Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Inoue

Hello, everyone! Well, here I am…writing my first fanfic (I'm slightly nervous….O.o). I have been a long-time Bleach fan and I randomly had an idea for an IchiHime story, so I jumped on my computer and typed. I started to read more and more fanfics and I was struck with the urge to write about how Orihime would react to seeing her parents again.

I wrote this story for everyone who has suffered abuse, family deaths, or the splitting up of their family. It's a hard thing to go through, and it creates enough trauma and pain to last decades.

I made a lot of grammatical errors when I first uploaded this chapter, so I cleaned it up a little bit!

Disclaimer: Tite Kubo owns Bleach. I don't. Believe me-if I did Ichigo and Orihime would be together by now.

Hollow Ichigo's thoughts.

Regular thoughts

Chapter 1: Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Inoue

Ichigo yawned as he leaned back in his chair, slowly sinking into the small pieces of wood and metal that was his desk. Misato-sensei was going off on one of her nonsensical lectures again, and he seemed to be the only one who was zoning out. Ichigo tried to drown out her obnoxious voice and the annoying scratching sound of pencils viciously scribbling down notes on paper by staring out the window, trying to get lost in the deep blue sky. Ichigo felt relieved to get the window seat. Looking outside was much less irritating than staring at a damn chalkboard.

The truth was, Ichigo just wasn't motivated. After everything that's happened-Soul Society, the war with Aizen, and rescuing Inoue, it felt surreal to be going back to school like a regular high schooler. That was another thing that has been on his mind a lot recently-Orihime Inoue. He would catch himself staring at her, zoning out like an idiot. It's almost like his eyes were drawn to her.

Shit! Ichigo thought, mentally cursing himself. It happened again. He didn't even notice the fact that he was staring at her like a moron. She looked up at him and gave him a warm smile. Feeling his cheeks heat up, Ichigo quickly turned his head back towards the window. I'm just out of it today….

Ichigo has been thinking about Inoue more than usual. Sure, she's been a friend of his for as long as he could remember, but they were never very close. Ever since the "rescue mission" in Hueco Mundo, it seemed like she was always on his mind.

The bell rang, and Ichigo sprang up, silently thanking Kami that he was free from the constraint of his undersized desk. He grabbed his stuff, stretched, and looked over to Inoue. She was writing something down on a small piece of paper. Her gray eyes were still with concentration.

"Hey, Inoue," Ichigo said as he casually walked over to her desk.

Orihime jumped with surprise and looked up at Ichigo. She seemed to be surprised that he was talking to her. "H-Hello, Kurosaki-kun," she said with a warm smile. He noticed the adorable pinkish tint her cheeks had. Mentally slapping himself, Ichigo pointed at the piece of paper she was writing on.

"Are those notes? Class is over, you know."

"N-no, they aren't notes. These are actually new recipe ideas. I had some during class and I wanted to write them down so I can make them tonight. Look at this one! You only need tw-"

She was talking excitedly until Ichigo interrupted her, completely aware of her bizarre tastes in food. "Uh…sounds good," he said quickly, trying not to feel queasy.

There was an awkward silence between the two of them. Everyone else had left the class, excitedly talking about the latest Bad Shield movie. Ichigo stared at Orihime, and she stared back. They must have made eye contact for a full thirty seconds until Ichigo realized that she was blushing like a tomato.

"K-Kurosaki-kun, I-is anything wrong?" She asked nervously. Why is he staring at me? Kurosaki-kun never stares like this… Orihime felt that her cheeks were on fire. She quickly turned away from Ichigo, covering her face with her hands. Oh no! Why do I always get so embarrassed around Kurosaki-kun? She asked herself, silently wishing that she had more courage to talk to the man she loved.

Damnit! Ichigo cursed. Why do I keep doing that? He noticed that Orihime turned away, and he quickly tried to come up with something to say to her to start a conversation. He searched his mind for something to say to break the awkwardness, but he couldn't think of anything. Ichigo noticed that Orihime looked back up at him, her face a lot less red. Looking into her gray eyes, he said the very words that where on his heart all week:

"I'm glad your back, Inoue," he said gently, giving her one of his rare smiles. His gaze softened as his brown eyes looked at her caringly. Ichigo left the classroom, taking one last glance at her before walking through the door.

Orihime's heart melted. She was speechless. She waved her hand in front of her face, which was feeling very hot all of a sudden. Relax! She told herself. Its not like he asked you out or anything. Just as her face was turning back into its regular shade, she found herself blushing yet again. He is glad I'm back! Kurosaki-kun cares about me! She thought to herself as her heart did backflips inside of her chest.

As Ichigo was leaving the classroom, he noticed Tatsuki in the hallway. A smug grin was plastered on her face.

"What the hell are you smiling about?" Ichigo grunted.

