Senna groaned as she shifted in her bed. She slowly opened her eyes. Her head was pounding and it hurt to look at the light that was shining. It must have been morning.
She was having a hangover.
Senna couldn't remember anything. She remembered Takumi confessing his love for her then she began to drink. She didn't know what to say to him. Of course she cared about him but she wasn't in love with him. She began to wonder what had happened and how she had gotten home.
Senna was ready to try and get up but stopped when an arm held her a bit tighter. Senna looked at the arm that held her; she followed it to see her husband sleeping soundly next to her.
She smiled at his sleeping form but was confused to why he was in the bed holding her. Last time she remembered they were fighting. If they fought he stayed in the guest room. Was last night different? What could have happened last night that made him forget he was angry and sleep with her, holding her like that?
Senna slowly removed his hand and slipped out the bed. She smiled as he just hugged the blanket tighter. He was always a heavy sleeper and never noticed when Senna left the bed.
Senna got into the shower and tried to remember what may have happened to her last night. Did Takumi bring her home? If he did, did he meet Renji? Maybe she took a cab home? She really hated herself for drinking that much but at the time it was the only thing that helped her pain.
She decided she would have to speak to Renji and actually talk to him. She loved him and her stubbornness would eventually be the reason her marriage ended.
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Renji stirred awake and groaned as the light hit his eyes. He wondered how long he had been asleep for. He looked to realize he was in an empty bed. Where had Senna gone to?
His thoughts were taken away by the smell of bacon? Someone was cooking downstairs. Renji assumed it was Senna. He knew this meant that she wanted to talk and the food was meant to cushion the argument. He sighed as he got up and brushed his teeth. He put on a white T-shirt and walked downstairs.
Renji walked into the kitchen to see Senna in a pink blouse and white skirt. She had her favorite apron on while she distributed the bacon on the plate.
"Good Morning" Renji said. Senna looked up to see her husband with a small smile on his face. She smiled at him and brought the two plates to the table.
"I'm beginning to think the smell of bacon wakes you up" Senna joked. Renji laughed and sat down to face the food. Senna sat down opposite from him.
"I almost had a heart attack when I went to go wake up RJ this morning"
"He is at Rukia's"
"Yeah I know, Isshin called me right as I was about to run around the house looking for him. He said with flu season coming up we should think about letting RJ get a flu shot."
"Oh, I'm sorry to worry you like that" Renji apologized.
"It is okay, I understand why you were so upset before" Senna said simply. No one said anything after that. They just ate for a while. Senna knew what had to be said. Why was their marriage falling apart and how could they fix it.
"Where did you end up yesterday" Renji asked her breaking the silence. Senna looked at him a bit surprised at the question. She didn't want to speak about yesterday because she barely remembered what happen. She may have kissed Takumi and not even know.
"I'm going to be honest Renji, I was upset. The fact that you may still love Tatsuki hurts a lot." Senna answered. Renji became slightly annoyed with her answer although she had every right to feel this way, she never answered his question.
"Just tell me, Senna, if we are going to fix any of this, we both need to be truthful."
"I went to the beach. I just needed a getaway. But then Takumi called and came to the beach" Senna began. Renji could feel his anger rising. He hated Takumi. The man was obviously in love with Senna and he had a feeling Takumi would try to steal her away. "We hung out there, just talking then we went shopping, I bought a few things, and he got me some stuff too.
Senna realized Takumi probably still had all her shopping bags. Renji was getting more annoyed with the story. Now this man was trying to steal her with gifts?
"Return EVERYTHING he bought you" Renji said with a stern voice. Senna looked away knowing Renji was not happy at all.
"We went out for sushi then he invited me to a club party." Senna finished.
"And after that?"
"To be honest Renji I don't remember, I started drinking and can't remember."
"Well, your buddy Takumi brought you home passed out drunk" Renji said. Senna looked at Renji wide eyed and embarrassed. What could have happened? She hoped Renji and Takumi didn't get into a fight. What was Renji even thinking of her right now.
