When the Sunshine Can't See the Light

You know I'm actually surprised that you guys are liking this story right now because to be honest I'm kind of half-ass'n it...am I allowed to say that?

This chapter's inspiration was "Sooner or Later" by Switch-foot. If you haven't already heard it definitely go check it out. If not for the sake of good music, then do it out of gratefulness since listening to it inspired me to ignore my half finished essay to write this chapter.

Story:

A strange surge of hollows have been invading Karakura and when the hero is just not fast enough, the damsel will be disabled. Now Ichigo must deal with his short comings and so must Orihime.

BIG thanks to Misinmyname (my wonderful beta) definitely check out her stories, they are WAY better than mine.

Disclaimer: yea sure why not

"Orihime..."

The room was still for a moment. Even their hearts seemed to stop beating. The intruder's loud, harsh breaths of exhaustion filled the room. The man at her door step straightened himself to his fullest height before the two women before him.

Clearing her throat, Rangiku plastered a big smile and boisterously made her way to the door with a flimsy excuse.

"Oh! Look at my wrist! Toshiro-kun wanted me to do that paperwork or something..." She slapped the young girl on the back jovially before skipping over to the exit.

She paused there for a moment and dropped her act. Placing a hand on the furious youth's shoulder she adopted a more serious, hushed tone. "You should stay close. Since she can't see anymore," she noticed the faint twitch in him when she brought up the incident "she likes physical contact. Hold her hand. Stroke her hair." She smirked for a second. "...cop a fe-" He glowered at her as she sauntered away with a poorly concealed laugh. Turning back to face the room again he focused on his mission.

She'd know that voice any where.

The sound of a door slamming closed met her ears, but the low timbre of the new-comer's voice shocked her much more than any bang could.

Her heart refused to race.

Heavy foot steps made their way across the room with out hesitation.

Instead, painfully slow and heavy thumps pounded through her slender body.

The smell of sweat and masculinity swept over her moments before she registered the sound of something heavy being dropped at her feet.

Her brow barely quirked in confusion before strong arms caught her slim waist in a bruising grip that took her breath from her.

Thin arms which had drifted upward from surprise slowly lowered to rest smooth palms on the head that was burried into her tummy.

"I'm sorry," he mumbled into her flat tummy. "Please...forgive me."

She bowed her head and bit her plump lower lip to keep it from trembling. Her fingers began to tug gently at his messy locks.

The hand on her back clenched tighter in response to the delicate ministrations. "Forgive me." He asked again.

A fragile smile wavered on her lips as tears slowly broke over her dark lashes. She choked on a sob and tightened the grip on his orange locks. Her knees gave out in minor increments from the overwhelming emotions within her. Eventually the two were slumped in such a position that she had straddled his lap where they remained intertwined. His forehead lay nestled between her slender neck and shoulder while she wept.

She had not spoken since his entrance but he could now feel her head nod vigorously against his own. He relaxed his needy hold and they cradled one another in their arms for a silent reunion.

"Ohhhhh! Look! Look! Look!"

A buxom beauty jumped and hollered atop a building while a short dark haired girl blushed madly behind her binoculars.

"Spying are we?" The younger woman jumped and hid the spectacles behind her back at the smooth feminine voice.

"Tsk, tsk. How disgraceful," added a second, masculine voice adding to the mischievous tone.

She stuttered a bit while regarding the stripped hat man and his purple-haired companion with bashfulness. Their smirks caused her to blush more and bow her head shamefully.

"Oh can it Kisuke," replied Rangiku in an unimpressed tone. Snatching the binoculars from the younger Shinigami she stole a peek across the street. "You've been here since before I left the damn apartment."

Yuroichi gave a boisterous laugh at her friend's expense.

"I suppose I've been caught," he mumbled into his ever-present fan.

Rukia took the opportunity to continue observing the touching scene across the street through the glass balcony doors. She quietly tapped on the taller woman's shoulder for the binoculars and they switched positions.

Just like my shojo! Thought the petite shinigami with an excited smile.

"Unlike you two, I actually have real business here." Rukia lowered the device a bit and tilted her head in curiosity to inquire about his comment. Eyes still trained on the young couple.

"What kind of business?" Rangiku tossed her long hair over a slender shoulder and propped both elbows on the wall behind her to continue watching across the street.

"Why, our dear friend Inoue's, of course..." The two nosy women jerked their heads around, attention fully on the sly shop-keep.

"We're listening." They chorused.

"I'm going to need...your assistance." The grin that crept across his face and Yuroichi's made Rukia shiver but Rangiku just smirked and rubbed her hands together excitedly.

The quiet was peace.

A room that should have been flowing with tension, anger and hurt instead guarded the young couple in their calm embrace. Muted sniffles escaped the girl's nose from time to time but they couldn't be less bothered by it. The two were nearly boneless against the other. His large hand made steady soothing circles against the small of her back while the other toyed with her long hair. She too comforted him with a swaying motion of her fingers over his broad shoulders and chest.

Shifting, she rested her head higher on left shoulder and let out a long sigh.

He quirked up and sat straighter. "Orihime?"

"Hmm?" She hummed lazily. Her crying had left her a bit drained and she was more than content to rest where she was.

"Is everything okay?" He asked worried.

"Mhmm." She hummed again, not bothering to open her eyes, what good would they do her now? Instead she stretched her smile a bit to reassure him and placed a soft peck on his cheek.

Taking her face in both hands he lead her to face to his so that he could look into her eyes. "Orihime-"

"Ichigo." She cut him off before he could ruin the moment. Her small hands came up to grasp his wrists. Her smile was still on her lips and she opened her eyes to show him that she was sincere. "I'm so happy that you're here."

Ichigo stiffened, but the change went unnoticed to Orihime. Looking into her eyes, he had been taken aback by the honesty. She sincerely desired his companionship despite his beastly nature. What had really struck him though, were how they could still express her deep emotions in such a tattered state.

The bright gray of her beautiful eyes had dulled somewhat. He could tell that she was not really seeing him from the unnatural stillness they maintained. His sharp vision picked up on the nearly invisible scars from her injuries. Imperceptible to anyone who hadn't seen the original injury. Anyone but him.

A smothering feeling overtook him for a moment and he tried to ignore the sick cackling of a demented presence in the back of his soul.

"Hn." He nodded and forced himself to relax under her. There was nothing he could do to take back what happened, but Ichigo vowed again to himself anyway.

"Never again."

Hope this helps those of you who have been waiting on this, make it to Christmas a little easier.(and just so you know, the X-mas release might be more like a new years release, just so you know). Thank you to all of those who reviewed the last chapter. To those of you who have not reviewed yet, I encourage you to do so. After all, everyone is doing it...or so they say.

Reviewer Appreciation

Somerlia, Copperheadfightingninja, JammersFlood, WestAnimeBrigade, Kana-chanchanchan, uzamaki898

Thank you all for your wonderful reviews. I apologize for not getting back to you sooner. If I missed anyone, Please let me know! I hate to make anyone feel under appreciated. Again, thank you all for your support.

Comment. Review.

Best,

Aijou