.

.

Kensei was acting weird, Mashiro concluded. Not that he wasn't always acting weird. But this was weirder than usual. Pursing her lips, she leaned against her shoe locker, watching as he bypassed her as if she wasn't even there. Well, sometimes, he did that when she'd annoy him. But for the life of her, she couldn't remember the last thing she had even done to warrant such a reaction. Obviously, whatever it was, he was overreacting. Maybe it was when she left him at the mall last Sunday? But, c'mon, that was a week ago!

Get over it! She wanted to yell at his stupid, dumb head.

Mashiro watched him for a few more seconds until he turned the corner and disappeared. Huffing quietly, she leaned further into the locker, uncaring if it bit into her back a bit. However, she did perk up when she caught sight of Orihime coming through the entrance of the school doors. A group of freshman boys passed by her, waving and greeting her warmly. Boys really were biased. But Mashiro ignored that, skipping over towards the redhead. "Orihime-chaaaan!"

Orihime glanced up at her whining, pulling off her shoes when she stopped at her own shoe locker, "What is it, Shiro-chan?"

"It's Kensei!"

Immediately, Orihime's whole body seemed to tense. Mashiro's eyebrows merged, "What's with you two? You both have been acting so weird since the ki - " This seemed to catch Orihime's attention, her back going ramrod. She still didn't have her second shoe on, but that didn't seem to worry her as she slapped her hand against Mashiro's mouth to stop her blabber.

"How...how do you know about that?" Orihime hissed at her, trying to keep her voice as quiet as possible.

"Kensei told me," Mashiro replied cheekily, though it was muffled by Orihime's hand. Orihime narrowed her eyes at her, slowly dropping her hand back to her side. She had her thinking face on again, and Mashiro watched eagerly. When the redhead didn't say anything more, Mashiro spoke up, "He hasn't talked to us all week. And he seems to be in even a worse mood than before. Do you know what happened? Did you guys talk?"

Orihime glanced up again, spotting the worried look in her friend's eye. Sighing, she finished putting on her shoes, picking up her school bag once more, "No. We haven't talked." But Kuna-san was right. Kensei was acting weird. But he wasn't the only one. Kurosaki had also been a little lost in his thoughts the last week or so. Ever since their kiss at his house, he hadn't really touched her. Not that she wanted him to - not that much at least - but it was bothering her more and more. But this wasn't something Mashiro could take care of - it was about Orihime. She had to fix it on her own, she realized that awhile ago.

Resisting the urge to roll her eyes, Orihime finished putting on her shoes, turning to the other girl in front of her once more, "I'll talk to them both," Mashiro lit up. "By the end of this week."

Mashiro pursed her lips into a small pout, "Orihime-chaaaan."

"By the end of this week," she replied, already walking away with her things, "I promise."

.

.

It took Orihime a full two days to gather the courage to talk to one of them. That one being Kurosaki first - out of both the boys, he was the one easiest to talk to. Well, with his temper and attitude, at least. Orihime had to go out of her way to find him - he wasn't following her around as much as he used to and it bothered her more than she would care to admit. He was in the library, sitting at a table and flipping through a book. Orihime hesitated, standing behind a bookcase before she started towards him.

Well. She would've if a freshman hadn't stopped her at the last second. "I-Inoue-san!" Orihime blinked, glancing over towards him. He was a few inches taller than her and had dark hair. She hadn't seemed him before or maybe she just hadn't noticed him before. "I...I...um..." He was stuttering, and her delicate eyebrows merged. He was also turning red, "M-My name is Takada and...and I - "

"Are you alright?" Orihime spoke up, tilting her head slightly at him. His dark eyes watched as a lock of orange-red hair fell over her shoulder. She had cut it recently, so it was no longer reaching her waist. Still, he stared at her as she stepped closer, "You're turning red."

Is she really so oblivious?!

"I...I...!" He opened his mouth to finally say something that would help him out here, but there was a sudden presence behind the red-haired beauty. A darkening presence, at that. Mouth going dry, the freshman backpedaled, "I'm sorry! Please excuse me!" And just like that, he was gone. Orihime looked even more confused, watching him go before she finally decided it wasn't worth it. With that, she turned around.

Only to run right into a too familiar chest. The redhead gasped, pulling back quickly like she'd been burned. Kurosaki was standing there, though his eyes weren't on her, rather staring where the first-year had run off to. "K-Kurosaki..." When she spoke, those warm brown eyes landed on her. She swallowed once. Through her entire life, she'd never been so nervous. And for some reason, it always had to do with him. No one else. Exhaling, Orihime said, "I need to talk to you."

.

.