"Renji, I was upset over everything and I let myself get out of hand but if you are worried about Takumi and I-"
"I'm not worried about Takumi" Renji stated firmly. "I just don't think I want you as his friend anymore"
Senna usually would have cursed him out for being so controlling but she understood, she didn't want him around Tatsuki. "I understand, but he isn't a problem for us Renji"
Senna got up from her seat and walked closer to Renji.
"I love you, Renji and I would support your dreams no matter what. I just feel like you haven't been supportive of me. I understand the movie keeps me busy but you should understand it will take time and dedication for me to fulfill my dreams. Please don't make me feel bad for this."
Renji stood up and took his wife's hands. "I'm sorry Senna" was all he said and Senna could feel the tears coming.
"I realized I have been hurting you and I guess I expected you to be this housewife and seeing my plans changed, I didn't know how to react. I just need a family that stays together, I want to give that to RJ because I never had that" Renji admitted.
Senna tiptoed up and kissed Renji on the lips. It was short and sweet but it meant a lot. "I love you, I want to provide you with all love you need. I don't want you to ever worry about me leaving you for my career or another man."
Senna pulled Renji in closer and kissed him this time with more passion. It was the first time in months that they kissed like that. Renji could feel his love for Senna growing. He really did love her, how could he had ever doubt it. What he felt for Tatsuki was…
Renji pulled away and stepped back from his wife. Senna that was caught off guard looked at Renji confused.
"What's wrong?" Senna asked. She began to wonder if he felt the same way. He looked guilty?
"Senna, I have to be honest with you too" Renji said. Senna knew what he had on his mind. Last time they argued it was about Tatsuki.
"It's about your feelings for Tatsuki, isn't it?" Senna said, her voice was a bit shaky. She was scared. She wanted to know that his heart was only hers.
"I didn't know how I felt about her when you asked me. I hadn't seen her in years so seeing her brought back a few emotions" Renji breathed as he continued. " I still care about her and I know you don't want to hear that but I do."
Senna wondered if she could listen anymore, but she knew she had too.
"Yesterday, I saw her" Once Renji said those words; Senna lost control and slapped him. They way he said "I saw her" she knew he had cheated.
Renji grabbed his cheek that had just been slapped. He knew finishing this would not be easy. Senna was now crying more.
"She met RJ, and she cooked for us" Senna could feeling her heart pounding like it was about to leap out of her chest. She stepped back; she really didn't want to hear anymore.
"So you let her play house? WITH MY SON?" Senna yelled. Senna wanted to run but Renji grabbed her.
"LET ME GO! YOU CHEATED ON ME DIDN'T YOU?"
"I only kissed her" Renji said now his voice was shaky. The look in Senna's eyes was scaring him. She looked so betrayed. He was afraid that he may have just ended his marriage.
"LIAR! MORE THAN THAT HAPPEN! I KNOW YOU RENJI, YOU FEEL GUILTY ABOUT SOMETHING ELSE." Senna screamed. Renji hated how right Senna was. Senna knew him better than anyone in this world.
"I got caught up and we almost had sex" Renji finally admitted. Senna stopped fighting to get away and let her hands drop.
"I'm so sorry, Senna" Renji said still holding on to his wife. He began to cry as he kept apologizing.
"Why did you stop?" Senna asked. Her voice was cold, almost empty. Renji couldn't answer, how could he answer that?
"You should have finished maybe it would have been worth it" She finally said as she pushed him off of her. Renji fell back, his body numb. He didn't know how he could explain himself.
"You didn't stop because you loved me. If you did, you wouldn't have let her into my home. You would have had some respect for me. Something stopped you, but it damn sure wasn't your love for me. You were about to fuck her to get back at me. She was ready to be that woman you needed." Senna stated. Her voice was ice cold. It could even scare Byakuya Kuchiki
Senna turned away from him and went to the stairs. "SENNA PLEASE, CAN'T WE TALK ABOUT THIS"
"Go to hell Renji" was all she said before going up stairs. Renji growled in anger and punched a hole in the dining room wall.
