Chapter Text
Two years ago, Yhwach was defeated.
In those two years, life had moved on. There were still incidents - sure - but nothing they couldn't handle now. A handful of hollows or adjuchas. Repairs to the Soul Society. Nothing that warranted a real fight or fear. For the first time since their first year in Karakura High, life was normal. And this wasn't to say they were normal people anymore, just that they didn't have to worry about things other people their age didn't have to. They had the luxury of thinking and behaving like young adults.
They had freedom, or some semblance of it, and what would they do with that freedom?
"Alright, let's get Ichigo's Moving In Extravaganza started!" squealed an overly excited young man with brown hair, "I'm your host the illustrious Keigo Asano and today we are playing 'Catch Up with Me'! I'm going to be going around the room asking you to share what you've been up to since you graduated Karakura Hgh."
Like celebrate the fact that their friend decided to move in with another friend, apparently.
"Mr. Asano," sighed a shorter-framed young man as he closed and pocketed his phone, "Must I remind you not to over-excite yourself? I don't want you sleeping on our ride back to Chiba and drooling all over me again. It was embarrassing enough the first time."
"C'mon, Mizuiro," groaned Keigo as he placed a party hat on his friend, "Don't be such a spoilsport! We're only in town for one more day and I really wanna know what everyone has been up to while we've been away. I'll even go first! It's me, Keigo Asano, and since graduation I've been studying the fine art of ramen-making while in Chiba. Is that so hard?! You next, Mizuiro!"
Mizuiro sighed loudly, "Fine. I'm Mizuiro Kojima and I've been studying horticulture science at Nishi-Chiba. My girlfriend sends her regards. Are you happy, Mr. Asano?"
He even blew one of the silly party toys that released streamers as he did it, earning a few chuckles from around the room.
"Was that really so hard?! Now you," said Keigo as he perked right up, tossing an odd-looking glasses to the young woman next to Mizuiro,"Strong-looking woman! Who are you? What have you been up to?!"
The dark-haired young woman snorted as she picked up the glasses, "Tatsuki Arisawa. I've been sharing an apartment with Orihime while working to get my license to teach Judo in my own dojo. I've also been volunteering at our old High School as an assistant Judo Coach."
"Such strength! Those biceps and thighs could pop my head off my shoulders any day and I wouldn't be mad," said Keigo as he lecherously stared at her, "Gotta say Tatsuki, my gal, you've cleaned up nice since we graduated. I'd even say you gained some-"
"-Yasutora Sado. Call me Chad. I've been studying Sports Science at Karakura National. I live here. I recently won a regional boxing championship," interrupted Chad as he took as he brought out a tray of snacks and rest them on the coffee table, "Sorry. I was next to Tatsuki. I assumed it was my turn to speak."
Snickers and chuckles consumed the living room as Keigo dramatically sighed.
A raven-haired young man pushed up his glasses and spoke, "I guess it's my turn? Uryuu Ishida, I also live here. I'm studying medicine at Karakura National. I work at the Kurosaki Clinic in my free time. I also partake in the Domestic Care Society at our university."
"Domestic Care Society? Oh, you mean the Handicrafts Club!" said a strawberry blonde young man as he reached for a chip, "I was really surprised when I saw how many clubs there were at Karakura National. Not like I have time to be in any."
"And why are you so busy," pouted Keigo, "Stranger who did not introduce himself?!"
"Ichigo Kurosaki, and you said my name at the start, idiot. I'm in the Department of Engineering. We have a shit ton of work to do, I don't have time to be in a club."
"You just have poor time management skills," sneered Uryuu.
"You want to say that again, dipshit?"
Mizuiro blew air out of his nose and smiled, "Somethings never change, do they? Hey, Orihime - you haven't talked all that much since we got here. You good?"
All eyes fell to her as she waved her hands around, flustered.
"I'm great! I'm fine! I'm just happy we get to spend time together like this!" said the chestnut-haired young woman as she shook her head, "I guess I was just absorbing the mood! Oh, no, wait - I should have introduced myself first! Orihime Inoue, medical sciences student and participant in the Art Society of Karakura National. Er, Tatsuki, what else have I been up to these days?"
Her best friend erupted into laughter as the rest of the room followed.
Orihime was glad that she got the situation back under control. She didn't have the heart to tell them that she was absorbing the atmosphere because these peaceful days of theirs felt fleeting. Wouldn't want to damper the mood. Especially not when her friends were so clearly enjoying the moment.
It was more than lovely seeing the Karakura Gang together again, but Orihime dreaded the fact they did it on a school night.
