Hello readers! I present to you my new IchiHime story. I've been working on this idea for awhile now...I'd like to call it 'high-concept' because I've created these elaborate worlds for the purpose of this story and I did a ton of research on angel and demon mythology. Out of all the stories I am writing, this one is my favorite!

Rated M for language, violence, and sexual situations.

Disclaimer: Bleach and all its characters are property of Tite Kubo.

Beta'd by ImperfectSnow

The first thought that came to her mind was how beautiful the flowers were. In her hands she held a beautiful bouquet of white chrysanthemums that were neatly arranged and tied together with a light blue ribbon. Despite being in mourning, she wanted something nice to give to her brother. He would have loved them.

Orihime Inoue inhaled their scent one last time before placing them in a glass vase filled with water. She hummed quietly to herself as she gingerly picked up the vase and brought it into her living room.

"I hope you like them."

She looked up at the smiling face of her brother as she placed the flowers down in front of him. Daylight shined through her open window to grace his gentle features. She lit his memorial candle and clasped her hands in prayer.

"I miss you, Big Brother. I hope that wherever you are right now that God is looking after you," she whispered. She smiled at his photo.

Today was the two-year anniversary of her older brother, Sora's, death. Orihime couldn't believe how fast time had flown. It seemed like just yesterday that her brother was talking to her about his latest trip to the Human World. She sobbed quietly as she thought about the last time she had seen him alive.

Her brother would leave the Overworld a few times a week to travel to the Human World to see the woman he had fallen in love with. Although it wasn't against the rules for angels to travel down there, it was…frowned upon for angels to fall in love with humans. But Orihime had been so happy for her brother. She remembered how his eyes would light up and the slight blush the crept onto his cheeks when he spoke of the beautiful woman that had captured his heart. The woman didn't know that Sora was an angel, for that was against the rules. Despite the odds, Sora still tried to see her.

The last time he ventured to the Human World, two years ago, he never came back. He died protecting his true love from being attacked by demons.

Orihime couldn't even pretend to be bitter. He died saving someone he loved. She felt badly for the woman, who would live the rest of her life in grief, never knowing who Sora really was. Earlier she had ventured down to leave flowers on the woman's doorstep, just to remind her that someone was looking out for her. The happiness on the woman's face when she found them made the trip worth it.

Orihime said one final prayer to her brother before blowing him a kiss. With one last bow she rose from her brother's shrine. She yawned, her angel wings stretching out behind her. Today was going to be a big day.

The ethereal beauty stood up to smooth out the creases of her white gown. It was short-sleeved and fluid, yet hugged her curves in all the right places. Her long auburn hair flowed down in loose curls to her waist. She had styled her hair just for today's occasion.

There was a soft knock on her door. "Coming!" she chimed as she glided over to open it.

She smiled when she found her best friend, Tatsuki, waiting for her, "Good day to you, Tatsuki!"

Tatuski gave her friend a warm smile, "Good day, Orihime. Are you ready?"

Orihime gasped and hurried to her bedroom. "Just a moment! I forgot the gift!" She called out.

Tatuski sighed and leaned against the door. She absentmindedly scanned the room before noticing the fresh flowers and lit candle by Sora's shrine. The dark-haired angel frowned slightly. Today must be...

Orihime bounded out of her room carrying a big white parcel wrapped in silk. "Okay! I'm ready!" She said as she followed her friend out the door into the brilliant weather.

It was always beautiful day in the Overworld. The sun shined brightly in the clear, blue sky, basking the angels in warm weather. The winged beings strolled through white-paved streets, surrounded by marble buildings.

"So, what did you get him?" Tatsuki asked, nodding her head in the direction of the parcel Orihime was holding.

Orihime blushed and rubbed the back of her head, "Ummm well I made him a cloak…"

Tatsuki smiled. "So that's the secret project you were working on! I'm sure he was going to love it!" She laughed, causing Orihime to blush even more. Tatsuki gave her a playful shove, "What are you so embarrassed about?"

Orihime fidgeted with the parcel as the two angels walked together. "I hope he likes it. I weaved it out of cloud thread…"

"Are you kidding? I can't believe you'd even question that! Everyone knows what a great seamstress you are!" Tatsuki said, giving her friend an encouraging pat on the back. "Stop worrying. He'll love it. Look, we're almost there," she said, pointing ahead of her.

