Friendship/Romance
Rated: Fiction T
By: Star Slightly To The Right
If you'll be my star, I'll be your sky. AU

Inoue Orihime wasn't a person that could exactly blend in.

Her bright hair prevented that, and her ivory skin never fit in. She could usually never take a break in clothes, since they clung to her figure like a glove, causing unwanted attention to drift towards her, whether good یا bad. She'd never been the one to wish for attention, nor the one to want to squeal and buy گلابی things.

She'd always been – to be honest – alone.

Before, she'd always been a polite, endearing, spirited child. That was before Sora died. When he left her side, it was as though nothing else mattered. Sure, she continued to attend school, she paid attention to her health, and she made sure her appearance was appropriate for the public. At least once a week, she visited his grave, but prayed to his shrine at ہوم at any chance she had.

Orihime's eyes drifted from the window to the full room. Students were filing in, all laughing and talking and living their lives. Orihime felt something twitch in her chest, probably her heart, she wasn't completely sure since she did not have the time to listen to it. She watched as Renji filed in, followed سے طرف کی Uryu, and Rukia with Tatsuki attached to her side, as per usual. Students swarmed around them all, giggling and speaking with one another, all together in this perfect moment.

Orihime felt bile rise up in her throat. The sight was truly sickening.

And then,

"Ichigo!"

آپ had to look up to see Kurosaki Ichigo, even though he was not as tall as his longtime friend Sado. Ichigo was smiling, as every morning, and that drew people in even more. His deep black locks were getting longer, falling over his dark eyes, his skin a healthy sun-bronzed. Usually, Orihime would stare at him too long, but now she was dragging her eyes down his tall, tall form. He was strong for his age, only sixteen, and his satin, spiked hair brought out his tone of skin. He was handsome, she could see that, and he was open with his emotions.

Yet she could not see anything else there.

She glanced away before she could be caught staring.

Ichigo's dark eyes flickered towards the girl in the back of the room – with bright hair, soft disposition, and blunt mouth.

Inoue Orihime.

His eyes paused, curiously, and then he turned to greet Keigo optimistically.

…

…

Orihime blinked her large eyes.

The three children in front of her smirked, "It's just a game, Orihime."

Shifting on her small feet, Orihime clasped her hands behind her back, "A-Are آپ sure? Sora-nii says playing too much can be dangerous."

"God, just go inside!" A girl shouted. Orihime gasped as she felt hands on her back, shoving her inside the dark closet. She stumbled on her feet and the momentum knocked her straight into the wall, her head bursting into a daze. She gripped her head as she heard the laughter.

Somehow, she gathered her bearings and turned just in time to see large smirks on the children's faces. She whirled around, rushing towards the open door, but it slammed in her face. She almost ran into it, but her palms caught her, pressing against the wood.

It was pitch black and from outside, she could hear the laughter.

"P-Please, let me out!" She cried vehemently, her دل increasing in speed.

"Sorry, Orihime-chan~" One of the girls sang, "It's the game. آپ have to stay in there for as long as آپ can."

Orihime spluttered, her fear beginning to skyrocket, "B-B-But—"

"Stop being such a baby," Another agreed – she thought it was the boy, "Where's your brother?"

Her eyes felt weird – stinging. "H-He's coming!"

"Sure," The first girl crooned sardonically, "You're a liar! A big fat liar!"

"I'm not!" She denied anxiously, shaking her head, "I'm not!"

"My Okaa-san کہا آپ were lying. A liar. Sora isn't here anymore!"

"I'm not!" Orihime shouted, the tears flowing freely now, "I'm not!"

"Sensei hasn't met him. My Otou-san hasn't met him. You're a liar, Orihime-chan."

Digging her nails into the door, she continued to shake her head, "I'm not…I'm not…Sora-nii is real! He's here!"

"Stuuupid~ He's dead!"

…

…

It's about to rain again, Orihime thought sourly. Silently, she tucked her chin even deeper in the warm, گلابی scarf around her neck. Her face felt cold, her entire body in fact. She watched as the 'walk' sign flashed onto the light and everyone began to پار, صلیب the سٹریٹ, گلی – three girls that attended her school, a group of boys goofing around, a few men heading to work in their suits, and a handful of women shopping یا dragging their child along.

