Ichihime Events

For @sera-shirato as a bonus prize for the @ichihime-events secret Santa! It is not perfect, and not entirely what I wanted to write but I struggled with this more than I expected to.

FF.net | AO3

A young girl, of elementary school age, leaned forward to peer down at the babbling brook. Her tiny hands grasped the railing of the bridge, which was just barely taller than she was.

Sprites… Her mind whispered the name of the creature from the tales her elder brother so often told her before bedtime. The stories of how Sprites gathered at the most beautiful places, causing their own gentle mischief in the form of rustling leaves as they played. They were the beings that made bunnies sneeze by tickling their noses, and dogs jump with abrupt excitement by dancing over their heads. According to her brother, only animals and giggling newborns would be able to spot them. But he had whispered to her after that sometimes when a child was extra good and kind, they would show themselves. And he so very often told her she was a good, kind girl.

The toes of her Mary-Janes inched closer to the edge, as she tried to spot something only her young mind would see. She did not know what they would look like. They could be short and fat little creatures the size of her thumb, or pretty insect-like things as skinny as twigs. She only knew that maybe if she looked just a little closer, she would be able to spot them in the water-

“Orihime! Don’t lean over the edge like that!"A hand took hold of her shoulder, guiding her gently but firmly away from the edge of the bridge.

Orihime looked up, wide-eyed at her brother. He was so tall in comparison, she had to crane her head back and back just to make eye contact. And as always, those familiar and gentle eyes of his were smiling down at her with all the familial love in the world. His hand moved to gently take her own, squeezing once as he smiled down at her.

"Let’s keep going. We want to see the Great Shrine before noon, don’t we?” He smiled, and she nodded eagerly. A smile lit her face as he led her down the bridge, and toward one of the many smaller shrines on the way up to the Great Mountain Shrine of Karakura.

During the autumn season, it was common to make the journey to the top of the shrine. Be it for tradition, or the beautiful changing of colors to the thousands of trees continuously left untouched by humans. And forever protected and preserved for many years to come.The forest around them was only just starting to shed its foliage. The leaves turning from green to various shades of orange before they even hit the ground. And although the air was not warm, there was a chill in the breeze that had the young girl tightening her coat around her shoulders.

“Orihime… When we reach the top of the mountain, there’s a story I want to tell you…”

And it wasn’t long after that they became separated.

.

.

Somehow, perhaps due to her naturally curious nature, Orihime had wandered away from her brother and become helplessly lost. While the mountain itself wasn’t nearly as large as the famous mountain of Mt. Fuji, it certainly felt so to a young child like her. The trees overhead loomed. 

A flash of blue.

It landed on the back of her hand, just the size and width of her palm. A leaf colored the most beautiful blue she had ever seen. Surely, it had to be a part of some sort of flower. She picked it up, twirling the stem between her fingers as she gazed up and about trying to spot the source.

Over there… A flash of the same sort of blue between the trees.

Eager, she pushed her way through the bushes, excited to see the curiosity. And when she was finally able to spot it, the breath was stolen from her tiny lungs.

A large and grand tree; certainly, an old one. From its very trunk to the tips of its leaves, it was the most magnificent cobalt blue. Its branches spread out, like delicate web work that brushed only inches away from the surrounding trees that now looked so bland in comparison. Each branch held thousands of blue leaves, each more beautiful than the last. The pretty blue leaves fell inconsistently, somehow reminding her of blue snow from a fairy tale.

Her lips parted in awe as she rushed towards it, pressing her tiny palms to the surface as if to prove that it truly stood before her. Even the trunk was blue, and her childish mind new there was no way that could be possible. Yet there it was! It was sturdy, and the bark was rough. But for good measure she gave it a few good smacks, watching wide-eyed for any sort of reaction, and certainly not expecting the reaction she got.

“Oi, that hurts.”

She yelped, stumbling backward and away from the tree before falling onto her rear. Her tiny feet scrambled underneath her as she quickly stood back up to her feet, turning only to come face to face with… well, a very grumpy face.

He was tall, like her brother – perhaps even taller – and his hair was even more vibrant than her own. His brows were set, furrowed as he scowled down at her. If not for the warm brown color of his eyes, she would have felt nervous. But something in her told her that with eyes as gentle as those, no matter how impressive his scowl was, he could not be a bad person. They were not mean eyes.

“S-Sorry.” 

