Chapter 21
Renji heard buzzing and felt Tatsuki stir on top of him. She reaches for the cell on the small night table by her bed. She dials voice message.
"Hi Suki-Chan! I remember you! I'm so happy! If it's not a bother come to Karakura Main hospital, third floor room 101. Love you"!
"Hime remembers me"!
"What"?
Tatsuki gets up from him and pulls him as well.
"Hime is in the hospital and remembers me! Come on and take a quick shower with me stud"! She smacks his bottom.
"Ooooh my little vixen that stings". He pulls her into the shower.
"Thank you for understanding Ichigo, I needed to tell her. She has been so worried and trying so hard for me".
"I know Orihime you don't need to explain. I'm just glad the doctor said you're fine no tumor or anything like that". They both smile at each other.
"I wanted to explain about remembering my brother. What I meant to say is that I really remember him, his death and what happened to him afterwards. I did remember you but not in the way It really was and what we really are to each other. I felt a strong connection to you. But Ichigo why would I think we were engaged? Why and how did I not only lose my memory but alter it so much? I'm scared to get the answers".
The more she speaks the more tears come down. Ichigo pulls his chair closer and hugs her tightly.
"Please don't cry Orihime and don't get mad at what I'm about to say". He pulls away to look at her. "I don't think you need the answers right now. Your mind and heart need to heal before you can remember the rest. I promise you will remember when the times right. Some of your memories came back tonight on their own that means you're stronger. Trust yourself okay"?
She smiles brightly and hugs him again. "Thanks Ichigo, you always know the right words to ease my worries and calm my heart".
"Hey you do the same for me". Neither notices the pair peaking inside the room whom just heard everything that was said.
"Do you see what I mean stud? They belong together". Tatsuki sneaks in to scare the pair not realizing how much their word and hers struck home for Renji. He can hear Ichigo yelling for the successful scare and Tatsuki and Orihime crying out of happiness and relief. Renji steps away from the door and walks to the end of the hall to look out the window. He is lost in thought once again.
"Hey red, what's the matter? More important what are you doing with Tatsuki at this time"? Ichigo is asking out of amusement because he can tell something's up between Tatsuki and him.
"Che nothing carrot top".
"Oh shit you're blushing! It's about two A.M Renji so why did you guys come together"? Ichigo is trying to look him in the eyes but Renji keeps turning his face away. "Tatsuki and Renji sitting in a tree k.i.s.s.i.n.g first comes love then comes marriage then comes Renji with a baby carriage". Renji puts him in a head lock and the struggle begins. The nurse staff just giggles but then get scolded by the head nurse for the ruckus both guys are making. The both of them stop and bow at her asking for forgiveness. They quickly head back to the room.
One hour passes by and Orihime is asleep. The three of them are outside of the room.
"I'm going to stay with her you guys go home. The doctor says the headache is just the memories surfacing. I want to stay here and take her home".
"Which home Tatsuki"?
"That's a good question. How about I ask her when she wakes up".
Ichigo yawns.
"Okay just let me know so I can pick you girls up". He looks at them. "I'm going to the restroom".
He leaves them alone. The pair can't help but to blush and smile. He pulls her in as she wraps her arms around his waist.
"I had an amazing night, but what now Renji? Is that all it was, a wonderful night"?
He doesn't answer her instead leans down and captures her lips in a slow passionate kiss.
"It's whatever we want it to be. Just to let you know though I'm possessive and I don't share my women".
She smiles and captures his lips.
"Just to let you know I don't come second to anyone and I also don't give my heart to anyone so if I do, if I do…" He stops her by planting his mouth over hers and deeply strokes his tongue inside. He can feel her warm tears and wipes them as he's still kissing her.
Ichigo returns but makes a beeline towards Orihime's room so he won't disturb them. They walk back holding hands.
"Let's go Carrot top".
Ichigo looks at Orihime's sleeping form before leaving. Renji gives Tatsuki a peck and leaves with Ichigo.
"You know I'll break every bone in your body if you hurt Tatsuki in any way".
"I know, I'd let you if I were that stupid. That reminds me you and…" Renji doesn't finish his sentence but opens his eyes with realization. "Ohhhh fuckkkk"!
He pulls out his cell. He can see there's one message. He dials and listens to the message. "Shit I'm screwed"!
He hangs up after listening to his message.
"Red what's got you so freaked out"?
"I was supposed to meet Ruks hours ago for a possible apartment. I completely forgot. She has got to be pissed"!
"Oh red, I feel for you. You are fucked. I'll give you a ride to the hotel maybe I can see her, I need to see her".
Renji doesn't answer but takes him up on his offer. A couple minutes pass and they are in front of the hotel.
"Thanks for the ride Ichigo but just wait till tomorrow to see her. It's late and she will be beyond pissed off. You know how Ruks is with sleep. Plus I already pissed her off".
"I don't like staying away from her it's been over a week and I can't help but feel like she's avoiding me. I don't buy the whole apartment and Soul Society orders explanation".
"Just be patient Ichigo a couple more hours will not hurt. Tell your sister I'll be there tomorrow to help with the laundry".