"Oh, nothing," Tatsuki said innocently. Ichigo didn't like her tone. "I just didn't know you were such a softie," she teased with a big grin.

"Sh-Shutup!" Ichigo nervously yelled as he stormed down the hallway, trying to hide his blush. "You don't know what you're talking about!"

Its about time he started to notice Orihime. Tatsuki said to herself with a soft chuckle. Hehehe…I can't remember the last time Ichigo was this flustered. It is so obvious!

So, King. When are you going to make a move on the chick? She's got a nice rack!

Ichigo shook his head from side to side violently, trying to get the obscene voice to shut up. Be quiet! It's hard enough to think without your perverted side-comments!

Obviously amused with Ichigo's situation, his hollow side persisted. C'mon, King! I'm just a part of you! And I know you are thinking the exact same thing!

"Sh-Shutup!" Ichigo yelled aloud, scaring an elementary schooler who was passing by him half to death. Ichigo looked at the young girl, embarrassed at the fact that he was caught talking to himself. "What are you looking at?" He asked with a scowl. The girl just ran to her mom behind him.

"That man is scary!"

Orihime walked home, replaying what Ichigo had said to her earlier over and over again in her head like a DVD set on repeat.

"I'm glad your back, Inoue."

Orihime squealed as she remembered his soft smile and caring stare. She didn't care that she was making too big of a deal about it. It was just unusual for Ichigo to approach anyone like that. She felt like pumping her fists in the air, like she won some sort of contest or game.

As Orihime opened the door to her apartment, reality started to catch up to her and she started thinking sadder thoughts. But Ichigo has always been like that…he has always cared for his friends. And that's all I'll ever be…his friend….

Orihime plopped down on the nearest sofa, suddenly feeling tired. She could hardly believe that she was being held in Hueco Mundo only two weeks ago. Suddenly feeling chilly, she grabbed the nearest blanket and sat, deep in thought.

I just want him to love me back. Maybe, just maybe, in some kind of fantasy world, we can be together… she thought to herself. Orihime has had a crush on Ichigo since she first met him. Now, she knew that she loved the orange-haired Shinigami. Her heart started to sink. She was hit almost instantaneously by the realization that he never seemed interested in her. He would always grunt and wave her off when she tried to talk to him.

Orihime felt a headache coming on and massaged her temples. She convinced herself that she would always be Ichigo's friend, and nothing more. She knew that her love would always be unrequited.

I just wish I can get rid of these feelings…I must be a burden to poor Kurosaki-kun… she thought, remembering how Ichigo risked his life in countless battles, just to bring her back home.

Orihime snapped back to reality when she heard her doorbell ring. Its 8:30…who could that be?

Orihime moved towards the door, feeling her head throb more and more as the impatient person in the other side of the door pressed the doorbell repeatedly. Slightly annoyed at the impatience, she turned the brass handle and the door swung open.

An ecstatic middle-aged woman with reddish-brown hair that fell to her shoulders leapt onto Orihime, nearly crushing her with a giant bear hug. "Orihime! Sweetie…how have you been?" she asked excitedly.

"Erm…what?" Asked Orihime, completely clueless. It wasn't everyday that a middle-aged woman pounced on her.

"Don't tell me you forgot, dearie," the woman said, finally letting her go. Orihime gasped for breath and felt like her shoulders were dislocated. "Don't tell me you forgot your own mother!"

Orihime didn't quite register what the woman just said. "So what are y-…..wait…..MOTHER?" She yelled in disbelief.

"Took you long enough," teased the woman. "Oh my! You are beautiful! I can't believe this is my first time seeing you in thirteen years!"

Orihime was dumbstruck. She couldn't find the ability to open speak. This can't be real. This has to be some kind of dream. I must have eaten something bad…maybe I should listen to Tatsuki-chan about the food I eat…

Orihime stared at the woman in front of her who claimed to be her mother. She had shoulder-length auburn hair, gray eyes, and wrinkles that made her look older than she actually was.

"Well, dearie…I can see that you definitely got your beauty from me," the woman said, laughing. The woman glanced down at Orihime's well-endowed chest. "And these as well!"

Orihime was still too shocked to even be embarrassed. She pinched herself. Once. Twice. To be safe, three times. Nope, this wasn't a dream. This was real. This woman was her mother.

She felt like she was going to burst into tears. Even though she was three when Sora took her and left their hellhole of a home, she still had terrible memories of abuse and mistreatment at the hands of her not-so-loving parents. For her mother to suddenly show up, completely out of the blue, after thirteen years, was too much for her to handle.

"Wh-Where's d-dad?" She managed to choke out.

The woman's face hardened, making her look like an old woman. "He's….out right now." She said quickly. "Don't worry-he should be here soon enough." Immediately, her mouth grew into a huge grin and her face brightened up. "I can't believe how much you grew! Look at you!"

