A multitude of questions bombarded them as the group exited the gargantua into Urahara's shop. Ichigo ignored them all and walked calmly to a corner, sitting down with his back to the wall. Orihime followed him silently and once he was settled, she called forth her healing dome and wrapped him in it. Ichigo said nothing during this time, opting instead to send her a thankful look and block out the sounds of conversation around him. Grimmjow's words and actions still rang throughout his mind leaving his emotions in a volatile state. The bite mark was no longer on Orihime's neck but he could still clearly picture the Espada's teeth sinking into his woman's neck. Anger surged through his body and his hollow continued to make his presence known. For now, Ichigo tried his best to ignore the base cries of his counterpart. Once they were finished reporting he would take action.

"Kurosaki-san, is everything okay?" he heard the shopkeeper ask.

"Yeah. Thanks Orihime."

She lowered her dome as the healing was complete and turned her attention to the group.

"Okay then." Urahara said, though he looked as if he didn't believe the young man. "You were saying Byakuya-taicho."

"We encountered no other Arrancar nor felt any other reiatsu in the surrounding area. There do not appear to be any other to threaten us at this time."

"Grimmjow said the last two left the area. He claims they have no wish to fight us and left to be in peace." Orihime offered.

"Perhaps he was telling the truth then. I'm glad the trip was a relatively easy one, besides Kurosaki-san getting injured that is."

"Yes well, at least the last Espada has been taken care of. It does seem as if the last remaining threats left by Aizen have been removed." Ishida commented.

"Tch, it was a waste of time if you ask me." Kenpachi supplied. "I'm heading back." He opened a senkaimon and left the group.

"Come Renji." Byakuya said and followed the captain of the 11th squad.

"Yes taicho. Come on Rukia, we're done here I guess."

"Ichigo, we'll be in touch." the petite shinigami said and left to follow the others.

"Yeah, see ya."

"Thank you for your assistance in this matter Urahara-san." Toshiro's stoic voice said. "Come everyone. We have completed our mission here."

Rangiku ran to Orihime and embraced the young woman. "I'll try to come back and see you real soon Orihime-chan. Take care of everyone okay?"

"I will Rangiku-san. Take care."

Orihime watched with sadness as the last group of her shinigami friends left the world of the living. Though she was sad to see them go, she was happy that this tumultuous time in her life had passed. She knew they would keep their word and she would see them again soon. For now, she could once again focus on her normal life.

"I'm certainly glad this is over." Ishida said.

"So am I Ishida-kun. Though I will miss everyone." Orihime said.

"Fear not Inoue-san. I'm sure you will see them all again soon. Though hopefully, it will not be under such dire circumstances." Urahara said.

"I know. Thank you though Urahara-san."

"Ichigo!" Kon said as he entered the room in the substitute's body. "You should thank me for coming down here and bringing your body back to you! I could be spending the last precious moments of free time I have checking out the beautiful women of this town but I gave that up to come greet you!"

Ichigo stood slowly and pulled Orihime up with him. He didn't turn to face Kon but walked slowly towards the exit, speaking to him over his shoulder.

"Kon, go back home. If my father asks, tell him I'll be home in the morning." He gently pulled Orihime through the door and left the room without a backwards glance.

The occupants of the room watched him leave with obvious questions on their faces.

"What was that about? Is he staying with Orihime-chan tonight?" Kon asked.

"I'm fairly certain he is and I hope she can get him out of this mood he's in. His reiatsu has barely calmed down since we left Hueco Mundo." Ishida said.

Urahara smiled behind his open fan. He was sure the young vizard would be fine in the morning, though he had no intention of telling that to his guests.

-xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx-

"Ichigo-kun, what's going on? Are you okay?" Orihime asked for what seemed like the hundredth time as they hastily made their way to her apartment. Since leaving Urahara's shop, Ichigo had not said one word. She could still feel his reiatsu swirling violently about him and his face was etched with a deep scowl. He gave up walking to her place shortly after they left and swept her into his arms as he took to the skies in his haste to reach their destination. When he reached her front door, he finally placed her back on her feet to allow her to search for the key. She quickly opened the door but before she could even enter she felt him gather her in his arms and rush them inside. The sound of the door slamming shut barely registered with her as his lips were aggressively planted on hers, blocking out the world around them. His kiss was all consuming, almost violent in its intensity. One of his hands fisted in her hair, pulling backwards to open her up for him even further. Orihime was quickly swept up in the emotions coming from her boyfriend and submitted to him fully. His other hand ran down her back before slipping into her clothes and squeezing the bare flesh of her buttocks. The pleasantly shocked squeal that came from her was lost in his mouth.