"I'm such a fucking idiot"
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"Rukia, I think that's the door" Ichigo said when he heard the door bell. Ichigo, Rukia, RJ, Masaki and Hisana were out in the yard.
"Really? I'll check" Rukia said leaving them in the back. Rukia quickly made it to the front door, checking the peephole she recognized her best friend. Was she here to pick up RJ?
Rukia opened the door to greet Senna but before she could speak, she saw fresh tears running down her best friend's face.
"Senna? What happened?" Rukia asked as she quickly pulled her best friend in her home. Senna sniffed as she walked in.
Senna didn't speak, she just began sobbing. Rukia couldn't stand to see her best friend this way. She hadn't ever seen Senna so upset before.
"Senna please, talk to me" Rukia pleaded. Senna looked up at Rukia and could see how worried she was. She didn't realize how much she was scaring her friend.
"Renji, he…he was with Tatsuki and-" Senna didn't finish speaking before her sobbing made it harder for her to speak. Rukia however knew what Senna had to say.
"Renji told you huh?" Rukia answered. Senna's crying stopped and she gave Rukia a shocked look. "You knew?"
"He admitted it yesterday when he dropped off RJ" Rukia confessed. Senna wanted to be upset at Rukia, but she couldn't. Rukia was her best friend but she was also Renji's best friend. She knew Renji confided in her and she couldn't be mad if he had told her stuff.
"Look Senna, I wasn't exactly happy with him. I had to leave just so I wouldn't curse him out." Rukia said. Senna chuckled a bit. She was glad Rukia at least was upset too. Senna wiped her tears.
"Why Tatsuki? He knows I feel about her." Senna said as she walked into Rukia's kitchen. "And he had the nerve to accuse me of cheating on him with Takumi"
"Well Takumi does have feelings for you"
"How did you know?" Senna asked. She knew she hadn't told Rukia about Takumi's confession.
"It is obvious; I have seen the way he looks at you"
"Well, he actually loves me" Senna said blushing.
"Loves you?"
"He confessed to being in love with me last night"
"WHAT? You can't keep hanging out with him."
"Rukia, to be honest, I love being with Takumi. He makes me laugh, he is sweet and he cares about me. He makes me feel good about myself and he truly makes me happy"
"So what, are you saying you are in love with him too"
"No I'm not, but I wish I was in love with him then maybe this whole Renji and Tatsuki thing would hurt as much as it does."
"That is a foolish thing to say, you didn't kiss him or anything, did you" Rukia asked.
"Of course not. At least I am pretty sure I didn't" Senna said as she sighed. "I don't know anymore Rukia; I just wish I could hurt Renji like he hurt me."
"No matter what you do, it is going to hurt because you love Renji." Senna had to admit Rukia was right and she knew it.
"Mommy?" A small voice said. Senna turned to see her son along with Masaki, Hisana and Ichigo.
"Hi Auntie Senna" Masaki and Hisana said greeting their aunt. RJ ran to his mom and Senna quickly picked him up into a hug. She hugged him tightly as she felt better holding him.
Ichigo and Rukia watched happily as Senna hugged her son. Rukia walked over to Ichigo and held his hand. Ichigo looked at Rukia and she gave him a look. Ichigo figured Senna must have been upset and it was probably over Renji.
"I missed you baby" Senna said snuggling her son.
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"Hello! You have reached Phoenix Headquarters, Orihime Ishida speaking" Orihime answered cheerfully. Tatsuki giggled at her best friend. She could believe how cheery her friend sounded.
"Hey Hime, it's Tatsuki"
"TATSUKI! I haven't spoken to you in so long! How did you know I would be here?"
"I guessed, it is the only internationally number I have from you, what happened to your cell"
"I dropped it in a water fountain" Orihime answered laughing.