Orihime's mother walked into the apartment and looked around. Orihime noticed that she had a suitcase. What's going on? She thought desperately to herself. Why is she here? Why now? After all the trouble she put Sora and I through…the nerve! It was obvious that Orihime was still a little bitter, and for a good reason.

"Where's your brother?" Her mom asked as she looked around the apartment and placed her suitcase on top of the table.

Orihime felt hot, angry tears run down her cheeks. "He's….dead." Orihime replied, turning around and heading out the door into the cold night.

"Oh my…," her mother said, not knowing what else to say. She noticed Orihime walking out the door. "Where are you going dearie?"

"I'm going out for a little bit," Orihime replied between sobs.

"Don't stay out too late!"

Orihime's body quivered with anger as she felt hot tears run down her face. She tasted the saltiness of the tears in her mouth and her nose started to run.

WHY? WHY WHY WHY?

Orihime found herself standing in Karakura Park. She sat down on one of the cold benches and quietly cried to herself, ignoring the freezing weather.

"Inoue?"

Orihime's head jerked up. She knew that voice…it belonged to none other than Ichigo Kurosaki.

"Kurosaki-kun?" Orihime sniffed as she tried to wipe away her tears. She didn't even attempt to hide the surprise in her voice. "What are you doing here?"

This night can't get any weirder… Orihime thought to herself. Still, I'm so happy Kurosaki-kun is here.

"I usually stop here for a while after my 'Hollow Duties'," Ichigo explained, as if it was some kind of meager chore. Worry filled Ichigo's face, taking the place of his trademark scowl, when he realized that Orihime was crying. "Inoue…are you alright?"

Damn! Ichigo cursed to himself. I'm terrible with this sentimental stuff!

"Y-Yes," Orihime said, her voice quaking. She was a terrible liar. She hated to lie to Ichigo, but she didn't want to burden him with her problems. He already went through enough trouble because of her. "Its…just…I missed my favorite TV show."

What a lame excuse

"You're a bad liar," Ichigo said with a smile. His smile quickly turned into a grimace when he realized that Orihime was outside without a jacket for who knows how long.

Ichigo took a seat beside her. He shuddered as he felt the cold park bench through his Shinigami robes. Ichigo grabbed Orihime's hand (which, despite the weather, made her face heat up). It felt like a block of ice.

"Inoue, come with me," Ichigo commanded, not really giving her a choice. "You're going to freeze out here."

Orihime blushed as Ichigo covered her with one of his big, muscular arms. She instantly felt warmer.

"Now, what's the matter? I mean, if you don't want to, you don't have to tell me. But if you want to, its cool. I mean, I want you to tell me. But if you want to-"

Ichigo was cut off by a giggle. Shit! She probably thinks I'm a godamn idiot! She's probably gonna laugh in my face.

Orihime instead said something that surprised Ichigo. "Thank you, Kurosaki-kun. For everything."

Those five (and a half?) words made Ichigo's day. He tried to ignore the fact that his heart skipped a beat. He was nervous that Orihime would hear it beating through his chest. A slight blush covered his cheeks.

"My parents…came home," Orihime said, trying to swallow the lump in her throat. "After thirteen years…I haven't seen them…I haven't even talked to them…I don't even know how they found out where I live…"

Ichigo was also shocked by the news. They both had the same question. Summarized in one word: "Why?"

When the two got to Orihime's apartment, they were surprised to see a plump middle-aged man with his hair tied back in a ponytail. He had stubble all over his chin and upper lip and droopy, baggy eyes. He looked down from the apartment's patio and saw the two walking up to the door.

"Hime," he said gruffly. Despite the fact that they haven't ever even spoken a word to each other in thirteen years, he spoke casually, like he conversed with her all the time. "Who the fuck is he?"

There is something odd about this guy, Ichigo thought. How can the gentle, sweet, and…erm…good looking Orihime Inoue have a father like this?

Orihime recovered from her speechlessness and nervously introduced him to Ichigo. "We are classmates," she explained.

As a common courtesy, Ichigo extended his hand for a handshake. Orihime's father just stared at him with his saggy eyes. Ichigo felt uncomfortable, and right before he withdrew his hand, the strange man grabbed it tightly and gave it good couple shakes.

Ichigo shuddered and looked down at his hand. There was a bunch of grime and dirt in his palm. Why are his hands so callused and dirty?

After what seemed like an eternity, Orihime's father finally spoke up. "Where were you, Hime?"

Where were YOU? Orihime silently thought to herself. "I was at the park."

Ichigo felt a bad feeling in the pit of his gut. Something was terribly wrong with this picture. He felt sorry for Orihime…having virtually no family, and then having them show up out of the blue…

"Its getting late," Ichigo said politely, trying as hard as he can to get away from the uncomfortable scene in front of him. "I should head home."