Orihime looked up as they reached the large crowd of angels walking through the open gates of The Court of Pure Souls. The tall, golden gates were designed with a intricate filigree pattern and a large cross in its center. Behind the gates in the distance loomed The Court, a beautiful, giant villa where all the Archangels lived.

The ceremony was going to take place right in front of The Court's entrance, at the top of the stone steps. Orihime and Tatsuki walked past a long fountain that stretched the length of the square. Statues of dancing cherubs spouted water into a pool of deep blue water. They made their way as close to the stage as possible.

"Oi! Orihime, Tatsuki! Over here!" A voice called out. The girls looked over to see their friends Keigo, Mizuiro, Chad, and Chizuru in the crowd, closest to the steps. Before them were the seats reserved for the Archangels.

The auburn beauty and her friend squeezed their way through the crowd to get to their friends. Once united they all cheerfully greeted each other.

"Orihime, my angel! You looking absolutely stunning!" Chizuru exclaimed. The bespectacled angel attempted to wrap her arms around Orihime's slim waist but Tatsuki grabbed her by the collar of her gown and yanked her away.

"Will you ladies shut up? They're about to start!" Keigo said, earning a glare from Tatsuki.

Orihime looked up just as the double doors opened wide to reveal the Captain-Commander of the Archangels, Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto. A hush swept through the crowd as the elder strode from the shade into the sunlight, his long wings spreading out from behind him. He stood tall and firm, exuding a commanding presence.

"Angels of the Overworld," the Captain-Commander's voice boomed throughout the square, "We art gathered hither on this day to recognize those in our midst who have served us, risked their lives to protect us, and have carried out the will of God. These angels art not only dedicated and pure, but possess great amounts of power with the potential to become even stronger.

"These angels have been chosen by God to become to the highest-ranking guardians of the Overworld. My dear angels, I present to thee the new Archangels to join our ranks."

The crowd erupted in cheers as a group of ten angels, five male and five female, walked through the doors. They were all dressed in white, long sleeved gowns with gold sashes around their waists.

Orihime's eyes locked with those of her mate, Uryu Ishida. She beamed at him and he returned the gesture with a tentative half-smirk.

She was so proud of him. He was indeed a strong and powerful warrior, but never in a million years did he ever imagine being chosen to join the ranks of the Archangels. They were the guardians of the Overworld and the Human World, entrusted with the job of protecting those from demons, creatures of the Underworld. They were chosen by the Creator (also referred to as God), and it was not often he did so. The last group of Archangels were chosen over fifty years ago.

The new defenders of the Overworld knelt down and took their vows before the Captain-Commander in Latin. Orihime couldn't help but feel a slight pang of jealousy. Deep down she wanted to become an Archangel as well, but she wasn't a warrior. The Creator blessed her with extraordinary healing and defensive powers, but her fighting skills were sub-par compared to the guardians. She often questioned her purpose in life - if she could heal but not truly be able to protect the ones she loved.

"With God as mine witness, I name thee the new Archangels, Guardians of the Overworld."

The angels cheered ecstatically as their new guardians bowed to the crowd. They walked down the steps, their new comrades meeting them to give their congratulations. Flower petals were thrown into air in celebration.

There was a huge celebration inside The Court of Pure Souls later that day. It started off with a huge feast in honor of the new Archangels, followed music and dancing in the courtyard. Orihime and her friends were all invited as Uryu's guests.

The seven friends all sat together in the courtyard, drinking wine and socializing with the other Archangels. Orihime patiently waited for a moment to give Uryu his gift. She seized a moment when he had finished talking to one of his fellow peers. She silently pulled him away towards a small fountain.

Once they far enough to be alone, Uryu grabbed her and pulled her into his arms. He was normally reserved when it came to public displays of affection.

"Congratulations, Uryu," she murmured into his chest.

The raven-haired angel ran his hands through her soft auburn hair and kissed her on the lips.

"Thank you, Orihime. I'm really glad you're here," he said.

Orihime pulled away gently so she could hand him his gift. His eyes widened in surprise but then he smiled, reserved. She watched him as he carefully unwrapped it to reveal a beautiful white cloak made of the softest material.

"This is...this is beautiful, Orihime. You made this?" He said in awe.

The auburn beauty nodded and helped drape it over his shoulders. Uryu folded his wings through the large arm holes and then spread them again. Orihime smoothed the material in between his wings until there was nothing but pure white cloth flowing down his back. The cloak had a slightly oversized fit, going down to his ankles. She secured it by his chest with a gold button. Movement was essential for Archangels and so Orihime hoped that the cloak wouldn't be restrictive to her mate when he was fighting.

