Chapter 4: The Baby Shower
The length of the drive to Rukia and Ichigo's house always surprised Orihime. Despite it being in a suburb of the city, the twists and turns of suburbia managed to feel like the world's longest maze that she'd never be able to escape. What made it worse was the fact that all the houses looked so similar. For a while it had been easy to spot their house since Ichigo's father put up a large KUROSAKI sign on their mailbox, but that was eventually taken down when Byakuya expressed his disapproval of the Kurosaki name dominating the mailbox.
When Orihime finally reached the front door of the Kuchiki-Kurosaki residence, she was forty-five minutes late. She was still feeling high from her encounter with Ulquiorra and that sweet feeling kept her guilt and mortification of being so late at bay. She rang the doorbell and waited a moment before it open. She found herself staring into the chest of a tall man in a black dress shirt, black pants and black shoes. Gulping she looked up into the handsome face of Byakuya Kuchiki. He wasn't wearing his kenseikan, but that did not stop him from emitting an air nobility. Orihime gulped loudly.
"Hi, Mr. Kuchiki," Orihime said, eyes wide with the attention one gives a teacher who is about to give out disciplinary orders.
"Miss Inoue," he greeted politely, stepping to the side for her to enter. Orihime stepped in, her arms full of party material. She had managed to balance the cake successfully on top of the baby shower present box while the canvas bag full of donuts and flowers and her purse hung around her right arm. Always the gentleman, Byakuya took the cake and the birthday present from Orihime, relieving her from her dangerous balancing act.
"Oh, good! You're here! I'm so glad you made it. We were starting to worry something happened to you," Yuzu greeted Orihime with a bright and cheerful smile. With her arms now free, Orihime wrapped her arms around Yuzu giving her a tight hug.
"I'm so sorry Yuzu! I had a huge accident with the cake. I'm such a klutz. I slipped on an icy spot and the poor cake got completely smushed," Orihime explained apologetically. Yuzu hugged Orihime back before standing on her tip toes to see what the cake looked like in Byakuya's arms.
"It's okay, Orihime. No harm done. We're just glad you made it." Yuzu said smiling. "Could you put that on the table where they belong?" She asked Byakuya sweetly.
"Certainly," he said as he passed the ladies into the main part of the house.
"You must be freezing. It's supposed to snow. Let me take your coat," Yuzu said, always the perfect host.
"Thanks, Yuzu. Yes, it was clearing up for a moment, but now it looks like it wants to rain or snow again," Orihime said with a sigh as she passed her coat and scarf to Yuzu.
"Is that who I think I hear?" A voice came from behind Yuzu. Orihime screeched with delight when she heard the voice.
"Tatsuki!" Orihime cheered as she leaped over to her best friend and practically tackled the girl with a big bear hug.
"Ack!" Tatsuki said as she laughed, hugging Orihime back.
"We were starting to think you had lost your way here," Ichigo said as he and Rukia stepped up behind Tatsuki. Orihime doled out her hugs and greetings as the gang gathered. Since Rukia was well into her eighth month of pregnancy, her belly overwhelmed her small petite frame. It didn't stop her from happily squishing Orihime with her large belly as she gave her friend a hug and kiss on the cheek. Rukia was practically glowing with happiness from being surrounded by so many people she loved, and Ichigo also had an uncharacteristically goofy smile plastered on his face.
"Come in, come in. We were all just socializing and eating away. We were going to start opening presents soon," Rukia said as she ushered everybody into the large family room. Chad, Renji, Isshin, and Karin were all either standing by or sitting on the overstuffed blue-grey couches and chairs.
"Welcome Ms. Inoue!" Isshin cheered loudly. "I'm glad you could make it to my grandchild's party!"
"Hi Mr. Kurosaki," Orihime said laughing at the old man, before looking at Ichigo and whispering, "Is he drunk?"
"No, just excited," said an unenthusiastic Ichigo, clearly embarrassed by his father. Two tables pushed against the wall held cookies, a cheese and crackers plate, sliced fruit, salsa and chips, chicken wings, and what looked like chappie-shaped marshmallows. The food all circled an ice sculpture of a stork nestled in a crest of greens, clearly meant for the salad. Another table on an adjacent wall was piled with presents in various colorful wrapping paper and bows. The entire family room was decorated with blue and yellow streamers, silver balloons, and little metallic blue and yellow stars that hung from the ceiling. Yuzu had clearly gone all out. Orihime glanced quickly around the room and didn't spot Uryuu. I guess he couldn't make it, Orihime thought to herself.