Granted, of course, it wasn't entirely anyone's fault. Keigo and Mizuiro had a train to catch, they were only in town for a handful of days. Ichigo moved in during the week cause Tatsuki was busy on weekends, so she couldn't have helped out with her truck. She wished that Renji and Rukia could have joined them, but it didn't feel right opening an entire Senkaimon just to see them again. Which isn't to say it was difficult for them to cross between worlds - it just didn't quite feel right when they were so at peace.
Peace. What a strange thing to say.
"Miss Inoue?"
Two years ago, Yhwach was defeated. His defeat signaled the end of the Quincy Blood War and the loss of so many. His defeat gave them a moment of peace. Those were the facts of the matter. They were at peace. Then why did the word weigh so heavily on her heart after all this time?
"Miss Orihime Inoue?"
Why couldn't she move on like everyone else?
"Miss Orihime!"
She squeaked loudly at her name being called, and the sound violently pulled her back to the present moment. With a soft thud, a paintbrush fell from her fingertips to the floor. She had barely noticed when she stopped paying attention to where she was or what she was doing. The sunset leaked through the windows into the room, covering the paintings, sculptures and room itself in an orange hue.
"Miss Orihime, are you quite alright?"
The one who had been patiently calling for her stood next to her with a single brow raised, a small look of perplexity on his face.
"Professor Nomura! I'm sorry, I guess I was so intently focused on painting I didn't hear you calling!" awkwardly smiled Orihime as she rest down her palette, "Or that class had ended, hahaha. I'm sorry about that, Professor."
"You needn't apologise, it was I who disturbed you," said the blonde professor as he bent down to pick up the brush, "We've known each other for a year now, but I've noticed that you've been less and less like yourself, Miss Inoue. Is there a matter that bothers you?"
The matter that bothered her...was something she could not discuss. Especially not with someone who wasn't like them. Someone who was normal.
Orihime pulled out her best smile, "I'm fine, Professor! I'm sorry to cause you worry."
"Never apologise to those who worry for you, Miss Inoue. They worry because they treasure you, just as I do...even if I still can't persuade you to study art? I really think you'd do well in the program. Please?"
She chuckled a little. In some ways, Professor Nomura reminded Orihime a lot of her brother.
He told them so often to treat others with kindness and empathy, and looked after each of his students with more care than any other Professor she knew. Though maybe it was the feather-cut blonde hair and gentle smile always plastered upon his face that was so kind and familiar. Either way, he was someone who she came to view as a mentor. Not just in art, but to aspire to be as good a teacher as him someday to another.
Orihime accepted the paintbrush as he handed it to her, her performative smile softening into a real one.
"I want to help others, Professor Nomura and being a doctor will let me do that. No amount of pushing from you is going to change that path for me."
Professor Nomura shrugged before winking, "It was worth a shot. I'll keep trying until you graduate. Who knows I may catch you on a bad day someday, plant a few seeds of doubt in your mind."
The phrase seeds of doubt made her gaze fall to the floor, looking at her shoes as uncomfortable feelings began to swell beneath her chest once more. The middle-aged Professor walked behind her and wrapped his hand around her right, lifting it back to the canvas as he leaned in closer. He was a very hands-on guide with all his students. It was awkward when they first started but now, she'd grown used to the vague scent of cinnamon and cigar smoke behind her.
"Let's see what you've been working on, hm? Your blending work has gotten significantly better, as has your understanding of shades and tones. It's a little messy, but I do think that's what adds such a sense of whimsy and charm, Miss Inoue," said the Professor as he leaned in closer to her ear, "This landscape, however, I must say its not quite what I've grown to expect from you. A forest of crystalline trees with little monsters poking out...what inspired such a thought?"
Orihime had a bad habit of painting whatever was on her mind at the time, and today was no exception.
The Forest of Menos was illustrated on he canvas - underneath Huecco Mundo's black eternal night. The painting had seemingly dried while she was daydreaming, the tip of the now dry dry brush easily tracing the imagery. The Professor had asked her for the inspiration behind such a thought, but there was no inspiration to be found here. Only memories. Memories of a time she'd wish she'd forget. The Arrancar's Kidnapping. Aizen's assault. The Quincy War. She wants to forget. She has to forget. They're at peace now. Those things don't matter anymore.
Why does she keep thinking about them?
"Orihime," the professor's voice was sharp, pulling her from her spiraling thoughts, "Deep breaths. You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to. Please, breathe for me."
A deep breath in, and a heavy sigh out.
Orihime squeezed the paintbrush, her words quiet, "I...I just...I keep having these thoughts that I need to get out of. Everyone I know is moving on. Life is moving on and I've been stuck living the same nightmare. I know that nothing bad can happen. I know that but I just..."