When she felt the familiar sensation of eyes on her, Orihime glanced up, only to see the group of girls avert their gazes and giggle to themselves. Orihime stayed where she was, on the sidewalk, debating if she should even attend school today. She had forgotten her gloves at ہوم and her کوٹ had been rendered missing from her locker one دن at school. Her hat and scarf were the only two things keeping her teeth from chattering.

The girls and boys merged groups and laughed all to themselves, caught up in their perfect moments as Orihime watched. Disgruntled, she tightened her hands around her bag, which was resting on her lap. Her chest was beginning to hurt again and she felt that pang of loneliness. It seemed to never go away. As long as she'd been alone, she thought she would become accustomed to such a feeling, but it would not leave, no matter how hard she tried to ignore it.

Maybe school was a bad idea, she murmured internally. Just as she started to unlock her muscles, she heard,

"But how do I know if you're into girls, Ichigo? Huh? Huh?"

"Must آپ be so frank with it, Asano-san?"

There was a laugh.

"You guys are so mean to me!"

Orihime froze where she was. Reluctantly – subconsciously – her head turned and she caught the siting of black hair. He was taller than his two دوستوں and vaguely she wondered why Sado was not there. His posture was lazily slouched and his bag was tucked against his side casually, the strap on his arm and hands in pockets, smirking at something else Keigo said. To her dismay, she felt her دل kick up a notch, playing a psycho rhythm that had her beyond irritated.

Stupid Kurosaki.

Her frown deepened, a wrinkle working between her brows. She returned her attention in front of her, her back to them, watching as the lights flickered. Burying herself deeper in her scarf and hat, she cursed herself for being an idiot. Now she would have to wait for the 'walk' sign to come back on. She felt herself going deeper into her mind as they got closer.

"…For example: Girls give signs."

Mizuiro sounded amused, "And what are the signs, Asano-san?"

"Skirts, of course!"

"Skirts?"

"Duh! Haven't آپ seen the skirts in our school?"

"Girls have to wear those, Keigo. It's the uniform."

"Yes, but skirts can be adjusted. When the سکرٹ, گھیرنا is right under the buttocks, we have a vixen. But when the skirt," Keigo drew his eyes in front of him and a sly smirk lit up his face, "Just as her," He pointed to the girl in front of the group, clearly from their school with the visible tan sweater and charcoal سکرٹ, گھیرنا uniform, "her سکرٹ, گھیرنا touches her thighs, but not the knees. She still holds her virtue while continuing to be a tease." And he lurched towards her.

Ichigo's eyebrows came together, "Keigo, don't—"

Too late.

Keigo's hand swiped under, a brief touch of the silky, right thigh and then the back of her سکرٹ, گھیرنا flew upwards, giving the three boys a clear view of her innocent white underwear.

"I am a genius!" Keigo exclaimed happily while his two دوستوں watched in surprise. When his actions finally caught up to him, Keigo felt the familiar, nervous sweat drip onto his body, "I-I mean…"

"You idiot," Ichigo reprimanded sharply. Mizuiro glanced up curiously at his tone. Ichigo stepped forward, right beside the suddenly shaking Keigo. His eyebrows came together with slight concern – the girl was frozen, her سکرٹ, گھیرنا in its rightful place, and he could not identify her, "Hey. Are آپ alri—"

A shriek erupted from her. Keigo cringed backwards, giving a squeak of fright. Ichigo blinked. The wind blew sharply and he was thoroughly shocked to see the red-gold tresses, thick and luscious, the bottoms buried within her گلابی scarf. He blinked again, rapidly.

"I—"

With clumsy, yet quick movements, she whirled around. Ichigo flinched back at the ferocity in her hazel eyes, "Get away from me!" She moved again, it was too quick, and then he suddenly saw her bag sailing towards him.

Wham!

Mizuiro jerked in surprise, plucking one earplug from his ear. "Ichigo!" He rushed to his friend's side as the black-haired fell backwards, staggered, and then promptly dropped onto his bottom.

Cupping a hand over his aching nose, Ichigo stared up at the girl in shock, "W-What the…?" Large eyes glared down at him, filled with so much hatred, he wanted to flinch back again. Gritting her teeth together – and it somehow diverted his attention to her lips – she shouted,

"Asshole!"

