A/N: Hi, everyone! I'm finally here, with the FINAL chapter of „You me and this crazy world". I'll warn you: don't expect anything rational, this is pure fan-service! :-) Craziness, humor (hopefully), and shamlessly complete happy ending.

Hope you'll enjoy!

Chapter 24

Back to Karakura

'Good morning.' Ichigo welcomed her girlfriend into the Kurosaki household's kitchen.

A soft blush blossomed on the girl's cheeks, while she passed through the doorway, and took her seat next to Karin. Yuzu sent her a warm smile from next to the counter, where she was occupied with piling a bunch of toasts on a tray. It had already been a few days since their return from the forest house, but Orihime still felt a little awkward at being included in Ichigo's family circle like this. She supposed this feeling would stay with her for a little while longer.

Her eyes now searched for her boyfriend across the table. She screamed a soft scream of surprised delight when seeing him: his hair was finally back to it's normal orange state. True, it was a little shorter than how she really liked it, but that couldn't be helped. And it would grow back soon.

'When did you have time...?'

'Yuzu did it herself.' he said, sending a scowl in the direction of his sister. 'She said that it looked like someone's smashed a giant egg over my head...'

Both twins began giggling immediately, and Orihime quickly bit her lip to hold back her own laughing.

'Oh, I'm so sorry...'

'Never mind. At least it's finally normal again now. I really couldn't have walked through the school gates looking like that.'

It was Monday, and the day of their much dreaded return to school. Not that they dreaded the studying, or the possibility of some make-up exams, but they could imagine only too well the uproar their return after months of absence would cause among the student body.

'Oh. Yes. School today... Are you nervous too?' Orihime asked, fidgeting on her chair.

'Of course I am.' Ichigo admitted easily, with yet another scowl.

'Well, too right you should be!' Isshin announced cheerfully, while he entered and popped himself on a chair next to them. 'I can tell you: you've missed much, while being away...' His tone promised no good. It was much too amused...

'What's that supposed to mean?' Ichigo asked, suspicion awakening instantly.

Isshin burst out laughing.

'You'll soon found out for yourselves!'

Ichigo tried to turn to Karin and Yuzu for clarification, but the former quickly declared having finished her breakfast, and disappeared upstairs, while the other simply pretended to be so absorbed in putting jam on the toasts, that she wouldn't hear him.

Urahara stopped by a little later, to give Orihime the false police report on her having been kidnapped all the time, which she could present to her teachers, and some of his words seemed to shed more light on the matter.

'So? Are you two ready for going back?' Hat-and-cloaks asked.

They nodded.

'Good! But... let me warn you... Despite us trying everything to keep to the original story of Ichigo being in hospital, and Inoue-san being kidnapped, there was nothing we could do about certain... er... alternate versions surfacing by the courtesy of the phenomena most commonly known as school gossip... The true nature of them I deem more wise to leave up to you to find out for yourselves... But I suggest you gather what patience you have: hitting a few heads would only make the situation worse in this case! Remember: it's only a few months until you leave school for good. Let them think what they want! Your friends will know the truth, and the others you don't even have to concern yourself with!'

…...

'Ready, Orihime?'

'As ready as I ever will be...'

Ichigo sighed, and led his girlfriend through the school gates. No sooner they were inside, the staring began. Heads were pushed together behind their backs, sounds of excited whispering reaching their ear. Ichigo walked determinedly ahead, keeping a firm hold on Orihime's soft little hand. Even though they had previously agreed to be nonchalant about everything, it was just so much harder to do it in reality, when it felt like every single eye in a radius of 20 meters were burning a hole through them.

They went to their teacher, and gave her Urahara's and Isshin's letters, explaining about their absence. The teacher smiled in an embarrassed kind of way, and said:

'Well... this is all very nice... but I think you could have trusted ME with the truth... it's not like I would spread the rumors... No matter... Just sit down... or... clumsy me! You must want seats next to each other now... that can be arranged. And Kurosaki! I just want to say that you did the responsible thing... quite rare these days... khm! Yes.'

Ichigo kept his mouth shut firmly, only his eyebrows twitched. He felt that he wouldn't be able to "gather his patience" any more if he would ask her to elaborate... Orihime only stared confused.