"Orihime, I-"
The wooden door at the front of the room slid open to interrupt them, and their eyes wandered to see who it was. A young man of noteworthy height entered, carrying a tall stack of cardboard boxes. He placed them down with a hefty sigh, running his fingers through his long black hair that fell to his waist. Professor Nomura chuckled, pulling away from behind Orihime and gently letting go of his hand as he walked closer to him.
"Well, if it isn't my beloved protege," said Professor Nomura as he walked, "You have perfect timing. I've been meaning to introduce you two. Come a little closer, Inoue."
Cautiously, Orihime got up from her seat and left her painting. The young man was probably around Captain Zaraki's height, if not a little taller with how much he stood above her intimidatingly. His turquoise eyes were like a hawk, narrowing as he looked down to size her up. He wiped a brow of sweat with the sleeves of his hoodie. Orihime awkwardly waved her hand.
"I am...Kengyu. Kengyu Nomura."
His accent was unfamiliar to her, but he spoke gently and softly in contrast to his figure. Though you'd think she'd know better by now than to judge someone by their looks.
"Orihime," replied the chestnut haired girl as she gave him a smile back, "It's nice to meet you, Kengyu."
"Kengyu may be a year or two your senior, but I give you permission not to be formal. You're both my treasured students," said Professor Nomura with a bright smile, "And it just occurred to me that your both also Tanabata babies, huh? Orihime and Kengyu, I guess that would make me Tentei since I introduced you."
Orihime gave him a small laugh, but Kengyu sighed heavily.
"If that's all sir, I would like to get back to my studio. I still have work to do for the exhibition." said Kengyu in a flat, matter-of-fact tone, "It was nice to meet you, Orihime."
As quickly as he entered, he left and Professor Nomura collapsed into a bundle of laughter.
"Don't mind him, he's just terrible around women," snickered the Professor, "I've known him since he was a baby. If he stayed in the room any longer, he would have burst into a puddle of sweat and nerves. He's adorable when he tries to act cool."
It took her a little longer than it should have to put two things together - Professor Nomura and his name was Kengyu Nomura - and Orihime's mouth made an o-shape when the thought connect.
"Is he your little brother?"
"He's my nephew, but I'm much younger than my sister is so we were raised like brothers," corrected Professor Nomura, "He took after me and pursued art instead of farming like our family was known for. He's a good kid. You can trust him, if you need help. And as I was going to before he interrupted us-"
Professor Nomura rummaged around his desk for something and pulled out a light orange piece of paper. With expert movements he folded it swiftly into a paper crane, gently placing it in Orihime's hand.
"Inoue, I believe that you are someone who can weave the future with your own hands. That you can reject your feelings of fear and insecurity and become a source of light and love for others. There are already those who believe in you, are there not? So what's stopping you from believing in yourself? From pursuing what makes you happy?"
A myriad of things, but she couldn't quite get into them. She cradled the paper crane gently in her hand, looking at it and taking a deep breath.
"I just feel as though there's something missing," said Orihime quietly, "Like I'm waiting on the answer to a question I don't know yet."
"Then stop waiting, Inoue. Stop waiting on the question to appear and go look for it yourself. No matter what happens, you control the events of life. You can do it. And anyone who tells you otherwise is afraid of the power you have."
Professor Nomura really did remind her of Sora.
He was someone who always knew what to say, even when she couldn't even fully explain herself.
"Thank you, Professor," said the chestnut-haired girl as she gave him a deep bow, "You've given me a lot of advice. I'll be sure to think it over when I return home."
"It is my job to aid you. It's my pleasure. Goodbye, Inoue."
Orihime left the club room with a lot on her mind, but seemingly a little less on her heart.
Professor Nomura was right - in more ways than he'd ever know - she did have the power to control the events of life. She did deserve a chance at being at peace. Not just with everything that had transpired, but with herself too. She deserved what her friends had. The ability to move on and move forward with their lives. To live out the rest of her days, as peacefully as they were.
In no time at all, Orihime Inoue arrived at her shared apartment with her best friend Tatsuki. She took off her shoes and plopped herself onto the bed, recalling the tasks that needed to be completed. She needed to make dinner for them. Do her assignments. Take a bath. Check up on the boys to see if Ichigo's first day at the apartment went well. There were so many things to be done, and Orihime Inoue didn't have the will to do it at all. Her bed was too comfortable. She was too tired from class and staying up late the night before. Against her better judgement, Orihime allowed herself to drift into the realm of sleep.
The first mistake she made was falling asleep with her jewelry and make-up on. The second mistake was waking up in Huecco Mundo.
"...Woman, is that you?"
Why couldn't she just have a normal, peaceful life?