And then she whirled back around and scrambled across the street. There were a few honks, cars screeched to a halt, and some curses flying from drivers' lips. It wasn't long before she vanished.

Keigo was still shuddering, "D-Did آپ see that?!"

With a gentle smile, Mizuiro took the bag from Ichigo's lap, who continued to sit prone on the ground. Digging into it, he came up with her name, "Inoue Orihime."

Keigo nearly screamed, "The Inoue Orihime?!"

"Oh, Asano-san, آپ and your theatrics. آپ almost got Ichigo murdered."

"S-S-Shut up!"

Ichigo merely stared in front of him, hoping to get one مزید glimpse at the girl, but alas, she was gone.

Inoue Orihime.

"I'll remember that…"

Mizuiro and Keigo glanced at him in unison, confused, shared a look and shrugged.

…

…

"Inoue Orihime?" Rukia tilted her head, grimacing up at her tall, longtime friend. "Why do آپ want to learn about her?"

Tatsuki was equally curious, "Did something happen?"

Holding up the bag, Ichigo said, "She left her bag—"

"She threw her bag," Mizuiro butted in pleasantly.

Ichigo frowned softly as Rukia crooked a brow, "She did what?"

"It really doesn't matter," Ichigo said, shaking his head, "Do آپ know where she is?"

Tatsuki cocked her head to the side, "I don't even speak to her."

"Me neither," chimed in Rukia, crossing her arms over her chest.

Ichigo's eyes narrowed subtly and he tightened his hand around the bag.

…

…

"Inoue-chan~" The teacher called lightheartedly. The redhead turned, albeit reluctantly. Ochi-sensei grinned impishly at her, hands folded in front of her on the oak desk. The rest of the class filed out, officially done with the day.

"Ochi-sensei, please don't call me that." She said, though she couldn't hold the usual venom in her voice.

The teacher waved a dismissive hand at her, "Yeah, yeah. Ne, I have a favor to ask of you." Her smirk widened until a dimple appeared in her left cheek, "Will آپ do it for me?"

Orihime blinked and then took a conscious step back, "That depends. What is it?"

"Nothing too bad, Inoue-chan," Ochi-sensei shuffled a couple of papers on her desk, "I just need a few things taken somewhere." Handing her the papers, Ochi-sensei stared up at the redhead as she looked them over.

"This is the homework," Orihime observed before returning her attention to the woman, "I don't have time for this, sensei. I have to study—"

"You study all the time, Inoue-chan," Ochi-sensei cut in.

Orihime's stomach churned. That was true. Ever since the death of her older brother, she'd been buried within her books. There was no time for socialism and دوستوں and parties. She had a legacy to live up to after all. Her brother had been a lawyer, very good one at that, and she intended to carry on for him. frowning, she tightened her grip around the papers.

"Where is it?"

"That's the spirit!"

It turned out the سٹریٹ, گلی was only a few blocks away. As she continued down the sidewalk, deep in thought, she recalled that she didn't have her bag. In fact, she hadn't had it all day. That brought a frown to her face. This morning, she could distinctly remember throwing it in Kurosaki's face before running off. Crossing her arms over her chest, she huffed. Maybe that would teach him from being a pervert.

Cheeks warm, she stared down at the small piece of paper in her hand. She did not pause as she walked into the clinic, ignoring the sign that clearly stated who it belonged to. She wondered whose parents owned a clinic, and hoped she could just get this over with so she could hurry ہوم and study. The place was nicely decorated – yellow walls, different colored sofas to lounge on, hard wood mahogany floors, and the room was unexpectedly bright and warm.

Walking towards the counter, she licked her lips. No one was there. She could feel the aggravation growing as she waited for at least five minutes. Her hazel eyes found the گھنٹی, بیل a سیکنڈ later and she quickly reached for it.

Bang!

She jerked back in surprise as the door on the side of the counter suddenly whirled open. It slammed against the wall, probably creating a hole, and two tangled figures barreled out. Flabbergasted, she watched as the men wrestled with each other, struggling to gain strength over the other. Finally, the slightly thinner male landed on top, holding his fist high over the other's head.

"Just admit it, son. آپ are hoping for a girl to stop by. Maybe Rukia-chan یا Tatsuki-chan. No matter what, آپ are really a perverted teenager. If آپ just confess, I will leave آپ alone." The father – apparently – murmured quite somberly, but with a small smirk on his face.