"I made it using cloud thread," she said shyly.

Cloud thread was a beautiful, unique material in the Overworld. It was soft, lightweight, yet suprisingly durable. She was pleased to see that the cloak fit him well and looked wonderful flowing down his body, the shape emphasizing his tall, lean physique. Her heart swelled with pride at the thought of him wearing something that she made.

"Thank you. This is wonderful. I love it," he said.

She giggled as Uryu gathered her into his arms, the soft fabric of his cloak caressing her face as she buried it into his chest.

"I'm so glad you like it! I was so worried that it wouldn't turn out so well. It really does look great on you," the gray-eyed angel said.

Uryu kissed her softly again. "You're silly. You did a great job. I think this will be my new favorite article of clothing," he murmured.

The couple separated and she smiled ecstatically. "Shall we return to the party?" He asked.

Orihime nodded enthusiastically. Clasping her hand in his, Uryu lead her back into the party. On their wrists they wore matching bronze banded bracelets, both designed with a small cross that was melded onto the surface. It was the traditional symbol of their relationship as a non-married couple.

Later on, as the celebration began to die down, Orihime sat her friends Rukia and Rangiku, who were also Archangels. Other than Tatsuki, her other friends had already left. The women watched as Rukia's fiancée, Renji, attempted to arm-wrestle the tomboyish angel while drunk. The other males cheered them on loudly.

The auburn beauty and the petite Archangel sat side by side while the busty blonde, flush in the face from too much wine, rested her head on the younger angel's lap.

"So Orihime my dear, will you be spending the night here with us?" Rangiku asked.

"Oh, no. I'm going to head home soon, once Tatsuki is done, I guess," the angel replied. She giggled as her best friend slammed down the tattooed man's arm on the table. Rukia chuckled and shook her head.

The drunk blonde blinked up at her friend, "So, have you not lain with Ishida yet?"

Orihime blushed and covered her mouth. The raven-haired Archangel rolled her eyes. "Here she goes again..."

"N-no we haven't..." The innocent angel mumbled.

Rangiku abruptly sat up and stared at her.

"Really? Darling, what are you waiting for?" She asked, a little too loudly. Luckily her voice was drowned out by the overwhelming din in the room.

"Rangiku, we've only been officially together in the eyes of the public for a month!" The younger girl exclaimed.

"So?"

Orihime gaped at her friend.

"I think you're a bit too drunk. Leave the poor girl alone!" Rukia chastised, laughing.

The voluptuous blonde rolled her eyes and lay back down on young angel's lap.

"Um, anyway. Oh! What are you guys doing at the end of the week?" Orihime asked.

Rukia looked thoughtful for a moment before answering, "I don't think I'm busy...why?"

"The Tanabata Festival is going on down in the Human World and I really want to go!"

Rangiku sat up again and blurrily exclaimed, "Oh! That sounds like a lot of fun! Count me in!"

The petite Archangel looked uncertain, "You mean that one in Karakura Town? I don't really know if that such a good idea. There has been an unusual amount of demonic attacks in that area lately..."

The auburn angel pouted. "But if you two come with me it should be okay, right? I promised Karin and Yuzu I'd bring them."

"Orihime, you know we're not supposed to go down there unless it's absolutely necessary. There's no way four of us can go without attracting attention," Rukia said sternly.

Rangiku scoffed, "Rukia, please. We're not children. Besides, if anyone asks we can say Orihime is answering prayers or something and we're escorting her."
The raven narrowed her violet eyes at the blonde Archangel. Rangiku waved her away.

"I'll go with you, Orihime. Shorty can stay here and mess around with Renji if she wants."

"I like the sound of that! Come on, baby, stay here and mess around with me!" Renji said as he stumbled over to the ladies. He winked with a smug grin and promptly seated himself next to his fiancée, who made room for him to drunkenly plop his head on her shoulder. As Rukia wrapped her arm around him, the tattooed redhead made himself comfortable by nuzzling the curve of her neck while resting his hand dangerously high on her thigh. The petite Archangel patted his hand, causing their silver engagement bracelets to softly clang together.

"Pretty please?" The auburn beauty begged.

The petite woman sighed in defeat. "Alright, alright. I'll go. But it can only be the four of us-"

"And Tatsuki."