"Alright everyone, it's present time!" Yuzu cheered as everyone gathered. Isshin disappeared in a hallway and brought out a large wicker chair with a flowered patterned cushion on the seat.
"The daughter-in-law of honor sits here," he quipped cheerfully.
"Where am I supposed to sit?" Ichigo frowned.
"You can sit on the floor," Isshin said blindly as he helped his daughter-in-law into the seat of honor. Everyone settled around Rukia's throne. Chad and Renji managed to take up the entire couch, forcing Karin to take the chair. Isshin and Byakuya simply stood to the side. Tatsuki had sat down on the carpet near Karin's chair, and so Orihime moved over and sat next to her best friend. Ichigo settled for sitting at Rukia's feet on the soft carpet.
"Sorry I had to take that call guys. That was my father," Uryuu said as he walked into the room from the nearby kitchen. Orihime looked up quickly at him. He wore a white collared shirt and a pair of dark denim jeans. He quickly gave Orihime a half smile of acknowledgement before sitting down on one of the arms of the couch.
"How's your father doing?" Isshin asked, sounding surprisingly concerned.
"He's fine, grouchy as ever," Uryuu said dismissively, not wanting to go further into the topic.
"Alright everyone, we're going to open each present one at a time so that we can all see what Rukia and Ichigo got," Yuzu explained as she picked up the first present from the table.
"I had one hell of time finding a present," Renji complained. "Everything on the registry was already taken!"
"I know!" Tatsuki cried, "And I looked early too because I knew that I wouldn't be in town for the few weeks before this party."
"Well I'm glad it wasn't just me," Uryuu said.
"Uhm…I think Mr. Kuchiki had something to do with that," Karin said in her most deadpan voice as she pointed to a pile of presents in the corner. In the corner of the room next to the fire place was a large pile of presents perfectly wrapped in silver paper with the most intricate and immaculate bows and decorations.
"You bought everything you could on the damn registry didn't you?" Isshin accused Byakuya.
"It's not my fault that everyone else was late," Byakuya said unfazed by Isshin, his arms crossed in front of his chest and his eyes closed.
"You just wanted to show off how rich you are," growled Isshin.
"Hardly. I only wanted to provide the best for my nephew. You will find that I went far beyond what was on the registry," Byakuya said smugly.
"Thank you so much, brother," Rukia said with stars in her eyes. "You are so generous."
"How do you know it's going to be a boy? It could be a girl," Ichigo pointed out.
"In which case, her name would be Masaki! After Ichigo's loving mother!" Isshin crooned.
"Hardly," Byakuya scoffed. "IF it were a girl, she would be named Hisana after Rukia's sister and my wife." Isshin growled loudly at Byakuya before Yuzu tried to regain control of the situation.
"Okay, this first present is from Tatsuki!" Yuzu said passing the gift to Rukia. After ripping apart the wrapping paper and tearing open the box enthusiastically, Rukia pulled out a small children's size soccer ball.
"You gotta start training them young these days!" Tatsuki said with a grin.
"Thanks, Tatsuki!" Ichigo said, scooting over on the carpet and giving his old friend a pat on the shoulder.
"I'll be sure to show her how to shoot a goal," Karin said with a determined grin.
"Why are we all assuming it's a girl now?" Renji asked, confused; although no one bothered to answer him.
"Thank you so much, Tatsuki," Rukia said warmly setting aside the present.
"The next present is from Mr. Ishida," Yuzu announced handing Rukia the next present. After she tore open the present, she pulled out a fuzzy blue blanket. She unfolded it and revealed the baby blanket for everyone to see. A round of "oohs" and "ahhhs" emerged when everyone saw the intricate pattern on the fuzzy baby blanket quilt.
"Ishida, you made this?" Ichigo said stunned. "When did you have the time?"
"In my sleep," Uryuu said smugly.
"It's beautiful, Ishida," Rukia said, her eyes watering as she ran her fingers over the embroidered name on the corner of the quilt that said "Kuchiki-Kurosaki."
"Yes, it really is beautiful," Orihime agreed, giving Uryuu a warm smile which he didn't seem to see since he was keeping his gaze away from her.
"Thank you!" Rukia said as she settled the blanket on her lap.
"Okay, the next gift is from Chad," Yuzu said reading the tag on a small box. "It says it's for Ichigo, specifically." She passed the box to Ichigo.
Taking the box from his sister, Ichigo raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Wow man, you didn't have to get anything for me. I'm not the one with the baby in me," Ichigo said as he unwrapped the present.
"Just wait and see," Chad said calmly. When Ichigo was done unwrapping the small box, everyone saw that it was a small cedar chest. Ichigo's face turned confused when he opened the chest and pulled out a large and strongly scented cigar.