"No!" the son shot back, balling his hands in his father's شرٹ, قمیض to jerk him back and forth, "I'm not a pervert!"

Instantly, Orihime recognized the voice. How could she not? The midnight black spikes were noticeable, and so was the hard, long body. The sliver of sun-bronzed skin at his back from his شرٹ, قمیض riding up caused Orihime to grind her teeth.

"Admit it, admit it, admit it…" The elder male cut himself off, eyes widening as they fell on the girl, "Huh?"

Ichigo's frown deepened and he turned his head curiously. Imagine how surprised he was when he saw the redheaded teenager standing just a couple feet away. She bristled at his gaze and her insides suddenly felt warm.

"…You…" Ichigo muttered. He stood in one fluid motion and a foot went in her direction.

She took a quick step back, placing a hand in front of her, "Stay where آپ are, Kurosaki." He frowned at her tone. Lowering her head, she whipped her hand out to reveal the sheets of paper. "You missed first period's homework. I came to bring it to آپ for Ochi-sensei."

He blinked.

The father blinked.

Orihime merely stared back. When it was silent for مزید than a few moments, she felt that familiar irritation. "Are آپ going to take it یا what?"

At that, the father suddenly sprung from the floor. "Who is this? Eh? Eh?" He stepped آگے before Ichigo could reply and took her outstretched hand. Orihime started. He shook her hand tightly, crunching up the papers in the progress. "Nice to meet you, young lady! I am Kurosaki Isshin!"

Orihime gazed at him, "Another Kurosaki?"

His eyebrows waggled, "Yeah. Isn't it the best?"

She decided not to answer that. She could still feel Ichigo staring at her. Yanking her palm from his, she gave him the crumbled up papers. "I have to go." She turned in the other direction, towards the door, and when she felt the cool evening's air, she breathed out slowly. For some odd reason, the air had been suffocating in there.

She lifted a foot, prepared to leave, but she heard,

"Hey."

Her دل lurched unevenly. Without her consent, her body turned around. Before she could even register who it was, a bag was shoved into her face – her bag, to be specific. Her eyes grew larger on her face and she glanced up to see Ichigo. He held her bag out at arms' length, regarding her with his deep brown eyes.

"This is yours, right?"

Indeed, it was. Carefully, she glanced down at it. It seemed محفوظ enough – nothing was drawn on it and it appeared in mint condition. Slowly, she raised her hand and took it, careful not to touch him in the process.

"Thank you…I guess." She murmured unwillingly.

He dropped his arm to his side, a smile appearing on his face, "You have a great arm, Orihime."

She started at her name. How did he know it? It wasn't as though she spoke to him یا even made her presence known in the classroom. Narrowing her eyes slightly, she pressed her lips together firmly. "I see," she کہا vaguely, "I have to go." She turned away from him and took a few steps away only for him to call out to her again.

"You aren't going to apologize?" He asked and she glanced over her shoulder to see him staring at her curiously, tilting his head to the side.

Her voice sounded hard when it came out, "Why would I? All perverts should be taught a lesson."

He blinked, "Yeah. I guess. But I'm not a pervert."

Gnashing her teeth together, she tried to fight down the maddening warmth in her cheeks, "You flipped up my skirt! I think that qualifies آپ as a pervert."

"That wasn't me!" He protested.

She took in a deep breath to calm herself, "I don't have time for your excuses. I'm leaving." She turned back around, ignoring him when he called her name again. It wasn't long until she turned a corner and couldn't hear him anymore.

Much better, she thought silently, now I can go study.

…

…

A tender hand cupped her cheek.

Orihime glanced upwards and then away.

"Oh, c'mon, Orihime-chan. I'm still here, aren't I?"

"Aunt Rangiku…"

The blue eyes sparkled at the title. Kneeling down to face the child properly, Rangiku smiled softly, "Yes?"

"Where's Sora-nii?" The large honeyed gaze stared up at her, demanding an answer. The aunt was taken aback, the smile vanishing from her face. With practiced patience, she lowered her voice.

"H-He went on a long trip, Orihime-chan." She supplied gently, releasing the girl's soft cheek.