He scowled at her a moment longer before shaking his head and shoving his hands into his pockets as he peered down at her.

"What are you doing out here?” He asked – demanded more like.

Orihime twiddled her fingers together, the toe of her Mary-Jane’s digging into the soft forest floor.

“I… got lost. On the way up to the mountain.” She confessed softly, her gaze drifting down to the blue leaves at her feet in shame.

“Tch… fine.” He strode past her.

“E-eh?” Her head snapped up, watching wide-eyed as he stopped and glanced over his shoulder with the same scowl.

“You’re going to the shrine, yeah? Come on.” He continued walking, not waiting for her to catch up.

Ever trusting, she followed him without hesitation.

An incredibly late Christmas present for @tappity-tap as a part of ichihime Christmas exchange! (Life hit me like a frieght train 😅)

The Little Mermaid AU bonus prize for @momocicerone for the IchihimeSS2017 event! (@ichihime-events ) 

FF.net | AO3

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Since he was a young boy, Ichigo Kurosaki had always loved the sea.

Living in the coastal Kingdom of Karakura did that to a boy, of course. Well, either that or it would send them so far inland they would wind up in a dessert just to escape the memory of a foggy day and the sound of seagulls.

Ichigo felt both sympathy and humor toward his plight.

Uryuu Ishida, a fellow Prince from the Kingdom of Quincy, and his longtime (reluctant) friend did not understand his love for the sea. He had found himself a pretty Queen only a summer ago, the daughter of a scientist of all things, and was being groomed for the crown. Ichigo knew it would be only a matter of time before he heard news of a child, and he was admittedly happy for his brother-in-royal-arms.

Unlike Ichigo, he seemed to thrive off the politics of court, and enjoy the pampering to an extent. And perhaps that was due to an overbearing father.

Ichigo’s upbringing had been far less by the “royal book”, as it were, given that his own father was a lunatic. A great and just King, he would admit, but a lunatic nonetheless. He had been given far more freedom from a youthful age, despite being next in line for the crown, and there lied the problem. By sixteen, he had decided to enlist in the good services of the Royal Armada. In fact, King Isshin had been proud, saying that it was good his son wanted to work with the military. He firmly believed that any young King should know the men he governed, even if they were only a few.

Not being one for romance of any sort, even though he was considered handsome looking in a rough, forbidden (berry) fruit sort since - the Lady Yoruichi’s words, not his – Ichigo had never settled down. Had never been interested in even trying. Instead, he had spent his younger teenage years working his way up, striving to soon lead his own fleet of ships. With not the power of the crown backing him, but his own prowess as a sailor.

Ishida had wanted the safety and comfort of his Palace. The predictable, safe environment he had been raised in knowing he would someday rule. And Ichigo thrived out at sea, wherein but a moment the tides could turn for better or worse.

Such a moment was now.

  Here’s my Christmas gift to @tarantula1999 for the ichihime-events holiday exchange sorry it took so long. I had a lot family emergencies to attend this season. But fortunately I’m the type of person who always finishes what they started. So I hope you enjoy.

It was Christmas Eve and Orihime and today she felt it was now or never.  She needed to tell him and for some reason Christmas felt like the perfect time. She finished the present she had made him a T-Shirt embroidered with the symbol of his substitute Shinigami pass.  With that she walked to his house where a Christmas party was being held.

   “Hey, Orihime” A cheery Ichigo said.

“Hell…..Hello Ichigo” Orihime stuttered as she came inside the doorway.

In an instant she let out a breath that she didn’t know she was holding. She became nervous at being in his mere presence as always when she tried to confess her feelings.  With these thoughts a sigh escaped her lips not noticing that she was under the mistletoe. Ichigo however noticed and got Orihime to look at him.  “You know Orihime we’re under the mistletoe and tradition dictates that we should kiss”. He then leaned in and kissed her.

Orihime, gave in to the kiss and felt her heart fluttered. After the kiss ended she accidentally spurted out “I LOVE YOU”!

Shocked that she had said that she just stood there waiting for his reaction. What he said would shock her even more.

“I love you too, Orihime I just feel so stupid that it took so long for me to figure that out” Ichigo spoke softly to her.