"Wow, Hime"
"Oh Tatskui, I really miss you! How have you been?"
"Not good Hime, I really need my best friend here" Tatsuki said her voice breaking. Tatsuki was sitting in her bed. She had been so upset over Renji. Times like this she wished Orihime was her to talk to her to distract her but this time she wanted Orihime to listen
Orihime began to feel worried hearing Tatsuki sound so down. The Tatsuki she knew never cried or was scared.
"What happened"
"I saw Renji" Hearing those three words, Orihime knew Tatuski's heart was broken. "We spent the day together yesterday, I even met his son."
Orihime had to ask "What about Senna?"
"She wasn't around. To be honest Orihime, it felt as if she never existed, like it was my family"
"Tatsuki, you can't steal her family"
"I know I know, but then we kissed, Renji and I, we kissed and it had so much passion. I thought maybe he still loved me"
Orihime just listened; she knew the story wouldn't end up good. She knew Renji was more in love with Senna than he ever was with Tatsuki.
"He stopped and asked me to leave. I had my pants off! I was ready to make love to him and he stopped and asked me to go. I looked like an idiot!"
"You are acting like an idiot Tatsuki!" Orihime shouted. Tatsuki was shocked to hear Orihime yell like that. "I did the same thing nine years ago, when I almost slept with Ichigo. I took advantage of the fact he was depressed over Rukia and look what happened. So many people got hurt. I loved Ichigo, I really did but I always knew he loved Rukia more than me. You have to understand that Renji loves Senna. He has a son. If he wanted to be with you, he would have fought harder for you."
Tatsuki could feel her tears coming to her eyes. Orihime had never spoken to her that way and had never said anything like that.
"Orihime, I didn't need a lecture. I needed you to listen. I have always listen to you"
"And then you would try to knock sense into me, Tatsuki, you are my best friend-"
"I have to go" Tatsuki quickly said before hanging up. She couldn't listen to Orihime anymore. Everything she was saying was getting to her. Tatsuki needed to speak to another friend preferable a guy who may understand matters of the heart.
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"Tatsuki?" Isshin said as he answered the door.
"Hello, Mr. Kurosaki, it has been a while"
"Yes it has, how have you been, I heard you and Chad got engaged"
"Yes but we broke up"
"I'm sorry to hear that, please come in" Isshin said allowing Tatsuki to enter the home. She walked into the kitchen with Isshin behind her.
"How have you been Mr. Kurosaki?"
"Good, I'm about to retire soon, I think Ichigo can take care of this clinic now, plus I found a nice little place by the beach."
"That sounds great, is Ichigo here?" Tatsuki asked.
"Yes he is, I'll call him"
"Um dad" Isshin turned to see said man, entering the kitchen. "Oh I guess he is here, I'll leave you two to catch up" Isshin left Ichigo and Tatsuki alone. Tatsuki smirked looking at her childhood friend.
"It's been a while Ichigo"
"Yeah it has, what are you doing here"
"Is that what you say to me" Tatsuki said playfully hitting him. "You were too busy to see me yesterday so I came to see you today."
"Well I can't get out of family time with Byakuya, no matter how much I beg Rukia."
"How are Rukia and the girls?"
"Masaki and Hisana are great and Rukia is pregnant"
"Again? Wow Ichigo, how many kids do you and Rukia plan on having?"
"As many as it takes for me to have a son" he joked
"Are Rukia and the girls here?"
"Um yeah, but this isn't the best time" Ichigo said nervously.
"Why is something wrong with-" Tatsuki stopped when her eyes caught sight of a little boy with black hair. She recognized him immediately and so did the toddler.
"Hi Miss Tatsuki, you know my uncle Ichigo too?" RJ said smiling. Before Tatsuki could answer, RJ's mother walked in. Tatsuki's eyes widened seeing Senna. She was still as beautiful as she remember. Her hair was about the same length. She looked older but it fit her look.