Orihime did not even bat an eyelash, "When is he coming back?"

Rangiku bit her bottom lip and averted her gaze, growing uncomfortable, "Orihime-chan—"

"When?" Orihime questioned again, her tone harder than before. "And why didn't he take me with him?" Rangiku opened her mouth to reply, but the girl continued, "Why is his trip in the ground? Why is he all the way down there all alone? Why did آپ put him in a box? Why wouldn't he wake up? What did آپ do? What did آپ do?" Her voice was growing thicker and Rangiku watched as the child blinked rapidly, pushing back the tears, "You can't take him away! آپ can't just—"

"Orihime-chan," She lifted a hand again, attempting to push the thick bangs from her small face, but the redhead reeled backwards, the tears finally breaking free.

"No," she hissed, "I hate you."

Rangiku simply watched.

…

…

"I'm home," Orihime کہا as she entered the house. She closed the door behind her and slipped off her shoes, setting them neatly in the corner. Right on cue, there was the thumping off feet rushing towards her and she glanced up to see the باورچی خانے, باورچی خانہ door throttle open and slam against the wall.

"Orihime~ YAY!" Large breasts were suddenly in her face. She was accustomed to this, so she stayed still as the woman gushed about her day, squeezing the life out of the redhead. This was something that Orihime found endearing, but also annoying. Her Aunt Rangiku had always been a lovely woman, both in looks and personality, and she'd always been there for her when no one else was. "I missed you!"

When she finally released the teenager, Orihime took in a deep breath, "You're going to kill me one day."

Rangiku smiled widely, her eyes sparkling, "You would still be cute!"

Orihime blinked and glanced away. Her aunt had always found her loveable, whether it be when she was a child یا at any moment of the day. As usual, Orihime found that blush in her cheeks rising at the compliment. Giving a huff, she muttered under her breath, "I'm going to go take a bath."

As she climbed the stairs, Rangiku called teasingly, "Can I come too~?"

"NO!" Orihime's face was the color of a ٹماٹر سے طرف کی time she made it to the top. She passed سے طرف کی Rangiku's room, and the linen closet. When she passed the familiar dark room, she felt that pang in her chest, making her body feel heavier than it usually was. It wasn't long until she was in the bath, the steam rising around her, and she brought her knees to her chest.

The world seemed to اقدام slower when she was alone. It was easier to think that way though. Her eyes tightened a fraction when she thought of Kurosaki. He'd دیا her the bag – usually she would expect paint on it, یا her things missing, but instead, it was in سب, سب سے اوپر shape and nothing appeared to be gone. Why? He did not know her, he did not speak to her. In fact, he was one of the most مقبول boys in school – teams and کلب begging for his help, girls swooning whenever he cracked that bright grin یا کہا hello, and he was most definitely very handsome. He must've been kind also, giving her that striking smile and giving over the bag.

"This is yours, right?"

She blinked and shook her head rapidly. Dipping her chin and mouth into the hot water, she tried to block the thoughts. What was she thinking? Especially at a time like this! So many tests were coming up, so many things to study, so much to do. She cursed lowly, causing bubbles to pop in the water.

He's stupid. Everyone's stupid.

When she finished her bath, she brushed her teeth and splashed her face. Securing her hair up in a messy bun, she walked downstairs, white towel over her damp head, and found a water in the fridge. Her aunt was in the other room, the den, and probably eating her dinner.

She took a swig of her drink and closed her eyes. Just ignore him. He's nothing to worry over.

This way, Orihime would be able to focus.

…

…

Placing her shoes in her locker, she slipped on the brown shoes and then stood up straight. Orihime rubbed a hand across her right eye and fought back a yawn. She'd been up late last night studying. The formula was difficult to remember with all the English and Science shoved into her brain.

"Yo! Kurosaki-san!"

"Good morning, Kurosaki-kun~!"

"Wassup, Ichigo!"

"Hello, Ichigo-senpai!"

"M-M-Morning, Ichi-kun!"

Orihime's mood worsened. Glancing over her shoulder, she watched as the crowd circled around the tall black-haired male. He was smiling warmly and bumped fists with another student. A few girls squealed when he greeted them kindly, dark brown eyes soft. She was utterly repulsed as she watched them swarm around him like bees after honey. Turning back towards her locker, she closed it, ignoring the three white hate-letters that fell from it in the process. As she turned away, she distinctly heard a footstep headed in her direction.