"Cigars?" Ichigo asked giving Chard a questioning look.
"Yes. Men smoke cigars while the woman is having the baby," Chad explained. Renji laughed, giving Chad a hard pat on the back.
"Way to go man, great present!" Renji offered.
"Haha, yeah that's pretty cool," Ichigo said sniffing the cigar. Isshin jumped over to Ichigo and pulled out a cigar and sniffed it.
"Hmmm," Isshin said smelling it, "Hmm…this is good. This is good stuff, Chad. Way to go! I can't wait to light one of these babies up!" Ichigo snatched the cigar from his father's hands.
"Rukia's not in labor yet," Ichigo scowled. "We're not smoking these until then."
"Do you even know how to smoke a cigar, Ichigo?" Tatsuki asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Of course, I do!" Ichigo said indignantly. "You just light it up while puffing it…" The men in the room laughed.
"No, Kurosaki. You have to cut the tip of the cigar first," Uryuu explained rolling his eyes.
"Don't worry, Ichigo. Your ol' man will show you how it's done," Isshin said giving his son a hard punch on the shoulder.
"I think it is time you open one of my presents now," Byakuya cut in as he picked up a long narrow box from his silver mountain of presents and carefully placed it in his sister's lap. The room grew quiet. Rukia gave her brother a warm smile before turning her attention to the present. Unlike the previous presents where she had torn quickly through the wrapping paper, Rukia took her time and carefully unwrapped this one. When the wrapping paper was gone and she opened the white box underneath, Rukia pulled out a very long box of polished wood. The case had the Kuchiki emblem on it burned into the wood. Rukia rubbed her thumb over the emblem, a thoughtful look in her eyes. Slowly, she opened the case revealing red silk lining and a long shining katana resting inside. Everyone in the room gasped.
"Byakuya…" Rukia said in shock. It was definitely clear now when Rukia was surprised because she would call her brother by his full name- something that she would have never done years ago, but the two of them had grown close over the years. And Byakuya became particularly warm and prone to displaying acts of affection especially after Rukia left Soul Society. Ichigo would come home from work frequently to find Rukia having tea with her brother in their kitchen; and every time it shocked the hell out of him. Renji had explained it to Ichigo once that Byakuya simply missed Rukia. Rukia had relinquished her shinigami powers and chosen to live as a human with Ichigo, essentially leaving Byakuya alone in the Kuchiki manor.
Rukia pulled out the katana, almost hitting Ichigo who was sitting by her feet because her eyes were so fixated on it. In the light, the katana gleaned when Rukia swung it.
"Jesus, Rukia. Watch where you're swinging that thing!" Ichigo said, scowling.
"It's beautiful, brother," Rukia said quietly, putting the katana back in its case. She looked up at her brother with tears in her eyes. "Thank you. It means more to me than you will ever know." Byakuya's face softened when he looked at his sister, who had very much become like a daughter. He knew what the katana meant to Rukia. It symbolized his full acceptance of the baby's lineage, essentially giving Rukia's child a position of honor in the family, despite his or her human fate. This importance evaded some of the humans in the room, including Yuzu, Karin, and Tatsuki who looked back and be forth between Rukia and Byakuya in confusion. Ichigo rubbed his forehead, unsure of how he felt about this situation. In the end, the always perceptive Yuzu noticed her brother's distress and decided it was time to move on with the present opening.
"Okay, this next gift is from Karin and I!" She said cheerfully passing the next present to Ichigo. "Why don't you open this one, brother?"
"Is it more cigars?" Ichigo asked warily. Yuzu and Karin laughed.
"No! It's for the baby," Karin explained. And that was how the afternoon was passed. Present after present, everyone endured what seemed like an unending baby parade of gifts. By the time they were done, Rukia and Ichigo had accumulated a birthday cake made of diapers, a baby bouncer seat, a diaper bag, baby themed picture frames, a home-made baby food maker machine, more stuffed animals than ever thought possible, and an endless array of baby bibs, gender neutral outfits and matching baby shoes. At some point during the unwrapping of the presents, when Ichigo and Rukia were surrounded by a disaster of wrapping paper, ribbons, and gifts, Ichigo gave Rukia a worried look and said, "I'm concerned about how many of these gifts revolve around diapers and diaper changing." Rukia only gave Ichigo a distracted kiss on the cheek while she played with her new baby monitor set.
Orihime couldn't believe how much stuff one baby could need! As she eyed several of Byakuya's presents that they hadn't even opened yet, she quietly wondered where they would store all this baby stuff. I suppose that's why everyone moves to the suburbs…so they can buy bigger houses to store all their babies' stuff, Orihime thought.