So Orihime and Ichigo found themselves sitting next to each other. They were both totally shocked, still not having a clue about what was going on. They sent questioning glances to Tatsuki, but she looked irritated about something, not in the mood to explain.

Ichigo wanted to spend the lunch period with Orihime, but she was whisked away by a bunch of girls in the direction of the park, and Keigo was pulling at his arm to get him moving in the direction of their usual place on the roof.

Orihime sat down in the circle of awedly staring girls a little timidly.

'Erm... hi!'

'Orihime-chan! I can't believe it! You and Kurosaki-kun! Must be so amazing!'

'Well... yes, it is...'

'Tell me, how are you? Aren't you tired? It must be tiring, beside school, how will you manage?'

Orihime blinked. She felt like she was missing something. Why would a relationship be that tiring beside school?

'Mmm... fine... just fine!'

'Must be good that you two at least can share the burden... It really is nice of him to take responsibility, I never would have dreamed Kurosaki was this decent! Always seemed more on the punk side to me!'

'Show me your ring!'

'Ring?' Orihime asked, totally confused now. But the girls preyed her hand forward forcefully.

'What? No ring? Orihime-chan! Are you still trying to hide it? Because it's useless! Everyone already knows everything! You disappear for months, and then you return being together! It's OBVIOUS what happened!'

'And what ever others will say I'm with you! Abortion is just too cruel! You'll be fine, and I bet you will be happy! I see it in your eyes that you must be! The little one must be a bundle of joy? Is it a boy or a girl? What's his or her name?'

'I don't suppose you have any trouble when it comes to breast-feeding...'

'Was giving birth really hard? Please, Orihime-chan! We want details! We're dieing from curiosity here!'

'When did you two marry, before of after? How did he propose? Is he a good lover? Tell us everything!'

'I wanna know whether it's a cute little orange-top, like him!'

Orihime had finally understood the nature of the misinterpretation all the school seemed to be under. Her face had heated up, from embarrassment so intense she could hardly remember ever experiencing before. She had been on the verge of trying to stop the flow of questions, wanting to explain the mistake, but this last comment... It completely froze her. Her expression went blank, as her imagination suddenly ran away with her.

'… cute little orange-top.' she mumbled, with round, tearing up eyes.

oOoOoOoOo

When Ichigo finally found out the true nature of the gossips from his reluctant friends (who were anxious about his reaction, even Keigo, so they tried to tell him tactfully, before he could find it out from some less gentle source...) he immediately went to find Orihime.

Tatsuki caught up with him on the corridor.

'Come, quick! You can't just leave her to face the wrath of the girl-hyenas alone!' she cried indignantly.

'Don't worry... I'm on it!' he answered, gritting his teeth. They went out to the park together.

They neared the giggling group of girls cautiously. Orihime sat in the middle. She looked all right, but that could be deceiving. She was speaking, and everyone listened to her with so much attention, that nobody even realized their approach.

Orihime was totally lost in the blissfully happy world of her newest daydream, which was gripping, and way more amazing than what she ever had before. She felt like it opened up a window, shoving her a completely new world... Her daydreaming wouldn't have been a problem, if she had had the strength, or composure to keep it to herself. But she couldn't. It was just so fascinating, that she had to live it out fully, by speaking of it.

'… her little button nose is just the cutest thing in the world!' she was saying, her eyes misty and lost in the distance. 'And the beautiful chocolatey brown eyes! I could look into them for forever!'

'Awww!' the others cooed.

'You must bring pictures tomorrow!'

'Oh, I'm sorry... she hates the flash... we don't really have a decent picture of her yet...'

'I so like your choice of a name... I always liked "Tsuki"... it means "moon" you know... So poetic...'

'It's actually Tsukihime.' Orihime said blushing.

'Your wedding must have been absolutely amazing!' Michiru sighed. 'Only the two of you and a priest on the little lake's shore...'

Orihime sighed too.

'Yeah... it was...'

'And why don't you wear your ring?'

Orihime blushed.

'Erm... I'm afraid of loosing it...'

The girls' eyes glinted with even more excitement if possible.

'Ah! It's expensive!'

'No, it's not!' Ichigo's voice stated firmly and quite unexpectedly, coming from behind their backs. Everyone turned to him, even Tatsuki. Orihime squeaked, jumping in alarm.

'Ichigo!' she cried, blushing scarlet.

