Reunion

AN: The end of chapter six was removed due to fanfic request. I think this will be the last chapter. If you'd like to see what happened during the trial feel free to let me know, if enough people are interested I'll add more to it but I just like the idea of leaving it open. Thank you for taking the time to read this story!

The week went by in a flash for the tight group of friends. Monday found everyone but Orihime going back to their normal schedules filled with school, work, and extracurricular activities. Isshin offered Orihime a chance to help at the clinic. She was thrilled to be of assistance and learn something new. Plus, it was her way of trying to pay back a little of what he did for her.

Tuesday night the Kurosaki's came home to a house that smelled delicious. The young woman went all out, making a little of everything so each member of the family was able to eat their favorite food. Much to Ichigo surprise, it all looked normal. Well, minus Inoue's plate that looked odd with red bean paste on everything. He wasn't even sure what she was eating under it… To each their own though.

Wednesday was a bit of a struggle. Orihime had everything ready to go back to school and get caught up with all their classes. It was their last year in high school and she didn't want to jeopardize it by not having enough "seat time" to graduate.

Isshin had offered to drop them off since Orihime still needed to act as if she can't walk well and needed crutches. The teens agreed and enjoyed the ride. Isshin had been very calm this morning and seemed to be trying to make the transition as easy as possible. Or that's what they thought.

Ichigo had just closed the door after helping Orihime out when it happened.

Rolling down the window, Isshin yelled, loudly, "Goodbye my sweet boy! Daddy loves you!" He then blew a dramatic kiss to his son before driving off, a loud laugh was heard as he pulled out of the drop off lane.

"Fucking Old Man! I'm going to kill him tonight." The pissed teen growled out as he stomped towards the entrance to the building. He paused mid-step when he heard the sound of betrayal.

Slowly turning, Ichigo saw his "girlfriend" full fledge laughing. When he met her eyes, she quickly tried to stop but the shaking of her body didn't stop. Lifting an eyebrow at her in a questioning manner, Orihime lost it and started laughing even harder.

"I'm so sorry, Kurosaki-kun!" She tried to stop but she couldn't help it. That was a brilliant plan on Isshin's part to make his son feel safe before doing something he knew Ichigo wouldn't be able to retaliate for.

"And what, may I ask, is so funny?" He sounded angry but his smirk gave him away.

"Nothing." She giggled while they slowly made their way toward the entrance to switch into their inside slippers before going to first period. When Orihime walked into the classroom everyone stopped talking and stared.

Ichigo was behind her to hold the door open so he didn't realize why she stopped. "Is everything okay?" He questioned.

"Yes, sorry." Orihime put her head down and slowly made her way past different desks till she reached her own and sat down. Now she had a new problem, where did she put her crutches? As if reading her mind, Chad came over and took them from her and helped lay them between her and the wall so no one would trip on them, but she could still get them if she needed to get up.

"Thank you." She smiled up to her tall friend before noticing that once again, everyone was watching her like a hawk. That didn't last long though when Ichigo sat down and realized what was going on he was quick to nip it in the bud.

"Oi! What the hell are you lookin' at?"

His harsh words caused everyone to snap their attention to him before going on with what they were doing beforehand. No one wanted to piss off Ichigo for fear of his temper. Thankfully the teacher walked in, causing everyone to focus on the board.

The rest of the day went by fairly well, except any time someone was able to get the healer alone, they'd ask what happened to her. Some were even bold enough to ask if she needed protection from Ichigo. When the final bell rang, both Orihime and Ichigo were ready to go home.

Isshin left the clinic around the time the kids got home. He wanted to make sure all the paperwork was in order and double check everything. If he was the reason a report was thrown out of court, Isshin didn't know what he'd do. While he was downstairs in the kitchen going over everything, Orihime was upstairs trying on her third outfit.

"Inoue, you look great in everything. Just pick one." Ichigo was on the verge of begging. While his hollow was grumbling about not being able to watch her change.

"Oh Kurosaki-kun, it has to be perfect." Orihime lightly chided her boyfriend. She knew it wasn't something he'd normally do but since they were all hanging out he'd suck it up.