As she watched Rukia Orihime found herself, for what seemed like the millionth time in her life, envious of the petite dark-haired woman. Rukia and Ichigo had been married for several years now and had only moved into their first house a couple of years ago. Ichigo continued to work as an architecture at a firm in the city and Rukia was a school teacher in the nearby suburban elementary school. They lived comfortable upper-middle class lives. In Orihime's eyes, Rukia had a perfect life; she had a loving and completely devoted husband, life-long best friends, and a brother who was more protective and doting than any father Orihime had ever seen. And now Rukia also had a baby on the way.
Orihime had always longed for a family. Her brother was the only family she had ever known, and after he died she spent most of her life alone. At Thanksgivings and Christmases she visited extended relatives who knew nothing about her or her life or she visited friends' families, where she was only reminded of what she didn't have. Her whole adolescence and young adulthood had been spent waiting for the right man to come along and the right time to start her own family. Things never did turn out the way she had hoped for, but she had tried her best to make peace with her reality. She had good friends and a warm apartment to come home to at night. And she got to pursue a career that she was deeply passionate about and was very successful at...until recently at least.
"Ok! Karin and I are going to clean up now and set up the games. Feel free to eat more food while we get ready," Yuzu announced as she pulled out a garbage bag and started to stuff the discarded wrapping paper in. Ichigo got up to start helping, but Yuzu quickly stopped him, "No, brother. This is your party; you just sit tight while we set all this up."
"I don't see the problem with him helping us clean at least," Karin muttered as she followed her sister's orders.
"Perhaps this would be a good time to talk to Orihime?" Rukia suggested, looking up at her husband.
"As good of time as any," Ichigo agreed. As the others talked amongst themselves and began nibbling away at the food, Ichigo approached Orihime hesitantly. "Hey Inoue, Rukia and I had something we wanted to talk to you about."
"Yes, why don't we go into the kitchen?" Rukia suggested as she struggled to stand up from her chair. Isshin was quickly at her side and gave her an arm to help her stand up.
"What are you guys going to talk about?" He asked nosily.
"Nothing that concerns you, dad," Ichigo said as he took his wife's arm from his father. Isshin frowned.
"I think I know what you guys are going to talk about and I think I should be a part of it." Isshin said.
"What are you all talking about?" Byakuya said as he stepped away from organizing the unwrapped gifts.
"Nothing!" Rukia said exasperated , "This is a private matter, please. You guys, just enjoy the food while we talk to Orihime. Come on, Orihime." Tatsuki, Uryuu, Chad, and Renji all stared questioningly at them as they filed out of the living room.
"Uhm…okay guys, what's all this about?" Orihime was beginning to feel concerned. What was so important that they needed to ask her in private? Without saying anything further, she silently followed Ichigo and Rukia into their kitchen. Their kitchen was smaller, but it fit Rukia and Ichigo's needs since neither of them cooked too often. Ichigo walked over to their breakfast bar nook and hopped onto one of the stools as his wife stood next to him. Orihime apprehensively leaned against the fridge across from them.
"Sorry about all the drama, Inoue," Ichigo said, "It's really not that big of a deal what we wanted to talk to you about…I mean, at least I hope it's not too big of a deal."
"Yeah, it's just something I felt we should talk about in private because I didn't want to make you feel like we were putting you on the spot," Rukia explained.
"It's not a problem, go ahead…" Orihime said.
"Ok….well,"
"Just say it, Ichigo," Rukia ordered.
"Alright, alright…Inoue, Rukia and I were wondering if you would be willing to be the doctor to help deliver our baby…you know, when the time comes and stuff," Ichigo said scratching his head.
"Why would you guys want me?" Orihime asked, tilting her head to the side. "I haven't been following your pregnancy for the past eight months. Your OBGYN probably knows more about your health and would be a better choice…"
"Well, you're our friend, Orihime. We trust you and we want you to be the one to help deliver our baby," Rukia said.
"What's wrong with your OBGYN?"
"Nothing's wrong with her," Rukia replied. "It's just…we trust you more than her, that's all." Orihime regarded her two friends for a quiet moment. Her lack of response caused Ichigo and Rukia to squirm uncomfortably and start staring at their shoes instead of looking at Orihime.
"Are you worried something's going to happen to you or your baby?" Orihime finally asked.
"Yes…erm..well..no. I mean, we have no reason to believe there's anything wrong or that the delivery will have complications."
"Yeah, according to Dr. Meyer Rukia is in great health and the delivery should be safe."