"Oh! Good morning, Orihime!"

Her دل stopped. Slowly, she glanced backwards, over her shoulder again, and was extremely shocked to see Ichigo, who'd stepped away from the crowd, raising his hand at her to wave, a bright grin on his handsome face. She had to blink a few times to get her brain to work as the mob of students turned curiously and stared.

Orihime دل lurched into a frantic beat. Ichigo continued to smile at her, as though this was totally, completely, otherworldly normal. Shooting him the best glare she could muster, she turned away and stalked down the hall determinedly.

She could already hear the murmurs behind her as her دل did another strange quiver.

She would not allow her focus to waver. When she made it to homeroom, others were there, laughing and talking all together. She shook her head, trying to push away the peculiar feeling in her chest. And just because he damn waved at her! She glared silently at her ڈیسک in front of her before she clenched her fists.

What the hell is he trying to do? She thought venomously, As if we're friends. That idiot.

"U-Um…"

Orihime blinked and glanced up, surprised. She had expected to see a teacher, but instead, there stood Kuna Mashiro, wide brown eyes gazing at her warily. She was a bit shorter than her, full hips, small breasts, and wavy dark brown hair with لیموں, چونے green highlights.

Orihime tried to rearrange her features, tried to fix a polite smile on her face, but she was sure it came out as a grimace, "Kuna-san, can I help you?" She کہا politely – bluntly.

Mashiro's mouth opened and closed rapidly, "I-I…"

Orihime simply watched her.

"She needs help with her damn studies," کہا another voice. Orihime glanced up and she took in the tall man behind her. He was obviously a student, maybe a grade up, and a menacing scowl on his face. His hair was messily tossed over his head, a hint of silver, and he had a piercing on his left eyebrow and others on his left ear. He stood behind the girl, arms crossed over his strong chest, and appeared almost defensive of her, glaring at anyone who stared too long. His scowl deepened as he watched Orihime, who didn't appear fazed سے طرف کی his demeanor.

"Kensei-meanie! I کہا I could do this on my own~!" The brunette grumbled and whined. Orihime frowned at her. She was rather immature for her supposed age.

Kensei – she was guessing that was his name – rolled his dark eyes, "Just hurry up and get over with it. I need coffee to wake up."

"Then go get it yourself!" Mashiro stuck her گلابی tongue out at him, "You're annoying! Annoying Kensei-meanie!"

A vein throbbed on his temple, "Shaddup, dammit!"

This time she peeled down one eyelid and wiggled her tongue, "You shut up, آپ shut up, Kensei! Dummy Kensei, dummy, dummy!"

He shook his fist at her, "I'm gonna kill آپ one of these days," Slowly, he released a breath and returned his attention back to Orihime as Mashiro made various teasing faces at him, "She was gonna ask if آپ could help her with her studies."

Orihime stared up at him, "Why would I do that?" She asked, deadpan.

Mashiro's lower lip trembled as Kensei sighed again, "Yer one of the smartest girls in this place, right? Teach her somethin'."

Slowly, Orihime glanced over at Mashiro, who had her hands together as though to beg, her eyes shining. Directly, emotionlessly, Orihime said, "I refuse," and took her seat.

Mashiro broke out in tears and Kensei dodged out of the way as they sprang from her eyes in blue waterfalls. Quickly, he shouted to Orihime, "Hey, now! آپ can't deny her so damn fast!"

Orihime frowned softly, "I can't tutor her. It'll interrupt my studies."

"B-But, Inoue-san, pleeeease~! I promise that I won't be a nuisance!" Mashiro begged.

"You already are," Orihime stated, "You are the lowest in the class."

A dark, dreary aura surrounded the saddened girl.

Kensei gritted his teeth, "She'll try her damn best then!"

Orihime returned her attention to him, "I told you, I can't…" She trailed off, frowning when she felt another pang in her chest. That familiar loneliness again. She sighed a bit, her lids lowering as she watched the girl beg and plead. Maybe – maybe – this was some kind of sign. Licking her lips a bit nervously, she tried not to deny her again, harshly. "I suppose…I can…try." It almost hurt to get those words out.