At the moment she hugged him so tightly recognizing only each other as the rest the world seemed to stop. Then they both let go of their embrace and soon joined in the festivities.  Most of the party went by quickly and by than the rest of their friends had left. Only Ichigo and Orihime were left as she decided to stay a little bit longer with him. Leading her to realize that she had never given Ichigo his present and soon she was sweeping through bags and paper to see where had left it. In time she had found it and looked around to see where her love was in the house. When she came across his bedroom with him on his bed deep in thought about something she couldn’t quite put her finger on.  Walking in she heard Ichigo say “You know Orihime when you left for Hueco Mundo I had this dream where you and I kissed”.

“Actually, I almost did but I didn’t have the heart to go through it. I thought it would be last I would ever see you but now I ‘m so happy. Hearing you that I you love me and has made this one of best days of my life.” She softy spoke through her tears of joy.

“Hopefully you will have many more” Ichigo whispered to her kissing her forehead. Ichigo looked down and saw her holding the bag that contained his gift.  “Speaking of which is that gift  for me?”. He asked Orihime and she could only smile softly to confirm it.

Merry late Christmas & Happy Holidays to @mayukas from your Secret Santa!

I was your Secret Santa @bleachfanficfanatic ! I’m sorry it’s late I haven’t drawn them in a while and I wanted it to be good 🙈 I choose the your prompt “ opening presents with their precious son “ 💞 I really hope you like it!! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!

Title: Love Makes the Perfect Gift

Fandom: Bleach

Dedicated to: @orcas-on-the-moon  I’m your Secret Santa! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

Author’s Note: This fic was written as a part of the Ichihime Secret Santa of 2017 hosted by @ichihime-events! This Secret Santa gift is for @orcas-on-the-moon on Tumblr! They gave me three prompts: cuddling, listening to music, and dancing at a holiday party. Normally, you’re only supposed to choose one prompt, but I put all three into one! Merry Christmas, @orcas-on-the-moon! I hope you enjoy it! I had a lot of fun writing it! This is actually the first time I’ve ever written Ichihime, so I hope it’s up to par!

Word Count: 4,000

Warnings: Developing Relationship, Fluff, Christmas, Christmas Party, Christmas Fluff, Light Angst, Domestic Fluff, Kissing, Cuddling & Snuggling, Romance, Pre-Relationship, Friends to Lovers, Light Drinking, Romantic Comedy, Flirting, Slow Dancing, Love Confessions, Other characters mentioned, Drabble, One-Shot, Gift Fic, Ichihime, IchihimeSS2017

Pairings: Ichigo Kurosaki/Inoue Orihime or Ichihime

Summary: Orihime is more than happy that Ichigo will be attending her annual Christmas party not just as a guest this year, but as her boyfriend. 

Alternatives: Read it on AO3 here!

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@artfullyelyse this one is for you😁

Christmas Date

Ichigo stood with his fists on his hips as he observed himself in the mirror. He was in a suit and his hair was slightly rumpled. He was a grown man, on his way to becoming a doctor yet he was in a dilemma. Yesterday he had confessed his feelings to Inoue. Beautiful Inoue. Wonderful Inoue. Kind Inoue. Brave Inoue. He could go on and on describing how amazing she was. The problem was today was Christmas day and while Ichigo loved his family he didn’t want to spend it with them. Not this year anyway. He honestly didn’t want his and Inoue’s first date to be a family dinner.

Sure, she had been over at his house plenty of times but this was different. Now they knew each other’s true feelings. Things had changed. Inoue would no longer have to just say “you’re so kind Kurosaki-kun” anytime he did something for her. Instead, she could now include cuddling. Or kissing. Ichigo put his left index finger on his lips wondering what it would be like to kiss Inoue. He imagined, it would be soft and beautiful. Perhaps a little rough. They would definitely stumble a bit at first but goodness Ichigo could see them having a good time kissing.

He let out a frustrated groan and run his hands through his hair. Now that Ichigo confessed to Inoue and she told him she loved him too, he couldn’t be a more happier man. They were now a couple. He looked back on all the times they spent together. Everything Inoue did for him was out of kindness and loves for him. He felt dumb for not noticing sooner but in his defence his girlfriend was kind to everyone.

“Ichi-nisan?"a worried Yuzu knocked on his door. That’s right. His dilemma. Why did he have to confess they day before christmas. He didn’t regret telling Inoue his feelings but the timing could have been better. Now he had to choose between a family Christmas dinner and a first date alone with Inoue. This was the season to be jolly not the season to hide in your room from your younger sisters and dad.

