Author's Note: In response to the guest who feels I've written Rukia so poorly I will probably surprise some by agreeing with them to a point. I feel for my first fan fiction attempt I bit off a little more than I could chew giving her a main story line originally. Better would have been to leave her as a minor character and developed a different way in which her and Renji's relationship changed but that is past hoping for now. All I can do is move forward and hope that despite my novice mistakes people are still enjoying this and will stick with me until the end.

Lunahime517 : THANK YOU for your kind review and lovely PM to me. It helped boost my confidence back up again to continue and I truly appreciate it. I'm so glad you are enjoying this despite it not being your typically favorite pairing.

Also I know some of the fluff I'm writing between Renji and Orihime may seem out of place but I'm choosing to think they would still be developing their relationship even in the midst of trouble since their lives are so full of it most of the time.

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

Waking Up – Chapter 25 – "Strength Despite Tears"

Orihime had rested for most of the day but was required in the evening to meet with the Goeti 13 captains and head captain. They were meeting via teleprompter in the lounge and Yamamoto led the conversation.

"Inoue Orihime, please tell us all what transpired during your encounter with Grimmjow," he requested.

Orihime related being accosted by her original attacker and how when he'd taken off her ring to steal it Grimmjow had found her pretty much immediately. It was unbelievable to them she had managed to fight back even remotely let alone with any success. Even Kenpachi seemed impressed with her. She didn't go into the nitty gritty details of their fight, just humbly stated she fended him off as best she could until her friends arrived. Renji was swelling with pride for her as she handled the conversation with poise and confidence.

"Do not discount yourself so quickly, Inoue," Ukitake put in from behind the head captain, "You fought braver than some soul reapers would have." She blushed slightly at the compliment and bowed her thanks before Yamamoto continued with his questions.

Kisuke had been included in the meeting with her to offer whatever insight he could as to how the receptors had found her so quickly or if he had any idea what could have happened to Tsubaki.

"Hmmm," the shop keeper said as he was deep in thought, "The receptors were most likely tuned to her spiritual pressure signature specifically rather than just a general search pattern. We found and disabled a number of them but there's no telling how many were out there because many of them we ended up finding were masked. I have a feeling Grimmjow isn't the brains behind this. He's cunning and swift minded but he's no genius when it comes to technology or kido. No, he's most likely the muscle. As for what happened to Tsubaki…" he trailed off and Orihime found herself holding her breath praying that he would figure it out. After a moment he shook his head and sighed asking her, "Inoue, describe to me in as great of detail as you can what you saw happen after you released him."

She drew in a shaky breath and said, "Urahara-san, it's hard to remember. I was so focused on concentrating my will to at least injure Grimmjow that my eyes weren't really seeing around me. It's hard to explain. I mean, I have to focus on my targets so I was looking intently at him not anything around him." Kisuke nodded and motioned for her to continue. "I remember Tsubaki flying towards Grimmjow's head and thought he'd actually make good contact. I wasn't sure I could kill him but I wanted to stun him to get away. Then there was a bright flash of light before he reached him and all of a sudden I couldn't feel his presence anymore. At that point I and the rest of my spirits were screaming for him. Oh, it was horrible hearing them in my head, crying and pleading with me to release them so they could get him back. I wouldn't once Grimmjow said he wanted them out because I figured the same thing would happen to them that had happened to Tsubaki."

The room was silent, no one sure what to say as this was beyond anything any of them had ever experienced. Plus, there much about Orihime's powers that they didn't know about yet since she was so young in wielding of them. Finally the head captain called an end to the meeting, reminding her to not use her powers for now until they had a better idea of what they were dealing with. She agreed and the screen turned off. Letting out a sigh she made her way to the door with Renji following her out.

In the hallway waited Rukia, Ichigo, Tatsuki, Chad, Ishida and Yoruichi. Rangiku had returned to Soul Society and Keigo and Mizuiro had returned to their hotel until further directions were given. Orihime smiled weakly at the group in front of her knowing they all wanted to hear how the meeting had gone. She gave a concise report of it and then said she was tired.

"Come on, you need a nap and then we'll have some food," Renji said placing a hand on her back and leading her down the hallway. Ichigo tried to hide his irritation but he wasn't doing too well. Orihime hadn't yet spoke to him about his question to her, but that was to be expected given that she'd needed to rest up for her meeting with the head captain. Also, he didn't know if she'd have an answer for him any time soon and figured he'd just have to be patient. He didn't want to push her, though his Hollow was chomping at the bit.