Senna looked at her son who seemed to be staring at something. She looked up and made eye contact with the woman who was causing a rift in her marriage.
"Mommy, this is daddy's friend Miss Tatsuki" RJ said pulling on his mother's hand. Senna ignored her son as she continued to stare down Tatsuki.
"Look Senna-" Ichigo started.
"Take RJ back outside please" Senna demanded. Ichigo was in no place to say no. He knew these women had to speak face to face. Ichigo listened to Senna and took the boy back outside. Once they left, Senna slowly stepped forward.
"Why are you here?" Senna asked, trying to remain as calm as possible.
"I came to see Ichigo and Rukia; they are my friends you know. And why do I have to answer to you. I haven't seen you in years, the least can do is say hello"
"Don't you dare come at me with that bulshit, Tatsuki" Senna growled. Tatsuki was a bit taken back by the outburst but then she realized Senna must have known about what happened with Renji.
"So you found out about yesterday" Tatsuki said smirking.
"And you're laughing. Do you not have respect for yourself, trying to have sex with my husband?"
"The same man you tried to take from me?"
"Tatsuki get over yourself! You left him"
"Yes, because he showed no signs of ever cutting you off. Why did I have to share my boyfriend?"
"Tatsuki you look and sound pathetic." Senna spat. " You didn't fight for him. I did. I love Renji and I will fight for him to this day. Stay away from my husband!"
"Senna, I don't need to fight, he will come back to me. I don't need to do anything, I will just wait for you to fuck up and he will come back to me."
"You delusional bitc-"
"Senna!" Ichigo called out. Senna was on the verge of attacking Tatsuki. "Please go to your son"
"Ichigo I'm not done"
"Yes you are! Go NOW" Ichigo yelled. Senna looked at him and understood. Tatsuki was his friend too. He wanted a chance to speak to her. But Senna would not move.
Ichigo huffed "Fine" He grabbed Tatsuki's hand and led her to the front door. Tatsuki tried to get Ichigo off but his grip was strong.
Once they reached the front door, Tatsuki tried to get back inside but he stopped her with one word.
"ENOUGH"
"Ichigo, whose side are you on?"
"Don't make this about sides Tatsuki, look at yourself." Ichigo said. It killed him to see his friend like this. She was always so strong willed and smart. She was now looking like some obsessed ex girlfriend.
"Ichigo, I really love him"
"Stop it Tatsuki! You look so weak and pathetic. What happened to you?" Ichigo asked. Tatsuki looked away. She really was embarrassing yourself.
"Why did you break up with Chad?" Ichigo asked. He always wanted to know. Chad was his best friend and so was Tatsuki. He was so excited to find out they were getting married then Chad called Ichigo to say Tatsuki ended things without a reason.
"I never loved Chad, he was just a way to make my heart feel better but once I realized I was going to marry someone I wasn't in love with I broke it off.
"You still loved Renji"
"Yes, and I still do"
"So it doesn't bother you that he moved on, married Senna and had a kid with her. That should tell you Renji doesn't feel the same."
"But yesterday-"
"Was a moment of weakness and lust. He was upset about Senna." Ichigo answered. "You can't let love do this to you Tatsuki. You are smart, beautiful, and talented and one of the strongest people I know. When did you turn into this woman who is content as the other woman?"
Tatsuki shook her head as tears began to fall. "You never used to cry over a guy, you always kicked his ass if he ever broke your heart"
Tatsuki laughed at that. Ichigo and Orihime were right. She was acting childish.
"I'm an idiot" She said. Ichigo then pulled his friend into a hug. "Yes but we all have our moments"
Tatsuki smiled and hugged him back.
"AHEM" Tatsuki and Ichigo turned to see Renji standing in front of them.
"Renji" Tatsuki whispered. Ichigo turned to her then to him. "Ichigo can give me a minute"
Ichigo nodded and kissed Tatsuki's forehead. "We can talk later" Ichigo said before walking into his house.
