he sat up, he felt that dizzying grasp of pleasure shoot through his wild, urging body, and he rocked his hips forward into hers, cursing harshly against her raw nipple.

She gasped, and gave a cry of pleasure. "I-Ichigo…" Her hands roamed every surface of him, drawing his world into colors, igniting a unbearable fire all over his body. He had a hard time thinking straight. He grasped her hip tighter, and brought her to sit on him, trapping his erection between them, creating that delirious feeling for them both. Spots covered her vision when she felt the overbearing sensation scorch their way down to her opening, the wetness coursing down her creamy thighs.

The condom was torn open and wrapped around his member, and he silently thanked his father, no matter how many times he grew frustrated with the old man.

Moving forward, he caught her mouth again, and kissed her, sucking her lower lip, "Dammit," he growled against her cheek, and she tried to muffle her cries by sinking her teeth into his taut neck, nipping and sucking her way to his jaw and ear. Orihime was beginning to squirm in front of him, gasping and impatient, whimpering his name, breathing against his wet lobe.

Of course he had to give his princess what she wanted.

Grasping her buttocks, she parted her thighs in consent, sweat working on her brow, and her lips parted, shimmering honey eyes gazing up at him. And he met her eyes with his own; love and edginess and lust shined in them. He leaned forward, kissing her once more, his spine convulsing in a primal shiver.

In one stroke, he filled her.

Orihime broke the kiss, throwing her head back, her hair falling around her gracefully as strangle cries left her throat. Ichigo swallowed thickly, looking down at their connected bodies, at her heaving breasts, shining skin, and her tumbling hair. He didn't miss the way her eyes shined with tears, but she refused to let them fall.

"S-Shit, Orihime," he placed both hands on her hips, and kept still.

She dug her heels into his back, gasping for air, the sweat rolling down between her full breasts, "I love you, Ichigo."

He paused and his eyebrows merged. Heart soaring, his stomach clenching, and he whispered the three words that would shake up both their worlds, "I love you, too."

She smiled shakily, her eyes finding his in the hot darkness, "I know."

…

…

(Thirteen years later)

…

…

"O-Oh, noooooo~!"

Instantly, Ichigo dropped the tray of buns in his mitted hands. He could've sworn he heard someone cry out, and he was pretty sure he knew who it was. He knew that voice by heart. Growing anxious, he sprinted from the shop and threw open the door only to find the sidewalk and street empty.

He looked around, eyes wide, and then felt the tugging on his jeans. Glancing down, he saw the auburn haired boy staring up at him with dark, chocolate eyes. Narrowing his eyes down at the small brat, he crossed his arms over his chest, "What the hell did you do now?"

The seven year old scowled, akin to his own, and said, "Why did I have to do it? Why can't it be Masaki?"

"Don't bring your sister into this." Ichigo scolded, glaring down at his son.

"Who called my name?" They two turned their heads to see said girl leaving the shop. Her black, curling hair was falling down her back and her hazel eyes, similar to the mother's, was giving them the usual apathetic look.

"GEEEET AAWWWAAAAY!"

All eyes widened when the older woman ran through them all, bumping her body against Ichigo's, throwing the man back roughly. She continued to run, surprisingly fast in her sandals and pink apron. Ichigo righted himself, only to almost stumble over Pedro, who rushed after the fast auburn haired mother. Ichigo's mouth fell open while Masaki merely blinked in reply. Whirling around to face his son, he jabbed a finger at the grinning, mischievous child.

"What the hell did you do to your mother? I told you to stop playing pranks on her!"

Sora slanted him a curious look, "What? You never told me that. And all I did was put some meat buns in her pockets. Pedro-chan loves those."

Ichigo grabbed up his son's head, and ground his fist hard in the center of the auburn, spiky locks, "You little brat…!"

Just then, Orihime chose that time to run back up the hill, tears in the corner of her eyes, her face filled with panic, her lips opened in a scream, "Somebody please save me!"

"Poor mom," Masaki said in monotone, brushing back a thick, black tress before turning back into the Kurosaki Bakery. Ichigo dropped his son, and hurried after his wife and the ravenous Pedro.

"ORIHIME! WAIT!"

"SOMEBODY PLEASE HELP MEEEE!"

"BARK! BARK!"

…

…

Orihime had cried when Ichigo had asked to marry her, and asked why. Ichigo had replied simply that he loved her. As they finished college, and moved back into town, Orihime opened her bakery shop, only to become pregnant a week later after the grand opening. Masaki was born; head full of peculiar black hair, which Isshin had grinned jovially at, and her face an exact replica of Orihime's. Her personality was the exact opposite though, she disliked red bean paste and ate normally, and she was usually indifferent to most things, keeping her words short and blunt. Years later, Sora was born, a head full of auburn spikes and pranks on everyone he came in contact with. Usually, Ichigo had to drive to the school, just because the teachers and principal would call him for something that had happened.

As wild as everything was, Ichigo helped Orihime out with the bakery, worked on his next, big novel, and tried to keep his kids out of trouble. As time went by, Orihime became more beautiful and Ichigo had problems controlling his temper when men would enter the shop just to stare at her. She was oblivious, of course, but that didn't mean she knew how to reject him.

"Oi! Old man!"

Ichigo's ears perked up when he heard his son's call. Sora stared at his parents. Orihime was currently shaking like a leaf, and Ichigo had his hand down in her back pockets, removing the meat buns. Sora merely blinked.

"Tsubaki-san is right. You do molest Kaa-san."

"Eeeeeehh?" Was Orihime's reply.

