Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach in anyway but am inspired by the work created by Tite Kubo

Suddenly There Was You

By bleachfanficfanatic

Chapter 10

Orihime's remaining month in Soul Society flew by in a blur of working at the Fourth and spending time with her friends and Shuuhei. Needless to say all their friends were thrilled they were dating officially. Upon hearing the news Rangiku had thrown her arms around both of them in huge hug practically smothering them both in her excitement.

"I'm sorry, I'm just so happy for you both!" she'd exclaimed brightly clapping her hands.

As Orihime's last night dwindled to a close Shuuhei had her wrapped in his arms once again watching the stars sitting on a plush blanket in the grass behind his dwellings. Heaving a great sigh he settled his chin on the top of her head. "What are you thinking," he heard her ask.

Gripping her tighter he leaned over and kissed her cheek speaking softly against her skin, "Just that I wish I hadn't wasted those three weeks away from you. I shouldn't have pushed you away like that."

She turned so that her shoulders were now leaned into the crook of his arm and looked up at him, "Shuuhei, don't worry about that. I wasn't ready then and it took that time apart for me to really see how deep my feelings for you were. If you'd asked me to be with you then I don't know if I'd been brave enough to say yes."

Reaching over with his other hand he cupped her face and traced with his thumb across her cheek back and forth before pulling her up to him and kissing her. It began chaste enough but heated up quickly as he ran his hand up into her hair, grasping the back of her head at the base of her neck firmly. Opening his mouth Shuuhei's tongue pushed into Orihime's and she sighed as he guided her onto her back, laying over her gently. Because of his height he completely covered her and she found herself reveling in her feeling of safety with this man even having only been with him a short time.

She had little thought left when he traded kissing her lips to trailing down her neck and keeping his attention at her collar bone. Delicious chills ran down Orihime's body causing her to breath deeper the longer he kept up what he was doing. Her hands trailed up into his hair and she heard him groan against her skin at the touch making her smile.

Shuuhei couldn't believe how much passion he felt for the woman beneath him and it was taking him every last ounce of control to not rip her clothing to shreds right there in the open. Two things stopped him: one, he knew she'd be mortified at the chance someone could see them and two; he knew she wasn't ready for that yet. So he tortured himself but it was sweet enough to be worth it.

Leaning back up and away from her so his arousal wasn't quite so obvious he finally opened his eyes to look at her face. Where he'd been kissing and licking her was tinted light red, almost matching the flush on her face. Smirking slightly he managed to speak, "Sorry, guess I got a little carried away."

She shook her head and leaned up to kiss him again, running her hand up his partially exposed chest eliciting another moan of pleasure from him before she reached her destination of his neck. She released his lips and pulled herself up to his ear, "Don't apologize please, I enjoyed it." He smiled, inhaling the scent of her as he hugged her back, desperately wishing the next day would never come or that somehow he could keep her with him. It was selfish on his part, there were people waiting for her back home and as much as he knew she loved being there with him she missed them.

Feeling sort of sappy but fulfilling the promise to himself to not withhold from her he whispered into her copper locks, "Kami, I wish you weren't leaving." He felt her chest rise in a deep breath before she lay back down to the blanket looking up at him, "I know, but we both know I can't stay here." He nodded trailing light touches down her cheek to her neck. She looked so beautiful in the light of the August moon.

"Stay with me tonight?" he asked softly still stroking her face. When her eyes held apprehension he continued quickly, "I don't mean sleep together, well, not like that. I mean I want to fall asleep next to you and wake up with you at least once before I don't see you for a while. Please?" Her body relaxed as she smiled and nodded.

Standing up Shuuhei gripped her hands lifting her up effortlessly. Orihime always felt so petite with how easily he could move her where and how he wanted. It made her wonder offhandedly if he was a good dancer. Having seen his fighting she figured he probably was if he were ever so inclined.

Making their way back inside Shuuhei handed her a sleeping yukuta she headed to the bathroom to change. When she came out she found he was already lying in bed waiting for her. The sight of him leaning up on his elbow watching her every move as she walked towards him had Orihime's heart thundering in her chest. He really was gorgeous! But she knew she just wasn't ready for that step. She'd slept with Ichigo fairly early in their relationship but that had partially been because she already knew she was in love with him.