"Here," Orihime glanced up at his voice. Quietly, she reached out and took the offered juice Ichigo held out to her. They had decided to wait until after school to speak. Ichigo had soccer practice, apparently, but he ignored it. No matter how many times Orihime put up a protest, he told her it was fine. He wanted to talk to her, he said. Now both seated on the bench, Orihime watched him out of the corner of her eye as he stuck his straw into his chocolate milk and began to drink. He looked like he was at ease - his posture slightly slouched, relaxed just enough that she spoke first.

"Kurosaki." He looked up, eyes locking with hers immediately. That made her look away quickly. Back to her juice. "I..."

"You wanted to talk," he said, staring a hole into her cheek, "What is it?"

She didn't expect this to be so nerve-wracking. So...frustrating. But, usually, she was never involved in this type of stuff. Relationships with people seemed so far away, out of her reach. People never did gravitate her, and she never bothered forming bonds. She didn't care for a lot of people. Aunt Rangiku was all she ever really thought she would need after Sora passed. But now, she was depending on Kurosaki more than she ever thought was capable. Was it because of what she was feeling for him? Was it because he actually tried to understand her? She didn't really know anymore. She didn't want to question it - maybe she really just needed to just let things happen. Let the pieces fall where they may.

"Orihime?"

"I like you." Ichigo blinked at that, sitting up straighter. She turned her face slightly to face him, eyes stinging. "I like you and I don't know why." His mouth parted, eyes darting all over her face before settling for her face, "I like you so much that sometimes it hurts. I can't concentrate. I can't stop thinking about you. And...and I don't understand it. I want to...like you with everything I have, but I don't know how." Was that what he wanted to hear? Would that satisfy him? When she opened her mouth to speak again, his lips were suddenly against hers. Honey-glazed eyes widened before slowly beginning to drift closed. If they were under any other circumstances, she would've shoved him away - possibly off the bench - and called him an idiot. Doing this in public wasn't something acceptable.

But this time, she merely parted her lips against his, breathing him in slowly. Just to keep this moment in front of her for awhile. To actually feel him. But he was impatient, lips slanting against hers almost passionately. When he pulled away, they were both panting and his eyes were narrowed in on her face. Ichigo lifted a hand and brushed away the tears that she had failed to notice that she allowed to fall earlier. "I'll show you how," he said, his lips still close to hers. It was a long time before he broke eye contact, slowly allowing his head to fall onto her shoulder. Resting his forehead there, he muttered, "You have no idea how happy it makes me to hear that."

"Oi!"

Orihime didn't even notice that someone had found them until they spoke up.

"Oi! Ichigo! You fucking idiot! Captain Hitsugaya is gonna be pissed at you for missing pract - " The voice paused, and Orihime darted her eyes over to the tall redhead just a few feet away from them. He flickered his eyes between them for a few seconds before sneering up his lips, "Hey! I know you hear me talkin' to you!" Ichigo remained silent. Orihime didn't have time to duck her head or be embarrassed, because the next second, the guy reached over and grabbed the back of Ichigo's button down. Yanking him from the bench and Orihime, he growled, "I'm talking to you!"

"And I'm trying to enjoy this moment with my girlfriend." Ichigo replied just as irritated. "Let go, Renji."

Orihime jolted, startled. She didn't expect that. Girlfriend?

The Renji fellow didn't seem satisfied with that answer, "You're coming to practice, you asshole. Hitsugaya isn't gonna have my ass because you want to sit here and make out." Ichigo, realizing he wasn't getting out of this one, wrenched away from Renji and leaned over to give Orihime a quick, but hard kiss. Orihime jerked again, eyes wide and face setting aflame. Ichigo merely grinned at her in reply.

"I'll see you later, okay?"

Orihime silently nodded, eyes nearly popping out of her skull. She was much too nervous to say anything, and it felt like her heart was trying to force its way up her throat. His grin widened, and with that, he bounded off, leaving Renji and Orihime staring at each other. Renji lifted a hand casually, waving it once, "See ya', Ichigo's girl." And just like Ichigo, he soon left too. With them gone, Orihime gave herself a chance to gather her bearings. Her legs felt way too weak to stand on yet, and her heart was beating like crazy.

Was this healthy? It couldn't be.

There was one other thing she noticed, though. She didn't particularly mind being called Ichigo's girl.

.

.

Kensei didn't come to school the next day, so the "Let's Talk" plan was ruled out for now. And honestly, Orihime was a little happy about that. She didn't want to force herself to talk to him, but she had promised Kuna-san. And she never did back out of her promises. Luckily, Mashiro seemed preoccupied with the last argument she'd gotten into with Grimmjow, and she wasn't up for much conversation when Orihime arrived at school. Ichigo was the one who attached himself to her side, quite literally. He snuck in a kiss or two before the bell rang for the first class and then left her there dazed.