Pulling her head to the side, Ichigo ripped his mouth from hers to run kisses across her jaw and down her neck. He heard her moan of pleasure as he pressed her hips into his own. As he found the particular area he was searching for, he forced her against the wall and latched onto the juncture of her neck. He sucked greedily at the area, ensuring his mark on the woman would be seen by all.

Orihime moaned at the pleasure pain sensation he was causing on her skin. Her back pressed against the wall as she arched into his touch.

"He touched you." She heard his rough voice say against her skin. His hands squeezed her flesh as he pulled her even tighter against himself. "No one touches you except me." he ground out.

Orihime could only whimper in response as he once again returned his lips to her flesh. She felt his teeth press against her skin almost too painfully before his tongue came out to sooth the affected area. His hands roamed her body, squeezing her curves as if to ensure himself she was intact. Needing relief from the sinful sensations coursing through her, she pressed her hips into his fully and felt the hard evidence of his arousal in his hakama. Her hands slipped into his kosode, fingers grazing against his hot skin. As his hands pulled at the waist band of her pants, he lifted his head to hers.

She was momentarily shocked as she met his eyes. His chocolate orbs peered into hers, but his left eye was partially colored in the black calling of his hollow. It didn't fully darken but neither did it recede. She searched his reiatsu quickly only to find it exactly as it was when they left the shop. His own lighter reiatsu was still in control but she could still feel the darkness of his hollows.

"Orihime." his sensual voice rippled over her. "I need you now."

She realized both he and his hollow were reeling from the slight Grimmjow made and they wanted to once again mark her as their own. While some small, very small, portion of her brain told her she should be wary of his hollows presence, her body answered his primitive, animalistic call with her own. She felt the throb in her lower region at the feral look in his eyes and whimpered loudly in response. His mouth crashed against hers once more as his hands quickly discarded her pants and literally ripped the shirt from her body, leaving her naked before him save for her black lacy bra. She raised her right leg to wrap around his hips and threw her head back in abandon as he latched onto her clothed breast.

"Shit." He whispered harshly against her skin when he pushed his hands between them to run his fingers against her folds. Finding her already soaked in response to him nearly sent his eyes rolling back in his head.

"Ichigo." She moaned sensually above him as she ground her pelvis into his probing fingers. In no time he dropped his hakama, not even bothering to step out of them, freeing his hardened member. He came back up to feast on her mouth as he grabbed her ass and lifted her off the ground. She wrapped her other leg around his hips for support and he plunged into her. Tearing her mouth from his, she let out a loud moan as they came together. His head dropped to her neck as he pressed her tightly against the wall.

"So fucking good." he muttered against her skin. He pulled back and plunged into her again causing her hands to fist in his hair and tighten her hold on his shoulders. Her cries of pleasure echoed off the walls as he pounded into her. Their lovemaking before had been intense but sweet.

This...this primal act she was engaging in now was so raw it set her nerves on fire. Ichigo demanded everything from her, allowing her to hold nothing back as he took all she had. She welcomed it. Welcomed it so much she was nearly ashamed of her own actions. She didn't have time to be ashamed though, as she was lost in the overwhelming sensations coursing through her body. Their lovemaking now was so intense it bordered on violent and it turned her on so much she nearly questioned her own morals.

Another load moan ripped from her throat as Ichigo ground into her, hitting a spot somewhere deep inside that sent her muscles quivering. His body seemed to meld into hers as he pushed her into the wall and gripped her hips tightly.

"Mine, mine, mine..." she heard his harsh voice whisper against her skin in tune to his thrusts. It all became too much for her body and she exploded, screaming his name into the empty apartment, as wave after wave of pleasure ripped through her body. His own cries mixed with hers, as she felt a rush of warmth enter her.

They clung to each other, her shaking legs still wrapped around his hips. She planted kisses along his skin as she rested her head against his shoulder.

"I love you. I love you so much." she whispered to him.

With a grunt, he stepped out of his fallen hakama and carried her to her bedroom before gently depositing them both onto her bed. A slight gasp came from her mouth as she felt him leave her body. His hands reached behind her to unclasp her bra. When the garment was removed, he bent down and lavished her rosy nipple with his tongue. Her back arched into his mouth.