Renij and Orihime reached her door and when he went to leave she grabbed his hand. He turned back to her and saw a surprising shyness in her eyes. "Renji…would…would you stay with me? At least until I fall asleep?" she asked hesitantly. He thought her shyness was cute given the way she'd kissed him just that morning. Still, this was something about her he liked. She could be passionate but still shy. He nodded and followed her in before closing the door.

The eyes of Ishida and Chad rose but they didn't say anything. The women filed down the stairs leaving the men on the landing. All three of them had insisted on staying at the safe house to help watch over Orihime and were all still in their clothes from the night before.

"Come on Ichigo, we're going back to the dorms to get cleaned up. By the time we get back I'm sure Inoue will be up and we can see her," Uryu said. Ichigo sighed but said nothing as he looked at Orihime's door. Then he turned and walked down the stairs his two friends following him. "Rukia, would it be possible for us to obtain a ride back to the college," Uryu asked when they'd entered the living room.

"Of course," she responded and called the driver to bring the car to the front. The three men piled in and were soon off. Rukia sighed watching them go before going back into the house. She flopped back down onto the couch and looked at the other two women. "I have a feeling things were about to get more complicated without Grimmjow in the picture, now it's going to be worse," she said with her hand to her head. The other two nodded in agreement.

Back in her room Orihime had laid down while Renji sat in a chair near the bed holding her hand. She smiled up at him and he returned one back to her. "Close your eyes silly, I'm not going anywhere and you really do need to rest," he said giving her hand a squeeze. She giggled and did as she was told, closing her eyes with a deep sigh. He leaned forward and stroked her hair as she slipped into slumber. Looking at her now he still couldn't believe all that happened between them in such a short amount of time. He reflected on all the time they'd spent together at the house.

Her cooking her odd meals and he helping her train. Her introducing him to so many movies he kept getting their plot lines crisscrossed and he teaching her calligraphy. They'd spent some nights simply enjoying each other's company in silence as they read books or sat in the roof top garden talking about an assortment of random topics. He'd never had that experience with anyone besides Rukia and even then had not shared so much of himself. He still had no idea how their relationship was going to work given that he was literally decades older than her and was a soul reaper lieutenant while she was barely nineteen with so much of her life ahead of her. But he knew he wanted to try because she was worth it.

He felt her hand go slack in his telling him she had completely fallen asleep. He quietly rose and exited her room going downstairs to tend to providing everyone with a meal. However, upon his arrival to the kitchen he found Tatsuki cooking.

"I felt useless just sitting around so figured I'd cook up a big meal for everyone," she said with a small smile.

He nodded, pulled out one of the stools banked up against the island and took a seat to watch her cook. There was a surprisingly comfortable silence in the room. Tatsuki looked up from the pan she was stirring some concoction of meat and vegetables in to say, "You know, I've never properly thanked you for all you've done for Orihime, Abarai-kun."

"Please call me Renji," he replied with a smirk before saying, "And it's nothing, I'm happy to watch out for her."

She cocked one eyebrow at him and said with a chuckle, "You've done much more for her than just guard her you know."

"What do you mean?" he asked, suddenly nervous. Despite his large build he'd seen this woman wail on Ichigo enough times to know she packed quite a punch.

"I mean," she said lifting her gaze again to meet his," Your influence on her has done wonders. Somehow she's changed so many things about herself, all for the better, while maintaining her sweet spirit. You ground her well Renji. Even in the middle of all this crap she's the happiest I've ever seen her in the entire time I've known her. I can tell it's real too. I know her better than she thinks and all her false cheerfulness in the years past didn't deceive me but there was only so much I could do. You make her truly happy and for that I'm very thankful. And, not that you need it I'm sure but I'd feel odd not saying it, I give you my blessing."

He had not been expecting such eloquent speech from a girl who usually hit first and asked questions later. He was also surprised she trusted him so thoroughly without really knowing him that well. It seemed she was able to deduce much about him by her observance of Orihime's behavior and so she believed he was a good guy faster that way than by anything else. He wasn't really sure what to say other than, "Thank you."

About half an hour later she asked Renji to go wake up Orihime so she could get ready to come downstairs and eat. By this time Ichigo, Uryu and Chad had returned with Keigo and Mizuiro to enjoy the dinner Tatsuki had made for all of them. Everyone was surprised to learn she was quite the cook. "I've gotten better having to share kitchen duties with my team," she said with a grin.

Renji had reached Orihime's door and knocked but didn't hear her moving around. Opening the door he found her still asleep and smiled softly at her. She looked so peaceful h didn't want to disturb her but she needed to eat. He walked to the bed and sat down on it before leaning down to kiss her forehead and say, "Orihime, love, it's time to wake up. Tatsuki out did herself on a great meal for us, come on." She stretched like a cat and opened her eyes lazily smiling when she saw his face. He smiled back down at her and stroked the side of her face. Wordlessly she leaned up and kissed him gently finding she was already addicted to the feeling of his lips on hers. When they'd broken apart she giggled, happier than she'd been in years despite the turmoil surrounding her.