"It's just that…well you know, considering our history…I'm just worried that if there were to be any complications because you know…" Rukia said uncomfortably, clearing her throat. "Because you know…I was a shinigami and now I'm human."
"We want you to be there to deliver the baby in case anything bad happens, because you would be able to take care of it," Ichigo spat out finally; he and his wife releasing loud breaths.
"You want me there for the delivery so that if anything goes wrong, I can use my powers?" Orihime said, eyeing her friends.
"I know we're asking a lot and we're assuming a lot," Rukia said slowly.
"I know we all gave up our powers but, Inoue…" Ichigo's voice was low and quiet, his eyes averted. "But if anything were to happen to Rukia and the baby…" His voice pleaded. Rukia was silent, but worry was clear on her face.
"Is there something you guys aren't telling me?" Orihime asked frowning.
"No, we're not hiding anything, Orihime." Rukia shifted, adjusting a bracelet that Byakuya had given her that she often wore. "It's just a feeling I have, I guess. A dream I had a while ago…." Orihime stared at Rukia hard for a moment, her brows knit in concern. She could see the fear in Rukia's shaking hands. Without further thinking she took the few steps between her and Rukia and took Rukia's hands in hers.
"Everything is going to be fine," Orihime said. "Your OBGYN has checked you out and if she says you're fine, then you are. This worrying isn't good for the baby." Orihime gave Rukia's hands a reassuring squeeze.
"It would still make me feel better, Inoue…" Ichigo pleaded. It was so hard to say no to his soft brown eyes. Orihime sighed, turning around and letting go of Rukia's hands. She crossed her arms over her chest and walked over to the sliding glass doors that led out to a patio and stared outside.
"I'm not even supposed to be practicing any medicine right now," Orihime said with a deep sigh.
"What do you mean?" Rukia and Ichigo said at the same time.
"I used my powers to save a little girl. I didn't mean to, but it just happened. And now, everyone thinks I'm some kind of witch with some magical powers and the hospital put me on leave until they finish conducting an investigation." The was a short silent pause between the three of them.
"Wow, Inoue…I'm really sorry. Was that the first time you've-"
"The first time I've used my powers in years, yes." An odd hysterical laugh came out of Orihime's mouth without her even realizing. "It's kind of ironic that you guys are asking me to do this after I had just used my powers to save a little girl." Rukia frowned at her.
"Orihime, there's nothing wrong with what you did. If you decided to save the little girl, then we all trust that you made the right decision. No one is going to punish you for it," Rukia said.
"Are you sure?" Orihime asked, the odd tone in her voice carrying through the kitchen.
"Is everything alright?" Tatsuki asked as she stepped into the doorway of the kitchen. She leaned against the door frame with a concerned face for her best friend. She had heard some of Orihime's high pitched hysterical voice.
"Everything's fine," Orihime quickly said. She took a deep breath and turned around, giving Ichigo and Rukia a smile. "I'd be happy to help deliver your baby. I'll leave you my pager before I leave in case you need to get a hold of me and I don't have my cell phone. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna get some fresh air." And with that, Orihime opened the sliding glass door and stepped outside. Tatsuki stood in the kitchen doorway with wide questioning eyes.
"What happened?"
"I have no idea!" Ichigo said with a sigh.
"Perhaps it's best that we give her a moment," Rukia said softly as she headed back to the family room. Tatsuki let Rukia pass her, but when Ichigo followed Tatsuki prevented him from passing with her arm.
"You're not going anywhere, buddy. What happened?"
"I don't even know!" Ichigo said throwing up his hands. "A couple of weeks ago Rukia had this dream. One minute I was fast asleep and the next she's screaming and screaming- like blood-curdling screaming. I woke her up…" Ichigo's voice lowered into a whisper. "I woke her up and she wouldn't stop crying. I did everything I could, but she wouldn't stop crying. I asked what I could do but she just wanted me to hold her and she cried for like, hours!" Ichigo turned around and began to pace around the kitchen.
"She had a bad dream?"
"It seemed like more than just a bad dream," Ichigo said, rubbing his face, something he did when he was clearly stressed. He hadn't realized how badly he had needed to talk to someone about this. Rukia had made him swear that he'd keep it quiet and not tell anyone, not Chad, his father, and especially not Byakuya. But the secret was eating him alive. Ichigo kept his voice quiet so the others couldn't hear, "She said she dreamt that she was having her baby, except she was covered in blood. That's all she told me. She's had the dream a few times since and I don't know what else I can do, so I suggested that we asked Inoue to be there at the delivery…in case anything happens."