"I-ichi...Ichigo?" she stammered in question.

"We're nowhere near done 'Hime." He answered in between the kisses he placed along her milk white skin. His mouth slowly made it's way back up her body, his hands skimming soft touches as he went. Before he kissed her once again she looked into his hooded eyes, noting the black coloring had faded completely away. His hollow must have been appeased but it seems her lover was far from finished. His tongue ran over the sensitive surfaces of her mouth as she felt his hands gently parting her thighs to allow him room in between. Her nails scraped against his shoulders as he descended her body once again.

Ichigo slowly kissed his way down her body, pausing at times to pay special attention to the areas that caused her to moan louder. His hands caressed her thighs as he spread them wider. Discarding the kosode that still clung to his frame, he knelt down between her open legs and placed a soft kiss to her curls. She gasped and grabbed lightly at his hair.

"I-I-Ichigo...no...that's not..."

He ignored her meager protests and ran his tongue along her dampened flesh. Her reaction was immediate. A loud moan filled the air as her hips bucked upwards and her hands curled into his hair. He chuckled and continued his assault. His tongue moved deftly over her folds before sliding to her very core. The sounds coming from Orihime were so intoxicating he almost began stroking himself in response. He turned his attention to her small nub and her hands clenched in his hair. Over and over again he flicked the tightening flesh and her loud cries echoed off the walls. The bucking of her hips increased so much he pinned her to the bed with his calloused hands, never pausing in his ministrations. He felt her thighs beginning to shake and her grip on his hair tightened almost painfully. As her heel dug into his back he gently nibbled on her and she exploded around him again.

Her harsh breathing was the only sound in the room. As he climbed back up her body he relished the sight of her spent from passion. Her lashes fluttered before exposing her shining eyes to him.

"I love you." he uttered against her kiss swollen lips. She only hummed in response and kissed him lazily. His fingers trailed down her body and hitched under her left knee. He slowly raised the appendage before hooking his arm around it. She gasped as he ran his hardened member across her now overly sensitive folds.

"Kami Ichigo...I...I can't."

"Yes you can." he whispered and kissed her again. "I wanna hear you again."

"Ichi..." he entered her slowly, cutting off her sentence as she inhaled sharply from the delicious feeling of being filled once again. His movements began slow, taking in every sensation of their bodies joining as one. She gripped his shoulders as her eyes shut tight from the tremors already racking her body. She could hear his harsh breathing as he increased his pace.

"Look at me."

She opened her eyes and met his piercing gaze as their bodies slid against each others. Her pleasure only increased as their eyes never wavered form one anothers.

"You're mine 'Hime."

Tendrils of pleasure began leaking into every area of her body as his chocolate gaze held her own, his words washing over her, his body branding her with his heat.

"Forever." The word was spoken as a command and her mind, body, and soul all seemed to cry out in unison as she agreed loudly.

"Yes Ichigo!" She could only hear his cries of passion as white lights obscured her vision when she came again. She clung to his frame as the tremors racked her body and she welcomed the sleep that beckoned her.

-xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx-

The smell of fresh coffee and pastries greeted her as she awoke the next morning. Her hands reached around the bed for her lover but found it to be empty. Shaking the last remnants of sleep from her mind, she slowly eased out of bed. The tiredness of her muscles reminding her of the nights activities brought a strong blush to her cheeks but also a bright smile. She slipped on a fresh pair of pajamas before exiting her bedroom and smiled brighter at the sight that greeted her. Ichigo was at her kitchen counter pulling fresh muffins out of a bag and placing them onto two plates. Two cups of coffee were soon filled, one in which he placed several cubes of sugar. No matter how mundane it seemed, the fact that he remembered how she liked her coffee touched her heart.

"Good morning." She said as she entered the room.

"Morning. Go ahead and sit down. I'll bring these in there."

Her smile never left as he brought their breakfast to the table. She sipped the coffee as she sank back into the couch cushions.

"Mmm. That's what I needed this morning. Thanks."

"You're welcome. Sorry but I'm not exactly a chef so I ran out to get muffins."

"The muffins are wonderful. Thank you." she admitted with a smile. His own smile seemed to be somewhat strained and he turned away from her. "What's wrong?"