Ichigo suddenly heard a soft tapping on his bedroom window. Who could that be? Now there was knocking on his door and his window. He was conered. He could always fake shinigami business. Then he wouldn’t have a christmas dinner with his family or go on a date with Inoue. And he would have to pretend to work. Eventually Rukia or Renji would figure out he was pretending and call him out. He would be embarrassed. Shinji would have a field trip making fun of him. He wouldn’t be able to go to Soul Society anymore. Oh goodness. And Karin and Yuzu will also find out he lied. His dad would bring it up all the time. Ichigo would be introduced as"this is my son the liar.” He will have to leave Karakura town forever and never return. He was scum. He was also being ridiculous. When did he become such a worrywort.

He knew who was at the door but he didn’t know who was at the window. And as if on cue, he heard a small voice, “Kurosaki kun.”

Inoue. His heart leapt and he almost jumped out the window to let her in. Wait. Be cool. He tried to flatten his hair and straighten his suit. He walked over to the window and opened the curtains to reveal a very cute Inoue in a red dress and a basket in her hand. He helped her inside before asking any questions.

“Oh Kurosaki kun."Inoue cried as she flung her arms around his neck.

Ichigo returned the hug and god, good hugger Inoue he thought to himself. They pulled apart and were shy to look at each other.

Inoue eventually walked away from him and started talking, "You must be wondering what I am doing here intruding on christmas day. It’s just I missed you so much. It’s our first Christmas together as a couple and I wanted to spend even a little time with you. I feel so selfish for taking you away from your family but Kurosaki-kun, will you go on a date with me?”

“Ichigo, my boy, you better say yes."Ishhin called from the door. Ichigo and Orihime turned to the door in shock. Ichigo pinched the bridge of his nose. It was so typical of his family to eavesdrop on them. He realized, knowing his family, they definitely knew what was up a long while back.

Ichigo opened the door and there were his family. Yuzu and Karin wore matching christmas elf onesies and Isshin was in a santa suit.

"Morning everyone."Inoue greeted and they acknowleged her.

"You look pretty."Yuzu told her

"Dad, Santa Claus has a white beard."Ichigo complained.

"Santa was once young."Isshin replied wacking Ichigo on the head.

"Alright, that’s enough. So today nisan is going out on a date. I can’t let my brother go out with his hair looking like that."Karin said in a normal voice she could have been talking about the weather.

"That has all been sorted out though."Isshin said walking towards Orihime.He took the basket that was in her hands,"I’m guessing this is a gift for my useless son.”

“Yes, it is."Orihime replied blushing ever so sligtly.

"Well don’t worry, Santa is here."Isshin said placing one hand on himself to emphasise he was Santa.

"I will give you the gift you want today."he walked Orihime over to Ichigo and made them hold hands.

"Go on your date. Spend time together. You have my blessing."Isshin said

"Dad?"Ichigo questioned a little wobbly.

"Your girlfriend is right. You’re allowed to be selfish this one time. It is your first Christmas as a couple."Isshin answered.

Ichigo turned to look as Inoue and she beamed at him. He wouldn’t have to exile himself from Karakura town for missing the Christmas family dinner.

With a small touch up from his sisters also known as Santa’s elf helpers on his hair, Ichigo was ready to take his girlfriend out.

Yuzu hugged them both and wished them a good time.

"Stay safe kids."Karin teased.

"Have yourself a Merry Christmas, Ho ho ho ho ho."Isshin said waving as his son and girlfriend left the house for their first Christmas date.

——————————————————————————————————————————

I hope you liked this<3

A guide to give Kurosaki-san a Christmas present he’ll never forget:

Step 1: Talk to Inoue-san. Tell her he’d be happy if she participated in a surprise gift for Kurosaki-san.

Step 2: Give Inoue-san an actual present to give to Kurosaki-san. Make it reeeeaaally small, for (cough) future use.

Step 3: Put Inoue-san in another box. And yes, literally, put her in a box. Wrap it like you would for a gift.

Step 4: Give Kurosaki-san the box which contains Inoue-san and watch as he opens it.

.

Note: These steps won’t work unless you’ve made Inoue-san wear one of your special handmade costume; which not only makes her look cute, but also somehow shrinks her into a size fitting inside a small box for present. Which can only be made by someone like Urahara. Which means this guide probably won’t be useful for anyone but Urahara himself.

… I’m probably not the best guide for this, but, eh. Enjoy.