Once the door shut, Tatsuki faced Renji. Renji looked at the tears on her face and he knew he was the cause.
"I am so sorry Tatsuki" Renji started.
"Don't be, I should be sorry" Tatsuki said. "I was trying to make you fall in love with me again; I was trying to take Senna's family because that's always what I wanted with you."
"Tatsuki look, I still care about you, but I love my wife. I need her"
"I know, I know I can never take Senna's place in your heart. I guess I just needed to see that" Tatsuki said with a sad smile. "Apologize to Senna for me"
"I'm sorry Tatsuki" Renji said again. Tatsuki smiled and kissed his cheek.
"I am too" She said before she walked away. Renji watched her retreating form and he felt a tug at his heart. She still had a piece of his heart. She healed him when Senna first broke his heart. Tatsuki will always hold a place in his heart.
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"Look what I can do mommy" RJ said before doing a tumble on the grass. Senna clapped as her son performed for her. She was trying to keep her mind off her conversation with Tatsuki.
RJ kept performing until he realized someone had stepped outside.
"Dad!" RJ said happily as he ran past his mom to greet Renji. Renji smiled and picked up his son. "Hey little man". Senna didn't even look to see Renji, she kept facing forward. She didn't want to face him yet.
"Daddy, your friend Miss Tatsuki was here" Renji felt nervous when RJ said this. "Mommy met her too" The worst had happened. Tatsuki and Senna had seen each other. He figured that's what Tatuski's tears were about. Renji put his son down. "Keep playing, me and your mom can watch you together, kiddo" Renji ruffled RJ's hair and RJ nodded then ran back to what he was doing.
Renji looked at Senna who still had her back to him. Renji took a seat next to Senna, who still didn't pay him any attention.
"Let me start off by saying, I trust you" Renji said. Senna was surprised by this. She looked at him confused. "I should have said that this morning."
"I cant say the same for you"
"I know, I fucked up big time, but I cant live without you Senna. You are my lover, my partner for life, the mother of my child and my best friend." Senna was completely touched by those words. She had no idea that she described Renji that same way last night. He used those words because it was the only way to make her understand.
"She still loves you. How do I know you won't fall into temptation again?"
"Because all I could think before is that you were going to leave me and I cried. I cried like a big baby" Renji admitted. "I refuse to lose you or put your heart and mine through that again."
"This isn't going to be easy, it is going to take me a long time to trust you again but I know that you love me, that I am sure off." Senna took Renji's hand and held it. " I love you"
"I love you too" Renji said before kissing her on the lips.
"FINALLY" They heard voices yell. It was Isshin, Rukia and Ichigo. "I was so tired of the fighting" Rukia said smiling. "Me too, you guys had me sound like a complete sap."
Senna laughed. Renji smiled and got up, "Let's go out to lunch, food on me"
Everyone cheered and walked back into the house from the backyard. Senna suddenly felt her phone vibrate. She looked to find an email from…Takumi?
Dear Senna,
I caught the afternoon flight home today. To Tokyo. I had to see my wife and kid. I actually really missed them. Seeing those pictures in your home made me want to see my family. I am sorry, I couldn't give you a real goodbye but I hope to see you again. I hope you know I still love you and I mean that but I know you would never leave Renji. I would never leave my wife either. Even if she annoys me to no end, I couldn't imagine myself with anyone else. I guess it is the same for Renji and you. Even though I love you, I don't know what made me think I could make you happier. I feel for you because you treated me like a human, like I'm normal and I want to thank you for that. I also want to wish you luck. Tell Renji he is a lucky man. See you at the premier in six months ;)
Love Takumi.
Senna smiled to herself. She would miss Takumi. Once Senna found Renji, she came up behind and whispered, "You're a lucky man"
END OF STORY.
I have one more mini-series after this one then I'm done! Next one is Orihime and Uryu.
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