"About last night," he began, "I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"I didn't even realize it until this morning." he finally turned to face her as he spoke. "I...I didn't use a condom." he admitted quietly.

Her head tilted slightly as she thought about the night before. "Oh yeah, we didn't did we?"

"Orihime! How can you not be worried about it?"

"Well, after...umm...after the first time, I started birth control." She admitted with a blush.

"Oh...oh that's good then." Ichigo said. "Still, I'm sorry. I just couldn't..."

"Ichigo-kun," she said when his voice trailed off and his skin began to flush. "It's okay. I..." her own voice trailed off. Until she opened her mouth it didn't occur to her how hard it would be to say it was the most amazing, intense experience of her life; even to the man she loved. No matter the position they had been in last night, she still found herself embarrassed to speak the words out loud. She opted to convey her meaning in another way.

"So..." she began with a mischievous smile "Is your hollow better now?" she giggled as she said it.

He blushed fiercely and ducked his head.

"I'm just wondering." she continued to giggle.

" 'Hime." he warned.

"Not that I minded or anything."

"Orihime!"

"Though, I'm pretty sure he was fine after the first time."

Ichigo pushed her back onto the couch and tickled her until she was laughing loudly and panting for breath. He stopped his assault and gathered her close in his arms.

"It wasn't just the bastard that was bothered." he admitted lowly.

"I know." she whispered into his hair. He held her a while longer before pressing a quick kiss to her lips and ushering her to the shower.

"What's the rush? It's the weekend." she said as she disappeared into the bathroom.

"Tatsuki'll be over here soon. She called while you were still asleep." he called back before the water began running.

Orihime emerged from her bedroom dressed and ready 30 minutes later. "I forgot to ask, when did you go get your body?"

Ichigo turned from the tv to face her. "Before I got breakfast. I'm gonna go home for a while and let you and Tatsuki talk. Call me whenever you're done okay?"

"Okay."

He leaned down and pressed a sweet kiss to her lips before leaving. She sighed as he left and wondered, once again, if she would ever get used to his kisses.

-xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx-

"No matter what you do it's gonna look the same."

"Shut up old man!"

Ichigo did his best to ignore his father as he tried to get his unruly hair to co-operate. Regardless of how many times and different ways he brushed it or styled it, eventually it went back to the same slightly messy look that was always present. Not that he normally gave a shit but tonight was different. It was his one year anniversary with Orihime and he wanted everything to go perfect tonight.

Since the last of the Arrancar had been defeated, the group had been able to resume a somewhat normal life. There were still hollows that attacked but after fighting Aizen and his bunch, a normal hollow was an easy opponent. Ichigo was now able to focus on school and his relationship with Orihime. He loved her deeply but trying to spend time alone with her could be somewhat difficult.

So many times on their dates he would have to abandon his body to take care of a hollow or she would see a lost soul and ask him with her doe eyes to give them a konso so they wouldn't be attacked. Once, Rangiku interrupted a private moment between them when she showed up unannounced at 'Hime's apartment (thankfully it hadn't gotten that far). The worst, by far, was his father sneaking around the house trying to spy on them no matter what they were doing! He couldn't even watch a movie in peace with her without feeling his father's prying eyes on his back.

He'd already threatened his father within an inch of his life if he tried to leave the house tonight and Ishida agreed to take over hollow duties. He didn't want anything to spoil his night with Orihime. She deserved so much and though he couldn't always deliver on it, he swore he would tonight.

He descended the stairs, ignoring the laughter coming from his sister's bedroom. They had insisted Orihime come over to get ready for tonight and though he wished to pick her up at her apartment (away from the prying eyes of his family) he knew she enjoyed spending time with them. Jinta sat on the couch in his living room watching TV and ignoring his presence as he walked in. Unfortunately, the little bastard was still with Yuzu and was a frequent visitor to their home. A few months into their relationship, he went back to his normal attitude with Ichigo, which suited him just fine. Regardless of his attitude towards the young red head, he never treated Yuzu with disrespect and was always gentle with her. On that premise alone had the two men been able to form a tentative bond.

"Big plans tonight?" Jinta asked without bothering to look at him.

"None of your business." Ichigo replied in kind.

"Of course he has big plans!" his father exclaimed as he bounded into the room. "He's taking my beautiful daughter in law out for their anniversary! Oh Masaki! Our son has grown so much!" he wailed to the large poster.