"Why you little runt!" Ichigo growled at his son.

"I-Ichi, don't call your son that! He was a very healthy baby, and the apple of my stomach."

Ichigo crooked a brow at her, "You mean eye?"

She blinked and then smiled pleasantly, "Oh. That."

Ichigo sighed, and threw the rest of meat buns down on the ground, which Pedro ate happily. He was fairly old, only a couple of years left, Ichigo was sure, but he ran like a damned puppy and barked like hell. Ichigo had barely changed over the years, only growing in height and his temper settling down. Orihime, however, filled out even more, her slender, voluptuous figure becoming even more beautiful, her hair had grown out, and she now kept it in a low, loose ponytail that fell down her back, her bangs framing her pretty face, and the clips firmly on her the strap of her apron.

"HELLO, PRETTY LADY~!"

Ichigo felt his eyebrow twitch at the familiar voice.

"O-Oh!" Orihime whirled around, smiling brightly, "T-Tamashi-kun!"

Suddenly, a fist struck Ichigo on the center of his head. He gasped, and shouted out in pain, reaching up a hand to cradle the new injury. Orihime took in a intake of air in shock, "OOOWWW!"

"Don't go fondling her in public, idiot," Tatsuki shook her fist at him.

Ichigo stood up tall and snarled at the woman, "You're lucky you have kids or I would've knocked you off by now!"

"OH YEAH?"

Orihime clasped her hands happily, "Oh! Where are Sho-kun and Aiko-chan?"

Tatsuki shook her head, "Back at the house. You know Sho hates Ichigo."

The orange haired merely rolled his eyes, still rubbing his head.

Tamashi grinned wide, placing his hands in his pockets, "Gomen ne~ Kurosaki-san."

"Whatever," he scoffed, "As if I like that little brat either."

Another fist struck his head, a different one.

"O-Oh, Rukia-chan. Renji-kun, you're both here."

"OOOOWWW!"

"Don't go calling my godchild a brat," Rukia spat from behind him, hand clasped firmly with Renji.

"Hey, Inoue," Renji placed a hand on her shoulder, "How's the shop?"

"Don't touch my wife, monkey," Ichigo spat, pulling the redhead to his side possessively.

Renji nearly growled, "What'd you say, strawberry?" Their foreheads smashed together, veins throbbing around their faces.

"YOSH!" Sora shouted, pumping a fist into the air, "You get him Renji-jichan!"

Renji grinned wide, teeth and gum, "Your son picked his side, Ichigo."

"SHUT THE HELL UP!"

"So much noise, Kurosaki," Ishida said, appearing from nowhere. Sado grunted beside him.

"S-Sado-kun, you're back from visiting your family!" The man nodded, and Orihime smiled, "I'm glad."

Ishida put in, pushing up his glasses, "I'm glad I could take a break from the hospital. It's nice to see you, Inoue-san."

"Hai~!"

"SORRRRAAAAAAA~!" Ichigo ducked in time for his father to sail over his head, fist striking for the amber haired young boy. In time, Sora dodged out of the way, but slid into his fighting defense. Hard brown eyes met glowing amber. "So you dodged my Kick of Solitude. You've gotten better, Sora."

The young boy nodded, "You wish you could get me with that move," he narrowed his wide eyes while Orihime watched with awe, "As if I would fall for that twice. I'm not a fool."

"Or so you say," Isshin countered, and Orihime's eyes widened.

"This is such a great scene," she murmured.

Rukia sweat-dropped, "This isn't a movie."

Slamming his foot into his father's cheek, Ichigo slowly lowered his legs as his father flew a few yards away, "Dammit, old man. Don't sneak up on my son like that." He placed a hand on Sora's full head of hair.

"Oh," all eyes turned to see Masaki standing the doorway, indifferent honey eyes taking in the number of people, "You're all here."

"MASAKI-CHAAN~!" To everyone's surprise, Isshin was up once more, a twinkle in his eyes as he lunged towards the young girl, "I have missed—" Another foot slammed into his face, popping in front of Masaki.

"Don't touch her, you old goat! GO TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH!"

Ichigo watched as his father tumbled down in street in the most impossible speeds. Orihime watched worriedly, "AH! I-Isshin-san! Are you alright?"

Yuzu stood a few feet away from her twin, "K-Karin-chan! You can't do things like that! You might hurt him!"

"Oh, please," the black haired girl sighed, standing straight, "He was going to harass poor, Masaki. You know how she hates attention."

Orihime sighed, and placed her hands on her hips, "W-Well, I'm glad you're all here."

"And what are we needed for?" Tamashi asked, genuinely curious.

Ichigo wisely took a step back, hands tucked deep in his pockets.

Orihime smiled brightly in reply, "I just came up with a new bread! I wanted all my nakama to try it out!"

Ichigo had never seen his friends leave so quickly.

…

…

HAHA! I had to do that. Poor Hime. Her bread kind of reminds me of Sanae's, you know when she would say, "My bread is…my bread is…Furukawa's dead weight, NEEEE?" And she would run out of the shop and the dad, Akio would stuff them in his mouth and run after her, yelling "ORE WA DAISUKI DESU!" I love those two! But I don't think Ichigo would be stupid enough to say something like that in front of Orihime. Well, that's the end of my story, and I want to thank everyone for being so supportive, giving me tips, correcting me, and helping me along the way. Your reviews made me really happy, and I hadn't thought I would get so much help and progress with others.

If you want more of my stories, please check out my profile. I have many, many more. Thanks.

Please review for me.

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