"Oh, Ichigo…I'm so sorry," Tatsuki said, walking over one of the stools by the breakfast bar and sitting down.
"I know," was all Ichigo could say. "Don't tell anyone. I feel like if Byakuya were to find out…"
"Of course," Tatsuki said quickly. "Maybe…you should take Rukia to a psychologist or something?"
"Ha! Yeah, right. Have you met my wife?" Ichigo laughed briefly. Tatsuki gave a half smile, her eyes were deep in thought though.
"What about your father? He's a doctor, right?"
Ichigo shook his head. "Yes, but he doesn't have Inoue's gift."
"And she…?"
"I don't know what's going on with her. She said that she had to save some girl and her hospital suspended her or something for it? I mean, I can imagine people freaking out if they saw her using her powers without knowing what it was. But I don't get what the big deal is if she saved the girl's life."
"Yeah, I know what you're saying. There's been something going on with her; I've been feeling like something's been off about her for a while now. She's never told me anything though. Every time I talk to her, she just gives me a big smile and tells me she's okay."
"I guess being suspended or whatever is affecting her more than we're giving it credit for?" Ichigo suggested and Tatsuki shrugged. "How long can you stay in town for? Can you maybe stay a little bit longer, check on her and see that everything's okay?"
Tatsuki frowned, "Ichigo, Orihime and I haven't had been that close in a long time. Maybe Ishida would be the better person…"
"I would be the better person for what?" Ichigo and Tatsuki turned around to see Ishida walk into the kitchen. "If you mean I would be a better person to talk to Orihime and make her feel better about the investigation and her job, then you're wrong."
"Did you already try?" Tatsuki asked.
"She told me about it. I said everything I could to help. I even offered to get her a lawyer, but she's got other stuff she's worrying about."
"Like what?" Tatsuki asked. Ishida didn't respond but instead took a few steps toward the sliding glass doors. He stood there with his hands on his hips and watched Orihime outside. For a moment, he hesitated as if he was thinking about telling them something, but changed his mind and ended up shaking his head instead. Tatsuki and Ichigo looked at each other, their eyes communicating complete confusion to one another.
"Ichigo, we're going to start the games now…" Karin said as she poked her head into the kitchen. His perceptive sister gave him a questioning looking regarding the awkward atmosphere in the kitchen, but Ichigo shook his head as if to tell her to not bother asking.
"Coming, Karin," Ichigo said as he left the kitchen. Tatsuki and Uryuu were left alone in the kitchen; both of them regarded each other uneasily for a moment. It had always amazed Tatsuki that both of them had been such a big part in Orihime's life but still knew so little about each other. However in that moment, Tatsuki realized she probably understood more about what Uryuu was feeling than what Orihime was feeling.
Both of them had lost Orihime; they had neglected their relationships with her because they selfishly needed to tend to themselves. Tatsuki got caught up in her job and her ambition to move her team toward a championship and Uryuu left to tend to his broken heart and his dying father. In the past few weeks, neither of them had bothered to call and ask how Orihime was doing; and now they both stood in the kitchen feeling helpless and guilty. Tatsuki had never been a woman of inaction, and so she pulled forth whatever resolve she had left.
"You should go talk to her," Tatsuki said.
"She doesn't want to talk to me."
"Oh come on, you guys have had enough time to get over your break up. So what if she wasn't ready to get married."
"How did you know…? What did she tell you about our engagement?"
"She didn't tell us anything, we all figured it out on our own…You'll work through it though," Tatsuki continued when Uryuu gave her his best seriously? face. "You guys are good for each other."
"She doesn't need me now. What she needs is a girlfriend to talk her out of doing some stupid things," Uryuu grinded out through his teeth.
"What stupid things?" Tatsuki frowned.
"You're going to have to ask her. Just don't go around assuming that whatever is wrong with Orihime is my fault. I've done all I can," Uryuu sighed deeply, trying to ignore the pain in his chest. "I can't make her love me."
"Ishida…" Tatsuki said, her dark eyes filled with sympathy. He simply shook his head, disgusted because he didn't need her pity.
"I have to get going. I told Ichigo and Rukia I couldn't stay long anyways. I've got to go check on my father and then I have to attend this stupid fundraiser tonight in his place. Please say good-bye to Orihime for me, Tatsuki? I'll see you guys around."
"Yeah, sure."
"Thank you," Uryuu said, giving her a half smile as he left the kitchen to go say his good-byes to the family. Tatsuki sat in the kitchen for a few minutes. She could hear the roar of laughter coming from the family room as Rukia and Ichigo enacted out some silly baby shower game that Yuzu had forced them to do. She waited in the kitchen patiently for Orihime. Two minutes turned into five minutes, and then five minutes turned into ten minutes. It was when Tatsuki was about to decide to either go check on Orihime outside or return to the family room that Orihime opened the glass door and stepped back into the kitchen. Her presence brought in a gush of cold air and she looked like she had just woken up from sleep.