She reached up to touch her face. Was she smiling? She surely hoped not.

Orihime didn't miss the sharp glares in her direction though, mainly from the females of the school. Even during gym, she received harsh treatment. A soccer ball had somehow hit her right in the back of the head. And she was tripped once or twice in the hallway, though she managed to catch herself both times. She didn't bother bringing it up to Ichigo - he seemed to be in a good mood. Actually, he was bouncing in place whenever he was next to her. And he could barely keep his hands to himself, which was annoying enough.

At the end of school, Orihime headed towards the library, Ichigo right behind her. Thirty minutes into studying, Orihime was really close to kicking him out like she was forced to before. Fortunately, Ichigo spoke up before her, "Let's go on a date."

Orihime blinked, looking up and catching sight of his blinding smile, "E-Excuse me?"

"A date. Today. Me and you."

He said it so simply, like it was nothing. And to him, it probably was just something normal. Orihime's fingers tightened around her pencil. Okay, this was way out of her comfort zone. But Ichigo entirely was out of any zone she'd ever stepped in. She went from acquaintances, to friends, and now to dating in just a matter of months. How could people do this all the time? Biting into her bottom lip, it took her a few more seconds to respond, "Today?"

Eagerly, he nodded. "Yep!"

He was really lucky that he had such a nice smile. She released a long breath, returning her attention to her work for now. It was a lot harder than it looked. "Alright. When I'm finished with this." He perked up at her confirmation, watching her now. She could feel his eyes on her. Blankly, she blinked up at him again, "What."

"Nothing," he said, though his voice was just brimming with excitement. He looked like he would come out of his chair, "I'm just..." He grinned that famous Kurosaki grin that could outdo the sun. "I'm just really happy to be with you." She stared at him for a few more seconds. He really had no idea, did he? Yes, he was weird and he had stalker tendencies - to her, at least - and he could be an idiot, but she couldn't really see herself anywhere but right here. At this moment. With him.

"I'm...happy too." She said quietly, almost a whisper. He sat up straighter, surprised. "What? Don't look like that, idiot. I'm only telling the truth."

In response, he smiled at her. It was nice to look at, "I know. Orihime's an honest person."

Surprisingly, their date was actually...nice.

She had to call Rangiku to let her know that she wouldn't be home until later, and her Aunt had almost talked her ear off with so many questions. Orihime answered them as best as she could, but mostly, she was just anxious to see how it all went. First, they went to Ichigo's favorite place for food - it was a grilling restaurant and a little expensive. Orihime tried to pay on her own, but he quickly slipped the waitress a bill before Orihime could even reach for her wallet.

"I can pay for myself," Orihime murmured, cheeks still filled with the tender steak from earlier, "I have money."

"You're my girlfriend," Ichigo said simply, like that was the answer for everything, "I'm supposed to pay." With another one of his handsome smiles, he reached out and wiped a bit of food from her cheek before giving her a tender kiss there. It seemed like he couldn't keep his hands to himself - it made her stomach feel warm. Or maybe that was just from the food. It'd been a long time since she indulged herself in good food. Her Aunt was always making up some weird concoction.

When they left the restaurant, the sun was setting. "I'm full~!" Ichigo sing-songed. Orihime remained relatively quiet, humming slightly under her breath in agreement. She was a bit sluggish in her movements, and Ichigo took this chance to take her hand in one of his, intertwining the fingers. She blinked, surprised. "Sorry," he said, with an impish grin, "It's just...I've waited for a long time to be able to touch you like this. Whenever I want. So I don't want to pass up any opportunities."

Orihime couldn't bring herself to say anything, once again turning a delicate pink in front of him, "..." He took her silence as an invitation for a kiss, and quickly, she turned her face away, "We're in public!"

"So?" He cocked his head to the side like a lost dog.

Face burning, she hissed, "You don't do something like that in public."

"Do you want me to lick you instead?"

"No!"

.

.

Their houses were in opposite directions, and so, Ichigo offered to walk her. Of course, Orihime denied. He whined and pleaded like a small child, but she ignored him, opting to walk away instead. With a small chuckle, Ichigo caught her hand and turned her back to him so he could give her a quick kiss on the cheek, "Just be careful, okay?" She didn't blame him for that - it was getting late and usually she would be home much earlier than this. She nodded, letting him nuzzle against her until she got tired of it and pushed him off.

Boyfriend or not, he could be awfully attached.