Everything was still new with Shuuhei, they were still getting to know each other and she didn't want to rush into something that serious. For his part, Shuuhei mostly agreed with her but had been honest in saying he had less qualms about the time of when it happened, should it happen at all. He'd been candid about his physical attraction to her but also made it perfectly clear he'd fallen for her before ever touching her in any intimate way.

Shuuhei lay down and pulled Orihime into his arms, her head resting comfortably on his shoulder. Tracing circles on her arm he kissed the top of her head, "Good night Orihime." Sighing contentedly Orihime closed her eyes, "Good night Shuuhei."

The next day Shuuhei took off from the office to spend with her for as long as he could get her to stay. They walked together to the Eleventh were she said goodbye to her friends. Shuuhei thought it quite ironic someone as kind and gentle as his girlfriend (he was still getting used to the whole label thing) was friends with some of the most violently inclined in Soul Society. But as he watched Ikkaku, Yumichika and even Zaraki tender their goodbyes he knew they truly were her friends. Though she wasn't a fighter like them they respected and cared for her more than he'd seen any of them for anyone else and that included members of their own division. Kenpachi was not exactly the cuddly type except with his pink haired lieutenant, who was currently squeezing Orihime in a huge hug goodbye.

Their next stop was the Fourth to say goodbye to her fellow healers. All expressed their wish for her to be able to stay but in the same breath would wish her a long and happy life, admonishing her to make sure she didn't join their ranks before her time.

Their final destination was the Kuchiki Manor where she would use their private Senkaimon to make her way back to the world of the living. At the last minute Shuuhei said he would escort her himself to ensure she arrived safely.

Standing by the gate were Rukia, Renji, Rangiku and surprisingly Kuchiki-taichou. Hisagi bowed his respect to the fellow captain. Stepping up in front of him Orihime bowed deeply as she said through her barely held back tears, "Thank you so much for your hospitality and the use of your Senkaimon, Kuchiki-taichou."

He returned the bow but was surprised the next moment when the young woman surged forward to hug him. Slightly uncomfortable with the public display of affection he stood rather rigid with her arms around his neck. Rukia's eyes were wide; she didn't even hug her brother! Leaning up Orihime whispered to the taller man so only he could hear, "I never said thank you for what you did a year ago. Thank you…for not killing him Byakuya-sama." Byakuya's eyes widened at her words and only then did he allow himself to hug her back. "You're welcome, Orihime-chan," he murmured just as lowly before absconding himself from her hold.

Stepping away from him she flung her arms around Rangiku, both women crying at her impending departure. Next came a hug for Rukia, the smaller woman barely keeping her emotions in check. Last was a huge hug from Renji, the larger man picking her up easily and gripping her tight. Setting her down he leaned forward to kiss her cheek, "We'll come see you again as soon as we can." She nodded through her tears. Turning to Shuuhei she reached out her hand.

He took it and led her to the gate where he picked her up to place on his back. The gate opened flooding the room with bright light. Turning, Orihime gave one last wave before Shuuhei dashed forward into the passageway. They heard the gate slam shut as they made their way toward the world of the living.

Soon their exit gate loomed ahead of them and before long they'd reached it, pushing open the doors to step out into Urahara's shop. The hat and clog wearing man was waiting for them but raised his eyebrows at who he saw with the healer.

"Well, well, this is quite the surprise Hisagi-taichou. I would ask what brings you here but that is fairly obvious," he commented when having slid off Shuuhei's back Orihime took his hand out of habit. Blushing slightly she went to release him in case she embarrassed him but he just gripped her tighter making her smile.

"So, is this a drop off or are you staying for a visit?" Kisuke asked.

Orihime was about to answer when Shuuhei surprised her with his reply, "If you could provide a suppressor and gigai I'd appreciate it."

Whipping her head to look at him Orihime met steady grey eyes staring into hers. She'd no idea he planned to stay with her!

"Shuuhei, you don't have clearance to stay! What if the captain commander finds out?"

"Who says I don't have clearance?" he smirked back and her eyes widened further. "What?" she breathed.

"I went to see him before you woke up this morning. I just…I hope you're not mad, I wanted to surprise you. Trust me it was hard to not burst out with it first thing this morning."