"Hey…" Tatsuki said, giving Orihime a soft smile. "Is everything okay?" Orihime returned her friend's smile and nodded.
"Yes. Thank you for being concerned about me."
"Ishida left."
"I figured. I heard a car engine start and leave," Orihime said.
"Things seem weird between you two."
"I know." Orihime's eyes lowered, trying to hide her sadness. "I think we're both still heartbroken."
"I can see that," Tatsuki said. Orihime walked over to where Tatsuki sat on the stool and took a seat next to her. "Do you want to make things work with him? Can you guys go back to just being together?"
"How do you go back to being together when someone tells you that they don't want to be with you forever?" Orihime said in an uncharacteristically sarcastic tone.
"Hey, don't beat yourself up over this. You can't help what your heart tells you to do; but that doesn't mean you two have to stop caring for each other."
"I know, I know, that's how it goes in my head too, but whenever we get together and try to have a conversation… I think it's a combination of everything…you know? Busy lives, his father needing him so much more often now, and my job that's driving me insane."
"Yeah, I heard about it," Tatsuki said and Orihime's eyes flashed in surprise.
"Oh, Tatsuki," Orihime said with a deep pained sigh. Tatsuki wrapped arm around her friend, and Orihime rested her head on Tatsuki's shoulder. "I don't know what to do about Uryuu. I love him so much still, but I don't know how to be there for him. I never knew his father very well, but we all know what kind of relationship he had with his father. I can't even begin to imagine how hard this must be for him. Every time he just mentions his father, I can feel the full force of everything he wants to say about his father but can't."
"I imagine that he feels the same way," Tatsuki said and continued when Orihime gave her a confused look. "Well, I think he really wants to comfort you about what's happening in your life right now but he doesn't know how."
"Well…it's not like he really tried," Orihime said bitterly. Tatsuki raised an eyebrow.
"What do you mean? He said he's talked to you about your job and offered to help get a lawyer?"
"Oh…yeah, well he did do that. I guess I was talking about something else…"
"Well, what were you talking about then?"
"Hey guys! Get in here! Don't think you're going to get away from having to play the games! Yuzu said to come get you two," Karin said as she poked her head in the kitchen again, giving them suspicious looks.
"Coming!" Orihime cheered, thankful that she had an excuse to leave the conversation. She wasn't in the mood to share her experience with Ulquiorra with anyone yet. She had decided during her little moment of fresh air outside that none of her friends were ready to hear about Ulquiorra, especially if Uryuu's behavior was any indication.
Tatsuki scowled that Orihime had jumped at the opportunity to drop the conversation and she vowed that she would figure out a way to squeeze the truth out of Orihime. It was very clear that her best friend was hiding something important, but it wasn't clear why she didn't want to tell Tatsuki. I'll just wait for the next best moment, Tatsuki thought to herself.
But a good moment never presented itself for the rest of the baby shower. Yuzu, Karin, and Isshin kept everyone busy with either games or food, and Orihime didn't make it any easier for Tatsuki to get her alone.
It was an hour later when the party was finally winding down that Tatsuki finally found herself alone with Orihime. Orihime was gathering her purse and coat and was getting ready to leave when she was cornered in the hallway by Tatsuki.
"Hey, I was hoping that maybe you and I could grab a bite and talk?" Tatsuki asked.
"Haha, oh Tatsuki, I'm stuffed! Yuzu forced too much food on me."
"Well, how about coffee then?"
"Well…"
"Hey, guys. We're all going over to Chad's bar for a drink and to play some pool. You wanna come?" Ichigo said as he crowded the hallway with Chad and Renji.
"What? Why are you leaving your own party so soon?" Orihime asked, confused.
"The party is over and I am overwhelmed with baby-craziness and Byakuya!" Ichigo hissed underneath his breath. "I need some beer and space so I can regain my sanity." His two male friends nodded furiously in agreement.
"Come on, Arisawa! You owe me a re-match playing pool," Renji challenged. Tatsuki raised her eyebrow at the red-head.
"Please, little boy, as if you have a chance," she scoffed.
"Is that a wager? Because I have been saving up to buy a new pair of sunglasses," he grinned.
"Alright, come on, Orihime. This will be fun, it will be just like old times," Tatsuki said.