The two younger girls watched the couple bicker in awe. Yuzu had a smile on her face, loving how well the two fit. Orihime was the sun and Ichigo was the moon. Karin was laughing on the inside at her older brother's pain. She found it hilarious he was watching Orihime show off different outfits that she could barely tell a difference in. He must really care about her or he would have left already. Both girls were happy their brother found someone, even if Karin still didn't understand how he snagged Orihime.

"Forget the outfits, what I want to know is if you two are really a couple," Karin smirked when everyone froze, clearly thrown off by her comment.

"Karin!" Yuzu couldn't believe her sister would say such a thing.

"What? Out of all people, why do they still call each other by their sur names?" Didn't Yuzu understand that's what little sisters do? They put their big brothers in awkward situations.

She had a point, even Ichigo could admit it, he knew it was odd they still were formal with each other when they were dating but calling Inoue by her given name seemed too personal. Orihime felt the same. She had loved him from afar for so long, calling him Ichigo after only a few months of dating might be too soon. The last thing either of them wanted was to overwhelm or possibly make the other uncomfortable.

"Oh hush, Karin. I think it's cute. Ignore her and show us the next outfit!" The blonde cheered. Ichigo was secretly thanking every God he knew that at least one of his sisters were good. Fitting that one of the twins were evil.

"O-okay. I'll be quick, I promise." She looked at her boyfriend as she spoke the last part, hopefully keeping him at ease.

This last outfit was perfect. Orihime was wearing black leggings with a long white sweater. It was comfy and casual while still looking nice for her aunt. Yuzu quickly stood and started pulling Inoue down to the mirror so she could do her hair, it was a simple bun, but Yuzu added her clips to the side of the bun to stand out.

Smiling at her reflection, the young woman reached for the blonde's smaller hands and held them tight. "Thank you, so much."

"Of course, it's what family does."

The two shared a look before they finished packing her clothes. It was finally time to go home and meet with her aunt face to face.

Isshin pulled up to Orihime's apartment complex, deciding to park in the back to give her a little more time to breathe. Kurosaki-san figured she'd be worried about meeting her aunt in person. Helping her up the stairs, Isshin and Ichigo stood behind her (Ichigo had her suitcase), they waited for her aunt to open the door. Even though barging in on the woman who dropped everything to help.

The front door opened to reveal a woman in her 40s, with short light red hair. She had grey eyes with light makeup to bring out her natural beauty. She was a little shorter than Inoue, wearing pants and a long sleeve shirt.

"Orihime? Oh, my goodness, look at you! You are even more beautiful in person." She moved to go in for a hug but stopped before touching her. She wasn't sure how to greet someone she'd only met in person once. Plus, Ann felt guilty. If she would have fought harder when Orihime was younger, this might never have happened.

Straightening herself, she stepped back to let the others enter the apartment. "Please, come in."

Once everyone was sitting down in the small living room, Isshin started some basic chit chat to gauge how Orihime would be with Ann after they left. He could tell they were a little uncomfortable with each other, but he felt they'd be okay with him and his son leaving.

Ichigo hugged Orihime before he left, realizing he'd miss not seeing her first thing in the morning and the last thing at night but it was time to get back to reality.

With the men gone, Orihime and Ann changed into their pajamas and met in the kitchen for a cup of tea. Once both ladies had a nice, steamy cup in hand, they started discussing what was going on.

"Orihime, dear, I'm so sorry I wasn't here for you. I never should have left you. I-"

"Stop, I don't blame you and I know no one else does either."

"But I'm the adult, it was my job to look after you! That, it doesn't matter I suppose. I'm here now and I want to help. I spoke to my husband and job, we were able to work it out so I can take leave from work, I'll be here for you every step of the way." Ann was trembling, she placed her teacup on the counter, alongside Orihime's to take the young woman's hands in her own.

"Thank you, I start therapy tomorrow. I'm excited yet nervous. Does that even make sense?" Orihime worried.

"Yes. You've been through so much for such a young age. It won't be easy, but I know you'll come out of this better than before."

They shared a watery smile and chatted a little longer before heading to bed. Isshin also replaced Orihime's old couch with a hide a bed. The young teen took the pull-out bed while her aunt took the bedroom. Everything was starting to look up.