"R-REALLY?!" Mashiro jumped up in the air, stars in her eyes. Orihime cringed away.

Kensei rolled his eyes, "Don't get too excited. She could change her mind," and under his breath, he added, "I would…"

"What was that?" Mashiro cut him a glare, "Kensei-dummy!"

"Stop calling me that!"

For some reason, Orihime knew she would regret this.

…

…

Rangiku smiled down at her.

"This is little Orihime, huh?" The teacher crouched down in front of her, a gentle smile on her lips, "Hello, I'm your new sensei. Welcome to my class."

Orihime merely stared at her with flat honey eyes, "Hajimemashite." She bowed politely. Surprised, the teacher glanced up at the سٹرابیری, اسٹرابیری blonde, who was shifting nervously, playing with her nimble fingers.

"Well, nice to meet you, too. Um, how about آپ play inside with the other children?" The teacher suggested, continuing to smile, yet forced, "Okay?"

Slowly, Orihime released her auntie's سکرٹ, گھیرنا and walked forward, through the door without a backward glance. The teacher retuned her attention to Rangiku, crooking up a brow. "Well?" The blonde asked anxiously.

"She's…cute." The teacher murmured, shrugging helplessly.

Rangiku's blue eyes sharpened, "Not that. What do آپ think of her?"

"Inoue-san," the teacher shook her head, "you know the answer to that. Was it really a good idea to bring her here? Her brother only passed away a ماہ ago."

"She's always been like that, though," Rangiku sighed softly, "She's a loner and independent. I didn't force her to come. She came on her own."

Both glanced over their shoulders, watching as the girl settled into the corner and built the blocks together. No one noticed as she distinctly spelled out 'B-R-O-T-H-E-R' before she knocked all the letters down with a sharp look in her eye.

…

…

Orihime stood in front of the mirror, repositioning her loose, tan sweater. Her سکرٹ, گھیرنا was a hopeless cause – it was uncomfortably short and barely reached her upper thighs. She didn't understand how it could possibly be appropriate for school.

The گھنٹی, بیل rang, telling her class was soon and she made sure all her notebooks were in her bag before turning to the stall, closing the door behind her. She grabbed her math textbook, flipping through the pages until she found the correct formula. She would try to grasp it before class started. It wasn't long until the door opened again and two girls stepped inside.

"Did آپ bring it?"

Orihime closed her textbook and her eyes landed in the crack between the door and lock, watching the two girls speak with each other.

"Yep!" The سیکنڈ girl handed her friend a small tube – Orihime guessed was lip-gloss. The first eagerly took it, smeared it over her mouth, and giggled. "Didn't I tell you?"

"It sparkles~!"

Orihime's eyebrow subtly twitched. She quickly claimed this would be a senseless conversation and prepared to leave.

"Did آپ hear?"

"What?"

Gossip, Orihime shook her head.

"About Ichigo-kun," the first exclaimed, "He کہا hello to Inoue Orihime today!"

Orihime stilled.

"Eeeehh?" The سیکنڈ gasped in shock. "Are آپ serious?"

The other nodded vehemently, "Positive. I was there and he was smiling at me and then all of a sudden, he started waving at that Inoue girl, calling her سے طرف کی her first name and everything!"

The سیکنڈ girl tilted her head to the side, "Are they friends?"

"As if! She's a freak, Ririn! Ichigo-kun was probably just being nice. آپ know he can't help being kind to people, even if they're strange."

Slowly, Orihime pulled her knees to her chest, crushing them to her chest.

"But, Mahana-chan, don't آپ think it's a little weird for him to start now?" The smaller girl suddenly gasped, "Do آپ think they're together?!"

"No way!" Mahana shook her head, her short hair flopping about, "Ichigo-kun is waaay over her standards. She should just keep her head in the کتابیں like she's been doing since she got here."

Ririn grinned, "Studybug, ne?"

"I would prefer to call her a freak."

The two cackled. It wasn't long before they changed subjects, fixed their appearances, and left. The door slammed shut behind them.

It was quiet.

It wasn't until five منٹ later Orihime moved. She hadn't realized she was shaking.

…

…

"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"

"Yer gonna scare her away, dammit!"