"Come on, go wash up and change, I'll be downstairs," he said knowing if he stayed near her he wasn't sure he'd be able to keep himself from continuing to kiss her. She nodded and he rose to exit.

Fifteen minutes later she was downstairs in dark blue jeans and a red sweater Uryu had knitted for her the year previously. She found everyone sitting in various areas of the great room and when her eyes fell on Ichigo her heart gave a painful palpitation. She was not looking forward to the conversation she knew she had to have with him sooner than later. She was already so comfortable in her new relationship with Renji that she could see herself unconsciously being affectionate with him and to do that in front of Ichigo without talking to him first would just be cruel. So she intentionally sat between Chad and Rukia. Renji didn't seem to need to be told what she was doing and she was thankful for his understanding.

The meal was pleasant even if the conversation for tactic centric. Tatsuki had made an excellent stir fry with homemade soft buns. She'd even made Orihime's favorite chocolate cupcakes (hers with red bean paste frosting) for dessert. Before long everyone was milling about and she could tell Ichigo was antsy for her answer. He'd said for her to let him know but she couldn't drag this out, it wasn't fair to him especially since she'd already made her decision.

"Ichigo," she said approaching him, "Come with me, I want to talk to you."

He complied and followed her to the elevator. Silently they went up to the roof top garden. Stepping out he followed her to the veranda that overlooked the city. She was struggling with how to say what she wanted but when she turned to face him he was closer than she previously thought. He was staring into her eyes with an intensity she'd never seen before and her heart hurt again. She hated what was about to happen.

Taking a shaky breath she opened her mouth to speak, "Kurosaki-kun, I know you said to think about what you asked me but the truth is I didn't have to think very long on it." He didn't say anything but waited for her to continue. "Back in Karakura, I would have done almost anything to be in this moment with you, to know that after all this time you return the affections I harbored for you for so long. But," and she saw him wince, "it's different now. I've come to realize that my love for you, while true and deep and real, grew in an unsustainable environment."

He frowned, clearly confused at what she was saying and she took a step back from him so she could gather her thoughts better, their proximity was making her nervous but not the same nervous as would have been previously.

"I'm explaining this poorly, let me try again," she said with a sigh. "I've realized over the past months that how you would love me is no longer how I want to be loved. You've changed a little what with going to school, traveling, getting yourself ready for your career. I've changed a lot. I'm no longer content to simply be rescued and kept safe and I don't think you would do well with that if we were together. Plus, my affections for you changed over this time as well. I care about you deeply and am so glad you've considered me one of your closest friends for so long. Honestly, if I'd known that sooner I could have saved myself so much unnecessary and childish angst. But who I am now is not who I was then. So even though you say you love me now I think who you love is who I was then and I just can't go back to being that person. So, I'm sorry but I can't be with you in a relationship. I can be your friend, I will always be your friend and your nakama but for me the time for us to be together romantically has passed."

Ichigo didn't say anything when she'd finished but was staring out over the city and she wondered if he was going to speak to her. Suddenly he clenched his head with his hands uttering a grunt of pain.

"Kurosaki-kun, are you ok?" she asked moving forward to him but he flew back almost screaming, "Run, Inoue, run!" She looked confused and was frozen in place with shock.

"What do you mean run? Let me help you!" she cried moving towards him again.

"NO! You have to run, NOW!" he yelled and when his head came back up her blood turned to ice water. She could see black flickering in the white of his eyes and the irises had cracks of yellow in them. His Hollow was trying to take over and it looked like Ichigo was losing. She was petrified just staring at him. Finally he roared in frustration and the black became more pronounced as he knelt on the ground still trying desperately to hold the Hollow in. The next moment she felt Rukia and Yoruichi's reiatsu coming from behind her. They must have felt the waves of Ichigo's turmoil. They both cast a binding kido on Ichigo's body to keep him where he was.

He was roaring again the Hollow gaining more and more strength. Orihime's eyes were wide with fear and she felt tears stinging the edges of her eyes. Renji had been right behind the women and was now stepping up next to her but he didn't shield her. He knew she wanted to stand on her own and he was trying to let her.

When he'd arrived Ichigo's eyes went full black and yellow and he bellowed, "I don't care what King says, I'm going to take you for myself princess! And I will kill anyone who tries to stop me!"

Orihime shrunk back against the fury before her and it was then Renji stepped slightly in front of her.

"Just try it you bastard, no one is taking her anywhere," Renji growled back having drawn Zabimaru.