School went much smoother on Thursday, no one dared ask any questions and Orihime was able to convince Ichigo to eat lunch with his friends on the roof while she ate by the trees with hers. He may have agreed but she could feel his eyes on her the whole time. She smiled up towards the roof, knowing full well he'd see before going back to talking with her friends.

When school ended, Ichigo had to work but Ann was there to take Orihime to her first therapy session. Her aunt waited outside for it to end. Hoping she'd stick with it, she knew from experience that your first session was mainly getting to know you, what goals you may have and a general idea on what the two of you would work on. It could be scary to look at the big picture the first time you're meeting someone.

Finishing her third magazine, Ann turned towards the door as her brave, young niece exited the room.
Her counselor called after her, "I'll see you on Tuesday and then again on Thursday."

"Twice a week?" Ann asked.

"Yes, she said when we get to a point where she feels we can move down to once a week we will but right now it's best for me to see her twice a week in order to make sure I'm handling things well and if I need anything, I'll see her regularly," Orihime answered.

"Makes sense, how did it go?"

"It was good! I was a little nervous but we were able to cover a quick summary of why I'm here and give me support during the trial. I'm excited to see some changes. Our main goal is to get everything in the open, she said breaking down in a safe place and start healing will help with my trial."

"I'm really proud of you, Orihime. Let's go home and order take out, maybe watch some syfy movies?"

"Yes!" Orihime cheered at the idea of yummy food and a few movies. Thankfully she didn't have much homework, so she was able to get it all done while they waited for food. Before bed, she sent a text to everyone to let them know how it went and what the plan was moving forward. Everyone was thrilled with the update and promised to meet up early for school so they could all chat.

Inoue Ann was awarded temporary custody of Orihime that Friday. They were also informed that the trial would start in two months' time. Those months were filled with girls nights every Sunday, even Karin and Yuzu would join them from time to time.

Orihime was taking her therapy seriously and was making progress, while she was terrified to go to court, she felt better each day knowing she'd finally get justice.

Ann was proud to see her niece was so well rounded, in high school it was common to see new couples spend all their time together and neglect their friends but not Orihime. She was getting better physically, off crutches (Orihime was thrilled to stop acting like she needed them), bonding with her friends and going on dates with Ichigo. Ann may have thought they were too serious she also saw how the young man looked at Orihime when he thought no one was looking. They were in love, not puppy love that would fade over time but true one of a kind love.

Orihime was proud of herself too. Mentally, she was starting to see that whatever the reason her parents didn't love her had nothing to do with her. They had their own issues they needed to work out and sadly, Orihime and her brother were the ones on the receiving end of their anger.

Ichigo and Orihime had moved past their shy nature and started expressing their feelings more openly. Still, no kissing but Orihime figured it was due to him not wanting to push her and she was thankful for that. While she loved him dearly, she was still working on her body's response to being close to a man. Her therapist told her it was normal and would take time.

It was finally the day before the trial. Orihime had been sitting by her living room window all day but Ann let her stay home from school. It was a Tuesday and she knew the teen wouldn't be focused on anything going on in class so why put her through it. Around lunchtime Ann received a text from an unknown number.

Unknown: This is Kurosaki Ichigo, my dad gave me your number. Would be cool with you if I surprised Inoue tonight. I'd take her to dinner and maybe to her favorite park, just to get her out of the house and maybe even relax a bit (This text took him all morning to get right. Poor guy wasn't sure how you speak to your girlfriend's aunt).

Ann: Shouldn't you be class, young man? I think that's a wonderful idea. She's been sitting by the window all day without saying anything (Ann knew from talking to Isshin that Ichigo wasn't one to ask permission and wanted to tease him a bit).

Ichigo: I'm at lunch right now. We've all texted her but she hasn't responded so I figured she was lost in her own thoughts. Can I swing by around 4? That way she can be home early.

Ichigo: Please.

Ann laughed at the poor guy. Clearly, he was uncomfortable texting her, but she'd give him credit for respecting her as Orihime's guardian and asking her first. She knew it was a change for everyone to have Orihime answer to someone, but everyone did a wonderful job at asking her permission.