"Idiot." Ichigo grumbled as he slipped on his coat, making sure he had everything he needed.

"I think she'll love it." Isshin said quietly as he came to stand beside Ichigo. "It's gonna look beautiful on her."

Ichigo fingered the cover of the box within his coat. How his father always managed to find out everything he did was still a mystery to him. As far as he knew he never even had the opportunity to see the necklace he bought for her. He did agree though; the emerald tear drop pendant would look stunning on her. Isshin smiled to the vision at the top of the stairs before squeezing his son's shoulder.

"Have a good time son." he said before leaving the room.

Ichigo watched as Orihime descended the stairs in a flowing black dress that hugged her figure nicely. Her hair was done up elegantly, showing the graceful lines of her neck. It seemed no amount of time would ever take away that first hitch in his breath as he saw her beautiful face. His smile had taken a firm root on his face by the time she reached his side.

"Ready to go?" he asked.

She smiled in response and took his hand, allowing him to lead her anywhere.

-xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx-

Epilogue

" 'Hime if you don't hurry up we're gonna be late!"

"I'm coming!" she yelled and finally emerged from her apartment door. He took her hand and they moved swiftly down the sidewalk. "It's your fault I'm running behind anyway."

"No, that was definitely all your fault."

"Me? What did I do?"

"I told you to quit wearing that skirt. I told you I couldn't be held accountable for my actions if you did therefore...it's your fault."

He laughed loudly when she blushed and grumbled something under her breath. They made good time and were only a few minutes late when they arrived at the shop.

"Oi, what took you guys so long?" Renji asked.

"Shut up. We're only a few minutes late." Ichigo responded.

"I'm gonna go set this with the others and say hey to everyone." Orihime said and left his side.

"So," Ichigo began "How was the party in Soul Society?"

"Boring as hell. You figure an engagement party should be a good time but not with the nobles. It was all a bunch of formal speeches and proper etiquette at dinner. Thought I was gonna fall asleep more than once."

Ichigo laughed at his friend. "Rukia would've kicked your ass."

"Hell, that's the only reason I didn't fall asleep! Well...and taicho of course. What little she left behind he would have shredded with senbonzakura."

They remained outside, away from the crowd, talking for a while until a loud noise was heard in the shop followed by a roaring of laughter.

"At least this party seems to be starting off right." Ichigo said.

Ishida and Sado came out of the doorway, both blushing and sporting murderous looks.

"Whose idea was it again to have an engagement party at this man's residence?" Ishida asked.

"What happened?" Ichigo asked.

Ishida and Sado looked at each other briefly before turning away.

"Never mind." Ishida grumbled.

"We should probably go in." Renji said.

"The girls are talking. It's okay."

Another loud round of laughter was heard through the walls, this time accompanied by a shriek.

"What are they talking about Sado?" Renji asked.

Ichigo looked away and tried to control his laughter. Knowing that Rangiku and Yourichi were in there was enough. He didn't wanna know what was being said.

Urahara came out a while later with a bottle of sake and some glasses. He pushed one into Renji's hand before pouring a healthy dose of the liquid for the both of them. He downed his in one gulp before turning his flushed face onto the tattooed man.

"Congratulations on your engagement Abari-kun."

Renji just stared at the sake resting in his hands.

"You might wanna drink that before going in there. Rangiku and Yourichi are already mostly drunk and they spiked the drinks they handed out earlier." Urahara turned his laughing eyes on Ichigo. "Did you know Inoue-san has no tolerance for alcohol at all Kurosaki-san?"

"What? You let them give her liquor? We're still underage!" he raged.

"And she starts talking...a lot...when she gets drunk."

Ichigo stared at Urahara for a moment more before another round of laughter...and cheers...was heard.

Ichigo paled and took off inside after his girlfriend.

-xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx-

A/N: Well, that's the end of A Continuing Threat. I want to thank you all so much for following along this story and all the wonderful reviews I received. You are the most wonderful readers out there and your words of praise and encouragement kept me going.

I hope you have enjoyed reading this story as much as I have enjoyed writing it. Now that it's over, I hope to be able to update my other fics that are in the works, The Pain of Remembrance and With Every Beat more frequently. (Yes, that was a shameless plug. Sorry, I just had to do it. Lol)

Thank you all again! (P.S. Just because it's the last chapter doesn't mean I don't wanna hear what you have to say. Please review!)

halfdemonfan