Orihime watched blandly as Kensei held Mashiro up سے طرف کی the back of her uniform sweater, her tiny feet a foot from the ground. She was beaming happily at Orihime, Kensei scowling, and they all got looks from people in the quiet library. Orihime allowed a sigh to tumble from her lips as she closed her eyes.

"Fine, let's get this over with."

"Thank you, thank you, thank yoouu~!"

"Shut up, Mashiro!"

"Kensei-meanie!"

Orihime felt her patience wear thin, "Both of آپ be quiet!" She hissed over her shoulder. Instantly, she clamped her mouth shut. Kensei and Mashiro casted her confused looks. "I-I mean…"

"Well, well, well, looks like she has some guts after all." Kensei شدہ تبصرہ with a sly smirk.

Orihime was quiet.

…

…

"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you, Orihime-chan~!"

Orihime glanced up, startled. Mashiro paused from her walking and Kensei arched a curious brow. Mashiro dug her foot into the ground, "O-Or I can call آپ something else. مزید polite or—"

"No." Orihime murmured, startling her. Shaking her head softly, Orihime repeated, "No. It's fine."

Mashiro's eyes widened, "R-Really?" She nearly squealed, "When I see you, Orihime-chan, آپ look really pretty, but indifferent. But I bet when someone gets to know you, you're fantastic!"

Kensei placed a hand on his hip, "Shaddup. She tutored you. There's no reason to think آپ made a friend out of it. Let's go."

"Stupid Kensei!" Mashiro pouted her lips, "You're just jealous because آپ don't have any friends! Lonely, lonely Kensei!"

He literally shook from anger, "Shaddup, dammit!"

There was a giggle.

Mashiro gaped and Kensei's eyes widened.

Orihime was laughing. A small smile was on her face, her eyes softer than usual, her expression, for once, not expressionless, and the wind blew, causing her hair to stand out even more, drawing their attention to its length and color.

"Eh?" Mashiro leaned closer, shocked.

Orihime's bland expression returned, "What?"

"You…smiled…" Kensei grimaced deeply, staring at her.

Orihime took a step back from the two, "Yes. So? It was amusing."

In reply, Kensei crossed his arms over his chest, "Ch. Whatever. I'm outta here." Mashiro and Orihime watched as he walked away, his long legs swallowing up the ground quickly.

Mashiro blinked a few times to break from her stupor, "I should go before he leaves me behind," She scooped up her bag and glanced back at Orihime, "Thanks again, Orihime-chan! I have a feeling we'll be great friends!" She waved before continuing across the سٹریٹ, گلی and yelled after Kensei, "Come back here, dummy!"

Orihime raised a hand, moving it back and forth a bit, before she allowed it to fall limply to her side, "Friends…?"

It sounded nice coming from her lips and another smile caused people on the sidewalk to cast her double-takes in awe.

…

…

"I'm home."

"Ori-hi-me~!"

"Agh!"

The two women fell to the ground together, Orihime squished under her busty aunt. As the blonde squeezed her closer, she flushed a deep red.

"Get off—"

"You're late! Where were you? Were آپ on a date? Was it fun? Is he nice? When do I get to meet him?"

Her eyes grew larger, "R-Rangiku—"

"Or is it a girl? Well, I guess it doesn't matter. But don't آپ think all those years of practicing with cucumbers were a waste? یا maybe—"

"Gah! Could we not talk about that?"

"Oooh~ Look at that blush! It makes me wanna kiss you!"

"No!"

"Smoochie, smoochie~!"

And Orihime laughed as Rangiku smothered her cheek. Quickly, the blonde peeled back, eyes wide, and stared down at the girl in surprise. She was smiling, her eyes closed, cheeks pink, and appeared brighter than she'd ever seen.

Cocking her head to the side, she watched, mystified as Orihime opened her eyes and wiped her face clean, "What?"

She slid a hand on her forehead, "Are آپ feeling alright?"

Orihime slapped her hand away, "I'm fine." She sat up, huffing as Rangiku straddled her lap.

Blinking innocently, the busty blonde said, "You look different."

"I feel different." Timidly, the redhead glanced up at her, "Is that bad?"

"No!" Orihime raised a brow at her rushed answer, "I-I mean, it's good. It's really, really good." And she embraced her again, tugging her close to her.

Sora, Rangiku thought tenderly, I think it may finally be starting.