Ann: Of course, I'll make sure she's ready without giving anything away.

True to her word, Orihime was dressed in a pair of jeans and sweater when Ichigo knocked on the door, right at 4pm.

Knock knock knock

"Orihime, could you please answer that?" Ann called out with a smirk.

Making her way towards the door, Orihime opened it to be graced with her boyfriend covered in blush.

Rubbing behind his neck, Ichigo offered her a large bouquet.

"Oh my goodness! Thank you Kurosaki-kun!" Orihime quickly took the offered flowers and vase to the kitchen to show her aunt. Completely forgetting to invite the man in.

"Ann-san, look at what he brought me!" The ecstatic young woman cheered with the flowers hiding her face.

"They are wonderful! Did you invite the poor man in?" Ann laughed. It was wonderful to see Orihime so excited for once.

Gasp! "Oh no!" Inoue quickly put the vase on the counter before rushing back to the door where Ichigo was still standing. When she made it back to his side he simply laughed.

"I'm glad you like them, Inoue. It's called "Smiles and Sunshine" I wasn't sure what to get but figured that would be perfect for today." The brightly haired man felt the blush creeping up his face, but he didn't care. This was about her and he'd embarrass himself if it meant she'd be happy.

"They're perfect" she smiled as she leaned in to give him a sweet hug.

"Anyways, I'm here to take you out. Grab your shoes and coat."

"Really? Is that okay, Ann-san?"

"Yes, he already asked me earlier. You two go have fun!" Ann called out from the kitchen.

Grabbing her coat and throwing on her flats, Orihime took Ichigo's offered arm and made their way down the stairs of her apartment building and off to a fun dinner. It was a simple meal, light chit chat about what was happening at school, clubs, and the Kurosaki family. They were careful to leave all talk of the trial off the table.

After dinner, the two teens made their way towards the city park by the river. It was nice, the sun hadn't set yet, but the park was vacant. Everyone was home having dinner so the two were able to enjoy themselves without fear of others overhearing them.

When they sat by the river, Ichigo pulled Orihime close to his side, wrapping his arm around her. Tomorrow was going to be hell and he knew it wasn't going to get easy until it was over, and she could finally move on. There was something he wanted to do before that, something he wanted to say but still worried it was too soon.

'Agh! Why is this so complicated?'

It's not. You're just stupid.

'I will fucking kill you.'

Keep ignoring Queen and it won't matter what you do.

"Kurosaki-kun?" Orihime called for the second time.

"Huh? Yeah, sorry."

She giggled at his response before telling him to say hello to his hollow for her. "Tell Hollow-san hello for me!"

Queeny is perfect. I can't wait to get her in to be-

Ichigo shut the door to his hollow and focused on his girlfriend. He could do this! He needed to, if he waited Orihime would always worry if his feelings were real or not.

"Is something wrong?" The young woman worried.

"No, I just… I need to tell you somethin' but I don't wanna pressure you into anything."

"Okay, you can tell me anything." She was worried the trail might be too much for him, maybe he didn't want to go anymore?

"In- gah, this is stupid. Can I call you Orihime? Wait, before you answer, I want to call you Orihime because I love you. I don't know how you did it but you managed to find your way into my heart. I don't want you to ever wonder if my feelings are because of everything going on or if I'll be there for you with the trail. I'm for you, always." He looked directly into her eyes the whole time. He needed to her see he was being honest with her, that things sucked now but she'd have him for as long as she'd take him.

"R-really?" She gasped, completely caught off guard by his confession.

"Really." He wasn't sure what he expected from her but that wasn't the response he hoped for.

"Kurosaki"

"Ichigo."

"Ichigo-kun, I, I love you too." Acting on instant alone, Orihime leaned in close and gently touched her lips to his.

Both froze for a moment before slowly moving their lips in a slow dance, nothing rush, never taking it too far, just sweet kisses with whispered "I love you" in between.

Whatever happened tomorrow, through the trial, and after wouldn't matter. The two of them would be okay and she was strong enough to handle whatever life threw her way.