"Ugh. Fine! Only the four of us and Tatsuki can go. Just for a few hours, okay?"

The busty angels squealed in delight and hugged Rukia simultaneously, Renji shifted restlessly from the motion of their excitement. "Thank you!" They sang. Their raven-haired friend rolled her eyes in exasperation.

By this time Tatsuki and Uryu had approached. He offered his sweetheart a hand to help her stand.

"I'll walk you home," he offered.

Orihime and Tatsuki said farewell to all the Archangels before leaving. The auburn angel wished Uryu was also coming home with them, but his new rank required him to move to the Court.

After walking Tatuski home, the young couple continued on to Orihime's apartment. They held hands as they strolled through the paved streets. It warmed her heart to see that he was wearing his gift. She couldn't stop thinking about how beautifully striking it looked on him.

When they arrived at her door, the raven-haired Archangel took one of her hands in his, turned it over and kissed her wrist sweetly on the pulse point just above her bracelet. Orihime's heart stuttered. He could be such a gentleman and so romantic sometimes - being with him made her feel giddy inside.

"Would you like to come in for a little awhile? I feel like I haven't seen you in ages," Orihime whispered, batting her pretty auburn eyelashes at him.

The Arcangel gave her a smug smirk. "I suppose I could come in for a little while," he said.

The auburn beauty gave him a bright smile as she led him by the hand to her apartment door. She giggled as he stroked her shoulders while she took out her golden keys to open the door. He followed her inside to her spacious living room. Her raven-haired beau took a seat on her light blue couch.

"Would you like some tea?" She offered politely. Uryu shook his head but grabbed his angel's hand and pulled her into his lap. Orihime squealed in delight and threw her arms around him as he cradled her. She hummed in content.

With a gentle hand, he caressed her cheek while his other arm was wrapped tightly around her waist. She softly nuzzled his neck.

"Did I tell you how happy I am for you?" She murmured into his skin.

"No, but your actions speak volumes." He replied, leaving soft pecks on her blushing face.

"Does this mean I won't be able to see you as often?" She sighed as he tipped her head back to kiss her neck.

He paused to give her another smug expression, his eyebrows raised. "Nothing will keep me from seeing you," he breathed. His lips met hers for a slow, lazy kiss. She grinned and he slipped his velvet tongue into her mouth. The auburn beauty shifted so she was straddling his slim hips. She felt his strong around circle around her as their kiss deepened.

Orihime and Uryu had been bound to each other for a few months before he gave her the bronze bracelet to make it official. Both of them wanted to take it slow when it came to intimacy. The young couple hadn't gone past heavy kissing. The auburn angel pulled away, both of them panting heavily. She wondered if he was ready for the next step, because at that moment she realized she wanted Uryu to touch her.

"What is it?" He asked.

With a trembling hand, she took the hand of her boyfriend and placed it on her large chest. He stared at her with wide eyes.

"Are you sure about this?"

She nodded. "Just there," she breathed.

Keeping his gaze locked with hers, Uryu gave her breast a soft squeeze. She drew in a breath at the tiny feeling of pleasure. He pulled her into another passion-filled kiss, while his one hand fondled her chest. She sighed and hummed in approval. The angel instinctively rocked her hips forward. He groaned in response and trailed his hot mouth from her lips down to her neck. The feeling of him sucking and nibbling at her soft flesh gave her shivers and left her wanting more.

Uryu stopped and grabbed her hips to hold her still. His lusty gaze mirrored hers.

"Perhaps...we should stop for now. If we continue, I will never leave," he said, his voice thick with desire. Orihime reluctantly nodded and slowly stood up. He stood up as well, his eyes never leaving hers. She took his hand and led him back to her front door.

The Archangel wrapped the auburn beauty in his arms again and gave her a soft kiss on the lips. She smiled.

"Tomorrow?" She asked, her eyes hopeful.

His lips quirked in a small semblance of a smile, one he only had for her. "Yes, tomorrow," his eyes mirrored his words back at her - his resolve so final.

Their lips met again briefly before Uryu pulled away. She watched him walk out the door with a small smile and waved when he turned around.

The auburn beauty gave a small squeal at the thought of her actions. She couldn't believe she let him touch her! Rangiku would definitely be excited to hear about this. Orihime sighed dreamily as she headed inside with her bed in mind.

"Please, God. Heal my momma. She's...very sick. I don't want her to die...she is all I have left..."