Secret Santa Gift for @ask-kazui -san!!! :DDDDD The prompt was “fluff/cute/humourous of any sort”. I did my best to complete this, even though I’m like!!! A little bit late!!! Because it’s already December 26th in where I come from!!! But I really hope you’ll like it!!!

Also, this is not a part of the gift but more like an extra short comic I came up with after finishing it.

When I’m starting to drown You jump in to save me When my world’s upside down Your hands, they shake me and wake me

Forever

I was assigned to write a fanfic for @yaoiobsessedwrites for the @ichihime-events Secret Santa event  and the prompts provided were:

1. Ichigo and Orihime spending their first Christmas together. (I would like this to take place before Kazui is born)

2. The first snowfall of the year. Orihime always becomes melancholic during this time, but this year Ichigo is there to break her spell.

3. Ichigo doesn’t know what to get Orihime for Christmas and asks his various friends for advice. He settles on a gift from the heart! What the gift is, is up to you!

I think I actually managed to get all three idea into one scenario. I really hope you enjoy this and have a very Merry Christmas!

A harsh wind blew, the clouds overhead morphing from grey to almost black by the time the sun had set. Shivering against the cold, Orihime hurried home, arms aching under the weight of her groceries. There was no doubt in her mind, tonight the first flakes of winter would fall. And of course they would be late this year, arriving on Christmas Eve.

Her breath puffed out in little clouds, nose running a little thanks to her lack of scarf but ahead she could see her street and quickened her pace. Reaching the top of her stairs, she wiped her feet carefully before stepping across the threshold, placing her burden on the counter then returning to replace her boots with house slippers.

When another shiver racked her body, she ran her hands up and down her arms in effort to warm herself while striding quickly to her heater. The flick of its switch brought not the expected flood of warmth but rather a spark which made her jump, a startled squeak emitting from her lips as the distinct scent of burnt wires wafted around her. Sighing, she clicked it back off, checking quickly to make sure nothing was on fire, though by that point she might have welcomed a few flames to thaw her frigid bones.

“Silly Orihime, you don’t want your home to burn down do you?” she chided herself, continuing down the hall to her bedroom where she layered on two more sweaters.

Returning to the kitchen, she began her first snowfall of the season preparations: hot chocolate with wasabi, guaranteed to warm her from the inside out, along with raspberry tarts; a comfort snack if ever she knew one.

Settling into her chair, her eyes looked out the window just as the first flutters of flakes began to fall and a deep sigh left her lips, mouth turning downward as her brow furrowed. This time of year always made her feel as grey as the clouds above, memories of the past flooding her mind.

Of bundling up after coming home from school, eagerly waiting for her brother to take her outside to try to catch the first falling flakes on her tongue.

Of the little tree he always made sure to get, which she couldn’t afford this year, it’s reserved corner barren save for the prettily wrapped packages that lost their sparkle without twinkling lights and pine needles above them. She considered them, gifts lovingly picked for each of her friends…and of course Ichigo. Red tinted her cheeks at the thought him, now her boyfriend, and in that moment their change in relationship didn’t seem quite real.

Often she wondered if she’d dreamed the whole thing.

Their awkward outing that neither knew was a date, the brushing of hands accidentally and the hollow that inevitably showed up drawing both of their attention to more pressing matters. She smiled despite the tears hanging on her lashes at remembrance of Ichigo walking her home that same night, his question of whether they could…try dating for real…and the squeeze of her hand that left her skin burning. Much as these memories warmed her heart, she made no move to call him, figuring he was busy with his family and the last thing she wanted to do was impose upon him when she was so down.

Across town, Ichigo escaped into the night, the cold of the air stinging his skin and the fall of snow making him shiver but he just had to get out of there! Much as he loved his sisters (and put up with his father) he couldn’t take the Christmas music on repeat nor the smell of treats meant for a mythical fat man who supposedly left gifts.

“Then again, with everything I’ve seen, would I really be that surprised to find out he’s real too?” Ichigo considered, breath steaming in front of him.

He’d planned on inviting Orihime over for the evening, but his nerves had gotten the better of him. As much as she knew about his family, he just wasn’t ready to expose her to that level of crazy. But he couldn’t shake the feeling that he was being a bad boyfriend. 

Scratch that, he was sure he was being a bad boyfriend, but in his defense, he had no idea how to be one in the first place! He couldn’t even recall where the courage to finally confess to her came from but now that his (and her) feelings were out in the open…he wasn’t really sure where to go from here.