Orihime thought back to the morning and realized he must have gone prior to bringing them breakfast, the perfect excuse for having been up and out of the house before her. Smiling she poked his shoulder, "Ne, Shuuhei-kun, you're a sneaky one. I'll have to keep an eye on you." He grinned back before looking to the shopkeeper again.

"Well, with all this lovely dovey feeling in the air how could I refuse?" quipped Urahara but then he turned more serious eyes to Inoue before continuing, "Inoue-san, I'm really happy for you. Hopefully one day you'll share the story with me?" A look of gratitude spread across Orihime's face as she nodded agreement to his request.

"Great, then let's get you situated captain." The three of them made their way up out of the underground, Kisuke heading to his gigai supply while the shinigami and healer waited in the main room talking to Tessai who was asking for updates from Soul Society.

"Hisagi-san, if you would follow me please," Urahara requested a few minutes later. Shuuhei squeezed Orihime's hand before letting go to follow the man, sliding the door of the room they entered closed after entering.

Fifteen minutes later he emerged and when Orihime saw him her jaw dropped. No longer clad in his unique Shihakusho, Shuuhei wore dark denim boot cut jeans, black boots and a black with white pinstripe button down, sleeves rolled up to his elbows showing off his sculpted forearms. Gone were his facial tattoos but his scars remained and his hair and eyes were of course the same colors as when he was in his natural spirit form.

"Judging by the look on your face I'd say you approve. Should I be worried you prefer me this way?" he teased. Shaking her head Orihime rushed forward, placing her hands on his chest while his naturally gravitated to rest on her hips. "No Shuuhei, I…I was just surprised!"

He chuckled, kissing her lightly, "I know, I'm just giving you a hard time. First time in one of these in quite a while so you may have to bear with me being a little slower than normal."

"No problem, I enjoy our leisurely strolls," she answered.

"That's it, get out of here, it's too much sweetness," they heard a female voice complain, Yoruichi coming into view. Giggling Orihime nodded and then tugged at Shuuhei's hand to exit the shop.

"Interesting development don't you think?" Kisuke murmured next to the flash step goddesses' ear, "I wonder how the rest of the gang will take to this?"

"They, like me, will just be thankful she's finally moved on from that orange haired idiot. I swear, if I ever see him again-"fumed the yellow eyed woman but Kisuke grabbed her hand, giving it a squeeze, "He's gone, let him go. Inoue-san seems to have forgiven him; perhaps we should follow her example."

Yoruichi scoffed, "Forgiveness is one thing, forgetting is another and no one will ever forget what he did."

Outside Orihime and Shuuhei were making their way to the apartment she shared with Uryuu and Chad. Though she had healed emotionally the three friends found it more cost effective to live together, particularly Chad since he traveled so much with his fight training and competitions. Also they were more like family anyway and it made sense to stay together as long as they could. Over the year they'd grown even closer and Orihime was so thankful to have new "brothers" in her life. They would never take Sora's place but they were doing a darn good job in their own rights.

Finding the door unlocked she knew one or both of them were home and called out, "Uryuu-kun, Sado-kun I'm home!" Her call had been unnecessary as both males were already waiting in the living room and rushed forward to gather their "little sister" in their arms. This show of affection surprised Shuuhei for a moment, not being used to the two most quiet and stoic of the ryokas showing their emotions so plainly but then again this was Orihime they were greeting.

After they'd hugged her nearly into a coma both men turned their attention to the third male in the room. It wasn't that they hadn't noticed him. Even with the power suppressor on both were well aware of his and Orihime's presence long before the two had reached the door. Stepping forward Ishida bowed to the captain, Hisagi returning the gesture.

"Thank you for seeing Orihime-chan home, Hisagi-taichou. I see by the presence of your gigai you intend to stay for a while. Is this a personal stay or is there something we need to be aware of?" the Quincy asked calmly. Hisagi chuckled; this was the Ishida Uyruu he remembered even though he'd only seen him a handle full of times throughout their acquaintanceship.