'It's more like it has a sentimental value.' Ichigo proceeded to say calmly, but with a heavy scowl in place, just for the record. The temptation to grin, seeing all the girls gawk at him stupidly, including his girlfriend was almost overwhelming, but he held on. 'It was my mother's ring. And I've been telling her it's her's now, so she can wear it.'

The girls "aww"-ed more than ever, looking at Ichigo misty eyed and drooling. Except for Orihime, who could only gawk... Ichigo stepped up to her, extending a hand.

'And now, if you'll excuse us!' he said, pulling her to her feet, and starting to lead her away. 'I'm gonna eat lunch with my "wife"!'

Tatsuki went with them, and when they were safely out of earshot, she began giggling, then she burst out laughing, giving Ichigo a thump in the back.

'Wow... that was priceless! Who would have thought a few month together could change you like this? You're still as insensitive and overbearing as before, but at least you've finally managed to develop a good sense of humor! Hime! I must say you deserved this now!' and she walked off contently, leaving the pair to themselves.

Orihime turned, trembling, to face Ichigo.

'What... what had just happened?'

'Well, since everyone already thinks we're married, having a daughter named "Tsukihime", I suppose it's no big deal that I just engaged you!'

She looked hesitant.

'Seriously?'

'We have already decided we would live together. For forever, or for at least five lifetimes. What were you expecting? Or... don't you want to marry me?'

Orihime squeaked, and jumped to embrace his neck in her overflowing happiness.

'Oh, Ichigo! Of course I do!'

He smiled.

'Glad to hear that. And don't worry. We don't have to marry right away, if you'd rather wait a little. But I just want to be your family from now on.'

'Thank you!... Are you mad at me?'

'Silly girl...'

…...

Facing Isshin with their news was the usual fiasco of course. But it was unavoidable...

'Oh! The joy! This is the happiest day of my life! My dear, dear daughter! I'm so glad! My idiotic son engaged! Never thought it would happen! He's so headstrong and cold, and totally undeserving! Not to mention him ruining the good features he inherited from me with wearing that mean expression all the time! I really thought that no girl in their right minds would have him, and that the burden of trying to tame him would forever rest with me... And to actually be engaged as early as this! To such a beautiful, angelic creature like yourself! Simply ungraspable! Masaki! Can you hear this? Our boy has finally grown up into a man! I think I'm gonna die from joy! We're going to have grand-kids after all...'

Isshin just went on and on, like he never wanted to stop. Orihime listened at first, with a happy smile, but then she noticed how Ichigo was edging away from them, to take hold of the back of a seat. He was gripping it so tightly, that his knuckles shined white. He closed his eyes, and his lips were moving silently. Orihime didn't know what to think about this, so she went closer (Isshin was too busy rapturing to notice anyway), and asked him in whisper:

'What are you doing?'

'Counting.'

Isshin was now giving Orihime a short little user's guide to Ichigo's handling...

'… and don't forget: a smack on the head can do wonders any time! As for waking him up in the morning, the best way...'

'Why are you counting?'

'Orihime...' Ichigo said turning a suffering expression on her. 'I'm at 78 now. I know I promised you that I would behave, but if I reach to a hundred, and he's still keeping this up, am I allowed to smash his nose?'

Orihime giggled.

Isshin now reached to the part of his lecture, where he thought the bringing forward of the photo-album was necessary. This was the last straw for Ichigo.

'Oi, old man! Quit with your nonsense, and just give the thing here already! You'll still have plenty of time to embarrass me further after it! I want to see if it fits.'

'Of course!' Isshin grinned.

He flew to his closet, and returned a few seconds later, with a little jewel-box.

'Are you sure Yuzu and Karin are ok with me wearing it?' Orihime asked nervously.

'Absolutely. We had long ago agreed it would belong to me someday, to give away.' Ichigo answered.

Isshin opened the box, and took out Masaki's ring. He looked at it, smiling fondly, the he stepped to Orihime, searching for her hand. But Ichigo grabbed a fistful of his hair from behind, pulling mercilessly, wearing the meanest scowl he could muster.

'Just what the hell are you doing, you crazy pain in the ass? I believe it's me, who's engaging her!'

Isshin whined, but he managed to get out of Ichigo's hold, dancing away with the ring.