He wasn’t even sure what to get her for Christmas and here it was the night before the big day and he still hadn’t come up with a good idea!

He’d inquired to their group of friends but each idea had only frustrated him more.

“A homemade gift shows intention and thoughtfulness,” Uryu had advised. “I recommend crocheting a scarf in her favorite color.”

“Yeah, great, thanks. Now all I have to do is figure out what that is and…oh yeah, how to freaking crochet in the first place!” Ichigo snapped.

Tatsuki hadn’t been much help either. “Well, since we know what a disaster you in the kitchen would be, how about having Yuzu bake her something? You know she loves food!”

“I’m not going to have my sister make Inoue’s present! What kind of a schmuck do you think I am?” After a pause he’d added hastily, “Never mind, I don’t care.”

Keigo’s suggestion of lingerie had been met with a punch to the back of the head.

And though it seemed the best out of the ideas thus far, Ichigo just couldn’t bring himself to buy her a piece of jewelry as Chad recommended this early in the relationship.

Sighing, he looked up, surprised to find himself at the base of the stairs to her apartment. Apparently mind over matter was a thing, his thoughts willing his body to her home. Striding up the stairs, he dusted off the light layer of snow from his shoulders and knocked.

Inside, Orihime started awake, groaning slightly as she forced stiff, cold limbs to move. She stumbled to the door, unlocking the deadbolt and opening it. When her eyes met warm brown ones she gasped, “Kurosaki-kun! What are you doing here?”

“Hey, Inoue,” he greeted, scowl lessening. “I…this is going to sound so cliche, but I just happened to be in the neighborhood and thought I’d stop by.” He glanced behind her, frowning at the lack of Christmas decorations and smell of baked goods. Whenever he considered it, Ichigo imagined Orihime as one of those people who would be up late baking while Christmas music or movies played in the background. But the apartment was pitch black…and felt like the inside of a freezer.

“Inoue, why is your heater off?” he asked, tone rougher than he meant.

If she had any blood left in her cheeks, they would have been red. “I, um, it fritz out,” she confessed, scratching the back of her head. “But it’s ok,” she added hastily waving her hands in the air, “I have lots of blankets and sweaters and-”

“Inoue, it’s freezing in here,” he remarked stepping past her. Looking around he couldn’t help asking, “And where are your decorations? I thought you loved holidays?”

He saw instantly he should have just kept his mouth shut when her eyes shot to the ground and her knuckle was bit between her teeth, an obvious effort to not cry. Ichigo remained rooted where he stood, unsure what to do now that he’d managed to make his girlfriend cry…on Christmas Eve of all nights. A blast of cold air reminded him the front door was still open and he rushed to close it, banging his head against the wood.

“Inoue, I-”

“Where are my manners?” her voice, suddenly entirely too chipper, asked. “You’re cold and I’m standing here like a bump on a log. I’ll make us some tea.”

As she entered the kitchen, Ichigo allowed himself to turn around only to lean heavily against the door. How could he fix this? He took a deep breath, gaze trailing through the room until it landed upon the shrine for her brother.

Suddenly, everything made sense. 

The lack of decorations, her curious absence of cheer. He groaned lowly, wanting nothing more than to punch himself in the face. How could he have forgotten this was her favorite holiday, no, her favorite season to celebrate with her brother? With family?

And just like that, Ichigo knew exactly what to get Orihime for Christmas.

“Kurosaki-kun, do you want sugar in your tea?” Orihime called over the whistle of the kettle.

“No and I don’t want any tea,” he replied, hands landing on her shoulders. He felt her stiffen but pressed on. “What I want,” he turned her to face him, “is for you to pack an overnight bag, gather whatever gifts you have to distribute and bundle up.”

She blinked up at him, face full of confusion. “Wha…why?”

He smiled softly, allowing his hold to grow stronger, to bring her closer until their chests were flush together, his arms around her shoulders while hers hung limping at her side, clearly unsure what to do. Ichigo answered, “I want you to come to my house for Christmas.” Then he added, pulling back to look at her face, “That is if you want to.”

He saw fresh tears pool against her lashes but the next moment her arms flung around his waist and her face was buried against his chest while his own arms settled around her back. “I…I would love that. Tha…thank you, Kurosaki-kun,” she whimpered.

He sighed, smoothing the back of her hair but despite her tears, he felt a warmth emanate from his chest, thankful he’d finally figured out the perfect gift for Orihime.