Ichigo sighs with resignation.
"Fine red I'll wait. I'll tell yuzu you're coming".
They fist bump and Renji gets out the car and walks into the hotel. Ichigo reluctantly drives home.
Renji punches the code in, takes off his shoes and tiptoes into the quiet and dark room. He changes into his boxers and white t-shirt. When he gets closer he can see Rukia's hair sticking out. He figures she was tired and pissed so she took his bed. So he goes to her bed and stretches tiredly before getting in. Renji then feels a slender hand caress his chest. Renji jumps out of the bed and turns on the lamp. Ulquiorra sticks out his head and Renji lunges at him.
"What the fuck! You are dead"!
He yanks him out of the bed, as they struggle the lamp falls and breaks prompting Rukia to wake up. She groggily gets up, stands in front of them and whacks them both on the head.
"I can't sleep with all this damn noise"! The both of them stop and look at her with some fear. She smiles eyes are still shut. "That's much better".
She gets back into bed and snuggles into the sheets. They continue to fight each other for leverage.
"Rukia wake up! This filthy Arrancar is alive"!
Rukia's eyes open completely now and she rushes over pulling Renji off of Ulquiorra. She stands in front of Ulquiorra shielding him from Renji.
"Renji stop! Calm down". She can feel his murderous Reiatsu rising.
"Get away from him Rukia"!
"It's okay Renji. He's not going to hurt us".Renji is beginning to glow. "Renji calm yourself or I'll use a spell"! Her hands are in position to start the incantation. Renji closes his eyes trying to relax himself. After a few minutes he seems to accomplish just that. "Give me a few minutes to explain".
"You better make it in five".
Rukia begins the story but remains in front of Ulquiorra; she can still feel Renji's fuming Reiatsu.
"So he just shows up out of nowhere? That doesn't make sense. They saw him die and disappear"!
"I know but we need time to find out what's going on".
Renji pulls her into the walk in closet peeks at Ulquiorra.
"Don't even think about leaving. I'll hunt you down and kill you again"!
He slams the closet door shut.
"Ruks have you lost your fucking mind? What if it's a trap"?
"That's why we need to keep him around. We will benefit from doing so. He says he can't remember what happened. If it's a lie we will find out his plans and deal with him and whoever is behind this. But no one from Soul Society must know of his existence or they'll kill him".
"Do you hear yourself? If it's a lie! You know it is! Don't you remember he put a big hole into Ichigo? He practically died and that's when he transformed into that thing for the first time. He only came back because of Orihime".
Rukia's face froze still, her breath caught in her throat and she lowered her eyes to look at the floor.
"I didn't know that. I heard he transformed but…" Rukia looks heart broken and it is taking everything not to break down.
"Are you going to tell Ichigo"?
Rukia didn't answer him yet. She looked up her eyes brimming with unshed tears.
"Of course I will. I called him but he didn't pick up. Renji please trust me".
"The only reason why I'm going to go along with this for now is because I do trust you. However if he does anything wrong he's dead got it"!
"Got it". Renji fails to notice Rukia's saddness he just walks out. They see Ulquiorra looking in the mirror searching for something. "Can everyone get some sleep"? Rukia looks at them both and points to her bed while looking at Ulquiorra. He looks at her with confusion yet again but gets into bed closing his heavy lidded eyes and falls asleep. "Renji go to bed please".
"This isn't going to end well".
He sighs and gets into his own bed. Rukia walks out to the terrace and lies on a beach like chair.
"I can't believe my Ichigo, my strawberry, my love..."she stares into the night sky full of stars hugging herself tight. The night wind carrying her tears.
Ulquiorra opens his eyes and looks around for Rukia. He gets up and looks in the rest rooms then the closet. When he doesn't see her he looks to one door left which leads to the terrace. He quietly walks out and finds her asleep on the chair the morning sun giving her a bright glow, hair softly being moved by the gentle breeze. He moves closer and leans down studying her features closely. Her lips are parted slightly. He backs up when she turns to the other side.
"How odd but I've made a decision". He walks back into the room.
"Mmm smells good..." She looks around and see's food on the table and the lamp has been replaced. She can tell Renji is still out cold and so begins to look for Ulquiorra. He then walks in from the terrace with a towel around his head…"how did I get here"?
He walks next to the bed.
"I carried you. I also ordered food, clean towels and a new light. There's a bath waiting for you as well".
"How did you do all this"?
"I paid close attention to everything you did. I have always been a fast learner".
"Umm". She yawns. "Thanks, later we have to talk seriously". He nods.
Two hours later Renji wakes up to an empty suite. He finds a note on the lamp table.
"There's food on the table and remember you promised not to say anything about our visitor! I'm going to pay for our new apartment and to buy some clothes for him".
She ends it with her Chappy drawing.
"Damned rabbit"!
He throws the note into a trash basket.
Author's note: Hi my wickeds! =) Thanks to you all who are reading/reviewing =) Hi Vman9000! He is going to play an important role I believe but you'll have to stick around to find out! ;) Hinataellis thanks glad you're enjoying it! There is a meaning to all of my madness =) lol