"Oh…haha, I'd love to but, I've got some plans," Orihime muttered underneath her breath as she slipped on her coat and started buttoning it up.
"What plans? What are you doing tonight?" Tatsuki asked.
"Haha okay mother, no need to watch over me, hahaha," Orihime teased with a nervous faked laugh, hoping it would distract them long enough so she could just get out the door.
"Well, what are you doing?" Tatsuki inquired, her face turning serious. Orihime gave her friend an exasperated look, hoping that she wouldn't need to explain herself. She was an adult after all, why did she need to answer to Tatsuki? Tatsuki who had spent most of her time the past few months gone traveling with her team and had barely had time to talk to her on the phone. Orihime straightened herself and stared blankly back at her friends.
When Orihime refused to answer, Tatsuki's dark eyes flared with her temper.
"First round is on the house," Chad offered, trying to cool down the atmosphere that was quickly turning hot. The three men stood confused and increasingly anxious as they looked back and forth between the two women.
"I have plans, okay? I'm going to the University's fundraiser thing," Orihime said quickly, looking away from Tatsuki. Tatsuki's face calmed as she raised her eyebrows.
"Oh? You're going with Ishida?"
"Huh? Uh, no…I didn't know he was going," Orihime said nervously.
"How could he not go? He has to represent his father and their healthcare business to the University. You know Ishida's father's business works closely with the University's research labs," Chad pointed out.
"Oh…well, I guess I hadn't thought about that…" Orihime said, chewing on her lower lip. Ichigo gave Orihime a long cold stare.
"Who are you going with, Inoue?" Ichigo said, the sharp tone of his voice keeping everyone quiet and demanding an answer from Orihime. Orihime let out a frustrated sigh.
"Okay! Okay! You guys want to know so much, I'll tell you. I'm going with Ulquiorra."
A large gasp escaped from everyone's mouths, the largest gasp coming from a wide-eyed pregnant Rukia at the end of the hallway who had come just in time to hear the dramatic confession.
"What?" Tatsuki said, her eyeballs practically popping out of her head.
"How is that possible?" Chad demanded in a calm tone, riddled with concern.
"Orihime! You can't!" Rukia said, with pleading dark violent eyes as she waddled over to her husband and clutched his arm. "Ichigo, you can't let her go!"
"I don't understand what the big deal is!" Orihime cried, shaking her head.
"Inoue, you can't go." Ichigo said firmly.
"You can't forbid me!" Orihime said, her eyelashes batting fresh tears away quickly. This was a worse reaction than Uryuu's! At least he stayed calm!
"He's dangerous!" Renji growled.
"I don't understand what the big deal is!" Orihime cried.
"Orihime, first of all…" Rukia said, lowering her voice as she became aware that her big brother may overhear their conversation. "We've been ordered to stay clear of them. We're not to interfere with their lives."
"We were also ordered to not use our powers without permission, and yet you have no problem asking me to break those rules," Orihime shot back. Rukia's large violet eyes flashed with hurt when Orihime said that, and she instantly felt guilty for what she had said. "I'm sorry; I didn't mean to say that. That was horrible of me."
"Orihime, please be reasonable," Chad said.
"I am being reasonable. He's human just like all of us. He has a job and he lives a regular life just like all of us."
"Inoue, he's not human. He will never be human," Ichigo said in a somber tone.
"He is a perfectly polite and kind gentleman, who even helped me get a new cake when I clumsily dropped the original one and practically tackled him this morning," Orihime explained.
"Is that why you were late?" Tatsuki glared.
"Ugh! You guys, I love you all so much. I know you're just concerned, but he's a very nice man and I really enjoyed seeing him again. And he invited me out tonight and I want to go and enjoy his company. If anything goes wrong, I will let you know right away; but until then, I need you to treat me like a grown woman, please?" Orihime asked.
"He kidnapped you and locked you up!" Renji pointed out, confused with the red-headed woman logic and behavior.
"…That was a long time ago," Orihime said lamely.
"He's a hollow and he will always be a hollow," Rukia said.
"This conversation is over," Orihime said, throwing up her hands. "I'm sorry if you guys can't be happy for me." She walked over the door and opened it.
"What the fuck is this?" Renji asked incredulously to Ichigo and Tatsuki. "You two know her best, do something!"
Ichigo shook his head and looked helpless and Tatsuki glared and just looked pissed. Neither them could look at Orihime in the eyes.
"I love you guys," Orihime said softly, giving them all one parting glance. "Thank you, Rukia and Ichigo; it was a lovely baby shower. Call me if you need me, okay? Bye, everyone." She said softly and closed the door quietly with a click. The five friends stared at one another stupefied.