Orihime walked home in silence. Since there wasn't a lot of people on the sidewalk, she took out her English language book and began to read. It was getting easier to do so, and she flipped through the book rather fast. When she knew she was nearing home, the redhead lowered the book, and then came to a stop when she saw a familiar figure a few feet away. Unable to get anything out, Orihime squared her shoulders slightly in hopes of appearing more confident.

The sun dipped slowly behind them, casting shadows.

"...Kensei."

His chin lowered at his name, eyelids low and shielding his eyes. He was leaning against the wall of the local convenience store, just a block away from her house. He didn't say anything so she continued.

"Were you waiting for me?" Kensei tensed slightly at that. Finally, he pushed himself off the wall. Able to see him better now, Orihime could see that he was wearing regular street clothes. He hadn't been at school, so she didn't know why this surprised her. Tilting her head slightly to the side, she said, "You didn't come to school today," Silence. "Shiro-chan has been worried about you."

Still, nothing.

Her eyes narrowed slightly. What was the point of him coming here if he wasn't going to say anything? Just as she made up her mind and began to walk past him, he reached out and gripped her wrist. This stopped her, and caused her to blink. He was a bit rough when he pulled her back to him - not that she expected anything less. Kensei was rough around the edges, and she found out a long time ago, she'd liked that about him. He was closer now, his eyes on her face. They flickered from her hair, to her eyes, to her lips, and then back to her eyes.

She felt oddly exposed, just from the look he was giving her.

Slowly, his hand fell away from her wrist. "My bad. Did I hurt you?"

Orihime shook her head.

"...Good."

"Kensei - "

"I'm sorry, " She stopped, closing her mouth shut, "I'm sorry about this kiss, okay?" When she didn't say anything, he narrowed his eyes slightly. Frustration was clear on his face, "Fuck. Why can't this...Why can't this just be easier?" One of his large hands dragged down his face, from his hair and down to his chin. Rubbing at the back of his neck now, he released a long sigh, "Look. Okay. I'm not good at this shit, alright?"

"...Alright."

"I..." He inhaled deeply, "I fucking like you, alright? I like you and it's not changing any time soon. Trust me, I've tried. I've tried to get you out of my head. I've even thought of just bashing my head into the wall until I forget you, but..." When he looked at her again, his eyes softened to a small degree, "I can't. Who could forget someone like you? I didn't mean to kiss you, really. It just..it happened, and I'm not gonna take it back. I'm not going to keep denying this, okay? I'm through with that."

He stepped closer, and she tried to stifle a gasp, his scent invading her senses now.

"I'm through with...trying to forget about you. I like you, bookworm." She opened her mouth - though she wasn't sure what she was going to say - but he cut her off, "You don't have to say anything. You don't have to even do anything. I just needed to say that, okay? I needed to get it out. I needed to...I needed to talk to you. Look at you, face to face." Just like his eyes, his expression looked softer. Mouth still pressed in a firm line, he exhaled through his nose, "That's it."

That's it? That's it.

With that, he turned and left her there, pressed against the wall. Knees weak, she braced herself against the flat surface, watching as he disappeared around the corner.

That's it.

.

.

Hi guys.

So, uh, how is it going?

Okay, okay, please don't kill me! I know it's been - what? Three years? Two years? I don't remember! But I have a good excuse this time. If any of you remember, my grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer/stage four and she passed a couple years ago. After that, I went through a tough time, me and my family. We moved from place to place, we ran out of money, and for a long time, I was in a really bad place. I'd rather not talk about it. Right now, I'm a bit more stable than I was before. Things have changed.

Anyway!

I'm sorry about this chapter, if it seems a little sloppy and rushed! Believe it or not, this is more of a filler chapter to me. To get the story going, and you know, chapters like that, aren't that great. I hope you guys liked it, all the same! I can't promise speedy updates with classes and everything going for me, but I can promise you that I have NOT given up on any of my stories. You know what my goal was for joining this site? Making just as many stories as I could, so I could match the number of IchiRuki stories on this sight! Silly right? I was so young back then. Moving on, I have a lot of ideas for this story still, though I'm not going to draw it out very long. Maybe four or five more chapters for this one before it's done! EIB will be done soon, promise!

That being said, I will move onto other fics! Please, let me know in your review which fic you would like to see updated first. I have so many ideas for all of them, that I can't decide which one to stick to! So the fic with the most votes, a chapter for that one will be coming out next! Again, i CANNOT promise speedy updates because of my situation, but I'll definitely try.

Also, sorry for any typos. I haven't gone through this chapter yet or proofread. I'm lazy.

Please don't forget to leave a review! I missed you guys sooo much, you have no idea!

- Star