It was Orihime's turn to answer for him. Stepping to his side she smiled sweetly at her two friends. "Shuuhei-kun is here on a personal visit," she said warmly before taking his hand. Both men's eyebrows rose at this gesture. Chad shocked everyone by speaking in a surprised tone, "Very personal it seems." Orihime nodded, clenching Shuuhei's hand a little tighter.

"Orihime-chan, are you sure about this?" Ishida asked evenly adjusting his glasses. Shuuhei knew he was in for a rough time given how Orihime's last relationship ended up but he was up for the challenge.

Looking up at Shuuhei's face and then back to her friends she nodded, "Hai, I'm sure."

Ishida and Chad nodded before Uryuu spoke again, this time to Hisagi, "I trust she informed you of what happened a year ago. I won't waste words of warning on you, you are an intelligent man."

Shuuhei nodded once before bowing, "I give you my word, as much as I am able, I will protect her and not hurt her." His show of respect startled those present but definitely helped move him in a positive direction for Orihime's self declared protectors. They tried to let her be independent but she knew they were always waiting in the wings to help her in any way they could.

The formalities out of the way Orihime took Shuuhei on a brief tour of the three bedroom apartment. He was pleased to see the men had insisted she have the master bedroom that included an on suite bathroom, the two of them having their own smaller rooms and sharing the second bathroom.

The kitchen and living area were one big room with a large balcony acting as their outdoor dining room in good weather. When the snow arrived, Orihime explained, they stored the table and chairs in the basement of the building.

Later that evening the four of them went out to dinner to celebrate Orihime's return and her new relationship with the captain of the ninth. Shuuhei had already experienced firsthand during her time with him in Soul Society Orihime's odd taste in food so wasn't surprised when she ordered yoba noodles with chocolate sauce and cherry tomatoes. The rest of them enjoyed their "boring" meals as Orihime called them while catching up.

"Orihime-chan," Ishida said after sipping his mint tea, "Tatsuki-chan called the other day. She was hoping you'd made a decision regarding Tokyo."

Shuuhei knew what the Quincy was talking about. After they'd started dating Orihime shared with him that the karate master had asked Orihime to move to Tokyo with her to find an apartment and help her open a dojo. The healer, he was surprised to learn, had worked her way up to a black belt and was skilled enough to teach a novice class if she wanted to.

Sighing Orihime pushed some of her noodles around her plate, "I've thought about it the whole time I was gone and while I don't want to leave you and Sado-kun-" but he interrupted her gently taking her hand and giving it a squeeze, "Please, don't let us hinder you from this. We knew eventually we'd all go our separate ways." She nodded, wiping away the tear which had escaped and trailed down her cheek.

"In that case, then yes, I'm going to go. I have no other plans and helping Tatsuki with her dream will be a good use of my time."

"What about your dreams?" Shuuhei asked gently. She turned her face to him, a beaming smile present. "I don't really have any right now. Maybe moving somewhere new will help me find some."

They all nodded and conversation moved to helping Inoue plan for her relocation. Reaching home an hour later the four friends said goodnight to each other and made their way to their rooms.

"Orihime," Shuuhei said quietly as they walked down the hall, "Do you want me to sleep on the couch? I'm ok with that if you're not comfortable with me sleeping in your room."

For answer she tugged his hand harder and led him to her bedroom. Looking around he saw it was decorated simply, the walls a soft yellow and covered in framed pictures of all her friends both from the world of the living and Soul Society. Her futon was queen sized set on a beautifully stained cherry wood raised platform, a gift made by Sado-kun she explained, covered in rich navy blue sheets and comforter.

"Here, Hisagi-taichou," they heard Chad rumble from behind them in the doorway. In his hands he held a pair of sweat pants and t-shirt. "They'll probably be a bit big for you but should work," he continued handing the items to Shuuhei. The captain was surprised by his act of kind consideration and bowed his thanks. Standing up he verbalized it, "Thank you Sado Yasutora."

"Chad," replied the big man smiling slightly. Returning the smile Hisagi repeated, "Chad. Then please call me Shuuhei." He nodded then turned to leave the couple to get ready for bed.

"You were right," Shuuhei said later after they'd changed and settled under the sheets.

"About what?" Orihime asked looking up at him from her position next to his side.

Looking down he kissed her lips lightly, "You have really good friends." Smiling she snuggled closer and soon they were both asleep.