The sun and moon

Three: the suitor's ball part 2

I claim no rights or anything associated with the Bleach series and/or its characters. As they are owned by Tite Kubo. This story is completely my own idea as it will be an IchiHime love story. Some of the characters maybe a bit OC so please don't hate. Please leave me your comments and reviews telling me what you think. Thanks!

Key Guide: "regular speech", 'thinking to ones self', *mental speech*, (author notes/translations), hollows/demons speaking, italics attacks

Three: the suitor's ball part 2

The ball was in full swing as Orihime stood with her two female friends.  Rukia Kuchiki was a noble from a nearby town as she too was looking or rather forced to find someone to marry.  Tatsuki Arisawa was a close friend whose parents worked in the castle as they would often play together in the palace when they were young children.  Rukia and Orihime met when her brother came to the palace bringing his sister as he had business with Ukitake.  So the three girls them formed a close bond.  

"So has anyone caught your eye yet?" asked Tatsuki.  Several people came up asking the princess and the noble to dance hoping to leave an impression of the young girls.  But so far neither Orihime nor Rukia found the one that sparked their interest.

"Sadly no." replied Orihime with a frown.  The two girls turned to Rukia to see her staring at a man with long wild red hair and light brown eyes.  "Rukia.......  Earth to Rukia!" Orihime stated snapping her fingers in front of Rukia's grey eyes.  The raven hair girl turned her head to look at her two girlfriends.  

"What?!" she asked.

"You're drooling over that red head.  Go and talk to him!" replied Tatsuki.

"What?!  What do I even say?!" Rukia asked blushing.  The two girls laughed over their flustered friend.  Orihime could see the red head approaching them.

"Too late....... Cause he's heading here." stated Orihime.  Rukia became even more flustered as she turned to face a window checking to see if her hair and makeup were all right.

"Miss Kuchiki?" questioned the red head.  Rukia turned to face the young man whom looked a bit older than her.  

"Yes?" she asked with a light blush on her face.

"My name is Renji Abarai and I was wondering if I may have this dance?" asked Renji.  Rukia just nodded her head as Renji held out his hand towards Rukia to have the young noble woman take it.  The two linked their arms heading to the dance floor. 

"I think that Rukia may have found the one she may end up marrying." stated Tatsuki.  Orihime found herself nodding her head in agreement.  

'Now if I only can be so lucky.' Orihime thought to herself.  That's when she saw him.  A man close to her age with bright orange hair and chocolate brown eyes.  Orihime could feel the butterflies take wing in her stomach.  This man had a strange aurora about him.  Orihime watched as the man walked up to her offering his hand to the princess.  Orihime took his hand as he lead her to the dance floor.  The two hardly said a word as the princess could feel herself blushing like this man was her school crush.  Orihime's blue-grey eyes took in every inch of the handsome man before her.  

"You look beautiful today Princess." the man stated.  His voice was deep and had a baritone ring to it.  Orihime could feel herself melting at the sound of his voice.

"Thank you." she replied bashfully.  The young man whirled her onto the dance floor as his movements were very graceful as she could see his muscles rippling as he held the princess in a protective embrace while they danced.  

Ichigo couldn't hold back the smile on his face as he danced with his princess.  She was even more beautiful in person.  When Ichigo spoke telling her how beautiful she looked, Orhime replied thanks bashfully.

*She's embarrassed and attracted to you Ichi.* Shiro stated in the back of his mind. 

*Stop probing her Shiro.* Ichigo growled out mentally.

*Sorry King.......  I couldn't resist.  Are you going to mark her?*

*Shiro....... It doesn't work that way in this world.  I have to take her out on several dates to get her to open up and develop feelings towards me before I can ask for her hand in marriage.  Humans don't feel the instant attraction like we do to our mates.* Ichigo replied.

*Sounds like too much work if you ask me.* 

*I know.   But even being like this with her, she can feel the attraction and desire to be with us.  But I will put a protective spell over her to protect her if she ever becomes endanger.* Ichigo told his inner demon as the moon prince brushed back Orihime's long orange hair.  His fingers lightly touched the snowflake pins that Orihime always wore.  Ichigo pumped a bit of his magical energy into the pins to form a barrier, a shield if she was ever in danger.  Ichigo had noticed that the Hollows were beginning to become more aggressive.  He didn't like it as some of them began to have a voice and consciousness.  It was almost like they were evolving or being controlled by a stronger being.

Ichgio and Orihime danced as the people couldn't help but to gossip at the pair.  No one seemed to know the young man who was dancing with the princess.  Orihime looked at Ichigo as she seemed to be positively glowing as she wore a genuine smile on her face.  Both danced with such grace befitting a princess and her prince.

"You never did tell me your name kind sir." Orihime stated.

"Ichigo Kurosaki." answered the moon prince.  

"Do you know the meaning behind this ball?" she asked.

"To have you find a potential partner, a mate.  I traveled a very long way in hopes to meet you.  I have longed for a very long time to actually meet you in person Princess.  And before you ask I am not after your money and title.  I was attracted to the beautiful woman that I see standing before me." answered Ichigo.  Orihime could feel herself blushing at Ichigo's honesty.  She could tell that he was speaking the truth but also remaining secretive about who he is.  Orihime couldn't hide her desire to get to know this mysterious man who seemed to find a way into her heart.  

"Mr. Kurosaki.......  I would like to get to know you as a person.  There is something about you that attracts me to you.  I would love to get to know you a bit better as a part of me feels like you could be the one." Orihime stated bashfully as they broke apart.  Ichigo smiled as he took one of Orihime's hands lifting it up to his lips to place a gentle kiss on the top of her hand.

"I would be honored my Princess.  Shall me meet again perhaps tomorrow?" Ichigo asked.  Orihime found herself nodding her head as Ichigo released her hand.  Ichigo smiled gently as he bowed his head to Orihime.  "Then I shall return tomorrow afternoon Princess." Ichigo stated as he moved in close to place a gentle kiss on Orihime's cheek before he turned to leave the ball.  Ukitake walked up to the princess as she stood blushing watching as Ichigo leave.  

"Princess.......  Could he be the one?" asked the elderly man.  Orihime turned to her advisor and guardian.  

"I don't know........" she answered.  "I am going to learn more about him so there is a good chance that he could be the one." replied Orihime.  Ukitake nodded his head as they watched their guests leave before nightfall.  Orihime couldn't wait to see Ichigo again tomorrow and get to learn more about the mysterious man who drew her in like a moth to a flame.