After saying goodnight to Orihime and her father, Ichigo descended down the staircase. As he walked off into the darkness, he felt like some sinister set of eyes were watching him. He turned around and looked up at Orihime's apartment. Sure enough, her father's beady eyes where fixed on him-studying his every move. Shuddering, Ichigo turned back around and walked home.

After Ichigo left, Orihime opened the door to her apartment and proceeded to step inside, immediately feeling a pleasant blast of hot air. She was halted by her father.

"Its good to see you again," he said. "….Hime."

Orihime smiled, wiping away a few tears from her eyes. "Good to see you too, father."

It was late when Ichigo finally got to his house. His walk was uncomfortable. He kept thinking of "Mr. Inoue's" creepy stare. He felt tense. As his hands wrapped around the cold gray steel of the doorknob, he felt his body ease up. Exhaling a breath, he stepped inside of his warm, secure h-

Isshin, lying in ambush behind the door, managed to catch his son off guard with a flying sidekick to the back of his head.

"You let your guard down again, Ichigo!" Isshin cried, gloating like a little kid who won a game of hide-and-seek. "Your reflexes can't match those of your old ma-"

Isshin's victory monologue was cut short by a swift punch in the face. "DAMNIT! HOW LONG WERE YOU WAITING THERE?"

Isshin proudly smiled. "A couple hours," he said, bragging.

"YOU SHOULDN'T BE PROUD OF THAT!" Ichigo yelled.

Isshin sat up and stroked his beard. "Lesson #1: the enemy could be anywhere."

Ichigo walked up the stairs, uninterested in what his over-enthusiastic father had to say.

"Ichigo? Ichigo! YOUR DEAR FATHER IS TALKING TO YOU!" Isshin cried as he crawled towards his poster of Masaki. "Masaki! Our son won't heed the wise words of his poor old father!"

"Stop being such a drama queen," Karin said, not turning away from the television. "Its embarrassing."

Isshin only wailed louder as he told Masaki about their "rebellious children."

Ichigo stomped up the stairs into his bedroom, and plopped down on his desk chair, making a quite creaking sound. Kon, hearing that Ichigo was home, ran out from underneath his bed.

"Ichigo!" Kon yelled, waving his tiny lion paws to try to capture the Shinigami's attention. "Where have you been? Don't tell me…you where at Orihime-chan's house!"

Ichigo's blushing face confirmed Kon's suspicions.

"BASTARD!" Kon yelled as he viciously tackled Ichigo's arm (well, as viciously as a plush lion could, anyway). "MY SWEET ORIHIME WILL NOT BE TAINTED!"

Fuming with rage and embarrassment, Ichigo grabbed Kon's head and roughly threw him out of his room. Kon hit the floor in the hallway with a squeak, just as Yuzu was walking by.

"Bostov!" Yuzu yelled in delight as she picked up the plush lion. "Where have you been? You have missed so many tea parties! And I have the perfect new dress for you!"

Kon shuddered and eyed Ichigo with contempt as he was carried to Yuzu's room. I won't let you take my Orihime without a fight! He thought to himself. Ichigo just raised his eyebrow in amusement.

Ichigo sank into his chair and sighed. Closing his eyes, Ichigo replayed the events of that day in his head. Curiously, Ichigo's scowl turned into a warmhearted grin. He hated to admit it, but he loved his family. Isshin, Karin, Yuzu…sure, they were annoying (*cough* Isshin cough), but at least they had each other. His smile sank into a frown when he thought of Orihime's family.

I bet she would give anything to have a loving family….

Cute, King. That's so adorable!

Shutup! Why the hell do you have to kill the mood?

Eh, whatever. You know, you could've made a move on that Inoue girl earlier…hell, you might've even been able to-

Ichigo silenced his hollow before he finished the statement. You don't always have to give me your opinions. I don't give a shit.

Yeah, yeah. Keep telling yourself that, "Kurosaki-kun."

Growling, and suddenly feeling tired, Ichigo stood up and walked over to his bed. He kicked off his shoes and lazily collapsed onto his soft mattress. As he closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep, his thoughts drifted to a certain auburn-haired girl…

I bet she would give anything to have a loving family….

-Chapter 1 End-

Well, that's chapter 1! I hoped you liked it! PLEASE REVIEW! Don't make me beg! I want to know what you guys thought. Please don't be (too) mean! No one likes flamers!

Anyways, I was really excited about this chapter! I have a lot of plans for this story! (Rubbing my hands together and laughing evilly).

Oh, and sorry for any misspellings or grammar errors…hehehe I'm bad a proofreading my own work. (Although, strangely, I'm very good at checking other people's work. Weird, huh?).

I should have chapter 2 posted in no time! Remember to review please! And thanks for reading!

-Venchi