Orihime's eyes misted as she listened to the child pray. He sat by his mother's hospital bed, his hands clasped in prayer. The angel stood on the other side of the bed, watching him. He couldn't see her, but her soothing spiritual pressure filled the room.

His mother slept, but it was apparent in her furrowed brow that she was going through unspeakable pain. She as ghostly pale and thin. The doctors said she wouldn't last much longer.

The little boy softly wept as he held his mother's hand. Orihime's heart reached out to his plight. When his mother died he would become an orphan, and probably get whisked away in the foster care system. A nurse shuffled in to inform the boy visiting hours were over. He gave his mother's feverish brow a small kiss before being lead away.

Orihime stepped forward and held out her hands towards the sleeping woman, "Reverto," she called. A golden dome covered the ill woman before the healing process began. The healer watched as the woman's brow gradually relaxed, and she assumed the fever would go down as well.

Once she was done, the dome disappeared. The once-ill woman looked considerably healthier. She smiled. This was what she loved doing the most, answering the prayers of people who wanted their loved ones to get better. She supposed this was why the Creator had given her these powers. It brought her joy to know she was saving people from premature deaths. She was allowed to heal the ill and the broken, whether they prayed for it or not. The healer had to look in their lives to see how much they had sinned and if they had the potential to redeem themselves. She could easily identify those who have sinned with no intention to change.

Orihime took the hand of the boy's mother and gave it a gentle squeeze, "Live on, for your son," she whispered.

The angel stepped back into the shining gold light and faded away.

After a long day of answering prayers, Orihime went to go visit her friends, Karin and Yuzu Kurosaki, to tell them about the Tanabata Festival. She had met the twins through Tatsuki, who used to watch over them. They had immediately bonded after Orihime had lost her older brother, for they had also lost their older brother, as well as their mother, in demonic attacks. Their father, Isshin, was an Archangel as well, but he had declined living in the Court so that he could be closer to his daughters.

"Oh, I'm so excited to go to the festival!" Yuzu exclaimed.

Orihime smiled as she pushed the younger angel in her swing. They were in their backyard enjoying the lovely weather. Karin swung next to her sister.
"Your father said it was okay, right?" The auburn angel asked.

"We told him that you're bringing an Archangel with us," Karin said. Orihime pushed her so she swung higher.

"I'm bringing two Archangels. Rangiku and Rukia agreed to come. It'll be a Girl's Night Out!" Orihime chimed.

"Oh! Let's wear those robes that the Humans wear, what are they called?" The blonde twin asked.

"Yukatas," The older angel said with a giggle.

Karin jumped out of her swing and flapped her wings so she flew in the air.

"Karin! You know you mustn't do that!" Yuzu chastised. Her twin stuck her tongue at her.

"Bet you can't catch me!" Karin taunted.

Her blonde twin groaned and flew out of her swing to chase her.

Orihime giggled in delight at the sight of the two little angels chasing each other in the sky. Then Yuzu tagged her and she had no choice but join in on the fun.

Isshin Kurosaki emerged from the back glass doors, drawn to the sweet melody of the angels squealing and giggling. He stood with his arms crossed, watching the scene with amused eyes. The auburn angel spotted him and waved. The Archangel's face split into a grin before he launched himself into the air to chase his daughters.

"Daaaad, get away!" Yuzu squealed at her exuberant father.

Orihime landed into a sitting position as she watched the Kurosakis. Since her brother died they had become a second family to her. The healer always wanted younger siblings, and the twins needed a female to fill the void left by their mother.

After Karin knocked her father into the ground (the little angel sure could kick), the twins landed in a laughing heap. Yuzu quickly grabbed Orihime's hand and dragged her friend into their house, her twin and her father running after them in glee.

Tomorrow she would make her way to the Human World with her closest friends to enjoy the Tanabata Festival. She could barely contain her excitement as she bounced around, the gesture truly showing her childish enjoyment of life's little pleasures.

The world of the angels was a very peaceful place to live. Evil barely found its way into the hearts and homes of these creatures of light. Orihime gazed lovingly at her second family and she sighed in content, a smile gracing her beautiful features. She finally found true happiness and she was eager to share such happiness with Uryu when that time came.

And there you have it. Please review, I'd love to read your feedback, comments, and questions.

Note: Reverto - I return (Latin). Accidentally, I had originally wrote the Japanese name, Soten Kisshun, but then I realized that language doesn't fit with this story, so I switched it to Latin.