'All right! All right! Of course you're the one engaging her! And you must do it properly.'

'Give it here!'

'First thing's first: go down on your knees...'

'Like I'd ever do that!'

'Look up at her, with puppy eyes...'

'Enough already!'

'And say...'

But Ichigo's patience have reached it's limit, and his elbow did smash his father's face.

'Bahw! Bud de thing is dill mine!' Isshin announced happily, jumping out of further harm's way, holding the ring high above his head.

'Uh! Why do you have to be such a nonsense all the time! I want to do this my way!' Ichigo bellowed. 'Fine! I was planning to take the whole family plus Tatsuki out to dinner to celebrate later, but you completely ruined my mood!'

Hearing this, Isshin promptly presented the ring without further teasing.

Next day at school, every girl in class could admire the beautiful little addiction on Orihime's finger, which fitted it perfectly...

oOoOoOoOo

Life returned to peaceful normality after this. (Well, as peaceful as it ever was in Karakura, with the occasionnal hollow attacks and such...) Orihime grew more and more attached to her new home with every passing week. She loved being part of a family, and having the opportunity of playing the role of a big sister for Karin and Yuzu. But Ichgio didn't bare too well with his father's constant pestering, and truth be told, she also missed the intimacy the two of them had developed being secluded in that little forest house. So they frequently talked about how to start their future together, once school was over.

Orihime managed to find herself a new part-time job. It was in another bakery, witch to her delight also sold ice cream, and had a very generous variety of doughnuts... So she really had the time of her life there.

Ichigo went back to his former work. Though Unagia-san ranted and raged, she was really glad to have him back. Ichigo and Orihime tried saving up together, to be able to rent a little apartment of their own after graduation. It was no question that they would both continue their studies staying in Karakura town.

Kon was in no hurry to return from his exile in Soul Society, being content to be staying with Rukia in the Kutchiki manor, but he eventually did, bringing them their shinigami friend's well wishes. It's needless to say that the mod soul remained the same as ever, except that his plushy body looked a little more shabby, probably due to Rukia's disciplining methods.

One day, only a week before graduation, they received an invitation from Urahara-san, saying he had some matters to discuss with them. Much to Ichigo's annoyance, his father also accompanied them, when they went. Tessai let them in, and once they arranged themselves around Urahara's low table, the shopkeeper just wordlessly tossed an envelope into Ichigo's lap.

'What's this?' he asked, baffled.

'I took the liberty, and changed your reward from Soul Society currencies to good old Yen for you. There was a bounty reward on Kouno's head. See for yourself.' Urahara answered.

Ichigo took the offered envelope from the shopkeeper, and peered inside. His brows disappeared under his hairline as he studied the crispy notes, clearly just out from under the printing machine. Orihime couldn't resist the urge, and she looked too.

'Wow! So much? I never would have thought...'

'We think that this money is only technically Ichigo's, since you deserve it just as much as him!' Isshin said, turning to her. 'But... I guess we don't have to worry about sharing it any more. You can just arrange everything for yourselves now. Am I right?'

Orihime beamed. Then they all looked at Ichigo who was still fixing his eyes at the money, as though paralyzed.

'Ichigo?' Isshin asked, concerned.

'I do have one question...' the orange-head began slowly.

'Yes?' Urahara asked, sensing his slight turning towards himself.

'If this much was on Kouno's head... then how much was on Aizen's?

Urahara grinned. He sent a fleeting look to Isshin who also grinned in turn.

'We thought you'd never ask!'

This time it was Isshin, who extracted an envelope from the pocket of his coat. He tossed it at Ichigo, who caught it, tearing it open.

'Just so you know... I've never spent any of it. I was intending to give it to you, once you turn legally adult.'

Ichigo folded out the papers inside. They belonged to a bank account, under his own name... His eyes traveled down to the bottom of the page, searching. When he found what he was looking for, he only paled slightly, but otherwise didn't give any signs of emotion.

'Forget about renting an apartment, Hime!' he said seriously. 'I'm buying you a HOUSE!'

THE END

oOoOoOoOo

A/N: Well that's all folks! I think Ichigo and Orihime deserve everything I decided to give them after what they've been through... :-)

Thanks for reading! This is your last chance to make me happy: please spare a moment to review!

Wishing everyone the best!

Iris