Love Me Bitterly Loath Me Sweetly

Chapter 33 *Chapter Closed* Orihime

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September 2006

When people say that Autumn is their favourite season, I think off to a crisp clear lights of color in plies of leaves blown into corners; Up on the roof you could finally detect the faintest hint of the upcoming autumn in the breeze.

Rangiku-San emerges into the roof in her slacks, gazing around her at the guests. "It's really quite something, how come I didn't see that our roof has this space, Hime. We could fit a hundred people up here.." she was carrying a bag containing several bottles of champagne, and puts it down carefully before straightening up and gazing around. "Did I tell you that I'm proud of you for making it this far again?"

"I still can't believe you want to leave this place and live alone." Uncle Gin observed me, who had been refilling glasses. "And tomorrow. This is your last night here."

Rangiku-San headed back downstairs.

"We did talk about this didn't we? I said.
Uncle Gin shrugged and said. "Yeah, that you're twenty-three year old woman , a Doctor, apprentice of Unohaha sensei and who can make her own decisions."
"You could try to sound a bit pleased that I've actually accomplished my goal." I passed Uncle a tray of glasses.
"Oh, I'm trust me." He says proudly. "I wouldn't have arranged this party in the honour of you otherwise."
"I love you Uncle Gin." I kissed his cheek and hugged him.

Rangiku-San approached us with boxes of tissue paper. "It's wonderful that you've worked it out."

We worked around each other, setting out glasses and plates, until Rangiku-San set dinner for everyone.

Yachiru arrived at 9pm on the dot, throwing her arms around me and letting out a little growl of happiness. "I love that dress and you look completely gorgeous." Sensei, making her way slowly up the roof behind her and Zaraki-San straighten his jacket and walked over to me.

Kenpachi-San and I exchanged glances, and then, almost impulsively, I leaned forward and kiss his cheek. "Its lovely that you come."
"Yeah, after you took down my confession the other night." He shrugged. "We're still friends right?"
"Off course." I said.

"You could've waited for me though." Sensei says an expression of mild admonishment on her face.
"Why you're not some old person." Yachiru says.

I smiled at her and throw my arms around her in happiness. "She's right. You're still young." I kissed her cheek. She smelled of expensive department stores and her hair was perfect.

The rest of my friends arrived upstairs, making their way with varying degrees of trepidation or laughter up the staircase -- Candice-cha stepping into the roof with loud exclamations of relief, her arms held firmly by Shouko-kun, Michel-san appeared behind him his girlfriend Meninas, Shirayuki-Cha vaulting nonchalantly over the last step, Giselle-chan rolling her eyes behind her. Meninas-chan hold my hand and told me that it was very nice to have a farewell party. and Gremmy-kun I noticed with amusement, spent a lot time talking alone Shirayuki-chan

Even Yamamoto sensei came, I bowed to him and he told me that he was so pound of my accomplishments.

Sasakibe-san bowed to me and said, "Thanks for saving life, Inoue-San. I'm forever in your debt."
I put my hands in protest. "It was my job. And we've already talked about this."
"You're so kind."
We politely noticed that we always ended up talking about this whenever we meet. And smiled.

We had food on the dining table in the middle of roof some background music.

Gremmy-kun was on the bar duty, pouring the champagne and looking pleased with the responsibility.

I glanced over at Uncle Gin who was politely talking with Yamamoto sensei over at the dinner table.

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"I think it's better if she doesn't live in Seireitei anyways." Yamamoto says.
"But the chances of her being in danger are high if she's leaving alone." Gin says.
"We don't know if he's after her for sure."
"He attacked her and Orihime said it herself." Gin says.
"She said that she's not sure, now we can't just hold her in four walls when she can accomplish so much." Yamamoto smiled. "Besides Kenpachi has been giving her self defence training. You can rest assure." He pat on his shoulder. "We didn't leak the photo of her graduating as an apprentice of Unohana. So don't worry she's not as famous as you think she is."
"Thanks God." Gin took a sigh of relief. "In that way she will be save."

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I stood in the middle of the roof and gazed around. "First, I like to thank Uncle and Aunt for the amazing farewell party with my beautiful people."

I pause when Max-kun exclaimed. "Please don't go. I'll miss you."
"I guess now I have to stay." I paused for laughter. "I'm thankful for all of you, for believing in me and trusting me. Thanks so much." I bowed and raised my head. Looking around I found Uncle and Aunt were smiling at me like a proud parent. I nodded. "So, now the part that I was here for. . . You know what's that, right?"

"What?" The audiences playing with me.

"I thought that now would me the best time for everyone to light up the lanterns. That's something I prefer to do and I hope you join me."

"I would love to Orihime-San." Yamamoto said. He stepped forward, behind him, his Lieutenant Chōjirō Sasakibe and they lit their floating lanterns then Yamamoto-san straightened, raised his hand and released his lamp.

I was happy that he started the ceremony since he's the most senior here. I took a step forward, holding my lantern, I lifted my arm, raising my hand, and released it into the sky.

I saw Sensei released hers, then Kenpachi-San, Yachiru, her arm linked with her father's. My uncle, Max, Aunt. Gremmy-kun, shouko-kun, Shirayuki-chan, Giselle-chan, Michel-san, Candice-chan, Meninas-cha.

We stood in awe on the roof and watched the lanterns float from the roof into the sky. When sail upward, one by one lighting up the dark sky, as if fireworks, but that stayed longer, growing smaller ad smaller and it met one with the sky.

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Tada!
Finally, this  has ended. Sigh!

You in for a new ride new beginnings?
I can assure you that next chapter might get you of guard, so put your seatbelt on cuz it gonna get so much better!

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Until next time.
BloomXBoom.