By now the kido was starting to wear thin against Ichigo's unprecedented power and Rukia could feel it cracking.

"This isn't working! We need a new plan!" she yelled a bead of sweat dripping down her face as she struggled against her friend.

"Hold on a minute longer!" they heard Kisuke say behind them. Behind him were Chad and Uryu in full gear ready to take on their friend in battle if need be though they both doubted how effective they would be against him.

Kisuke ran forward and reaching Ichigo placed a charm on a chain around his neck. Almost instantly he lost consciousness completely and slumped forward against the kido bind. "It's ok, you can put it down," Kisuke said to them. Rukia and Yoruichi looked at each other before doing as they were told. Ichigo's body started falling but Kisuke caught him and laid him down. Suddenly above them a hole ripped open in the sky and out came Grimmjow again. He grinned at the group below him but when he saw Ichigo on the ground he frowned.

"Damn it, I came out here expecting to have our re-match and he's already down for the count?" he asked irritated. The next moment an arrow from Uryu's bow flew at his head but he dodged it. The Quincy kept firing as Chad moved forward to hit him. Uryu stopped his assault once Chad was in his path throwing his offense arm forward. Grimmjow caught the blow with his hand and countered with a punch that was block by Chad's defense arm. They stayed suspended for a moment each pushing on the other's captured appendage but Grimmjow was stronger than the Fullbringer. He flung him back and he crashed into Uryu.

Next it was Rukia, Yoruichi and Renji who jumped up to meet him in battle. They swung their swords, flash-stepping all over the sky, moving faster and faster. Rukia was knocked down next to Orihime who helped her to her feet and she jumped back into the fight despite the blood running into her eyes.

Watching the fight Orihime could see her friends taking damage. Even Yoruichi was getting countered effectively and received a devastating blow to her rib cage. She started falling but Kisuke caught her and brought her to the roof, laying her down softly next to Ichigo.

"Alright, you're done for now, stay there," he said softly but firmly to her. She clenched her teeth in pain and frustration but made no move to get up.

Renji and Rukia were doing all they could against Grimmjow but he moved faster than they did. Renji received a blow to the face and then a slice to his arm causing him to bellow in pain. He was breathing hard and couldn't keep up flash step as fast as he was before making him more vulnerable to the attacks. Rukia had also been bested again though she was continuing her efforts to defend her friend. She swung her zanpakuto against Pantera with all she had but didn't even move it. Grimmjow reached forward with his long arms and grabbed her by the collar before flinging her down the ground. She hit hard and didn't move.

"Rukia!" screamed Orihime, horrified by the site of her friend lying in a small crater of concrete on the street below.

She looked back up to see Grimmjow smirk at her before charging up a bala and firing it at Rukia's unconscious form. Instinctually Orihime shouted, "Santen Kesshun!" throwing up her shield to block the energy shot. She managed to block it but the force of the impact shattered the shield almost immediately. Hinagiku, Lily and Baigon were flung aside but as they made their way back to Orihime a flash of light encased them.

"NO!" screamed Orihime helplessly as she watched and felt them disappear.

"Thanks princess, only one more to go!" Grimmjow shouted laughing at her. Once again after his attack he flew back through the portal and shut it.

Orihime fell to her knees but didn't have any tears left. She felt numb. Renji had reached her and put his uninjured arm around her but she couldn't make herself move. She'd played right into Grimmjow's hand and hated herself for it. Suddenly she slammed both her fists into the ground and screamed in frustration. Renji was shocked at her outcry, eyes wide as he looked at her hands the knuckles bloody from the sharp impact to the roof. All gathered around her felt strain in their hearts for her but knew there were no words of comfort they could offer.

Silently Orihime stood and walked to the elevator and Renji let her go. His heart longed to be with her but he could tell she would not welcome his comfort right now. Seeing her angry was new to everyone but they had come to realize the best they could do for her was respect her right to it.

They all went back inside, Chad carrying the still unconscious Ichigo and Kisuke carrying an injured Yoruichi. Rukia had been picked up by Uryu and brought back inside. As they were tending to their wounds Orihime showed up.

"Come with me, everyone" she said her voice even, almost cold and they complied entering the elevator with her.

Once they'd reached the underground she had them huddle together. She inhaled deeply and said "Soten Kishun." She healed them quickly without incident as she figured doing so from the depths of the protected home would work. They all stood in silence before Chad said, "Thank you Inoue." They all nodded their agreement to the sentiment and she gave them a watery smile. After riding back to the main floor Orihime said, "Renji, please get Ichigo's body, we need to keep him safe until we can figure out what's going on."

This new commanding stance of hers was slightly unnerving effective as it was being. Never had her voice been so calm and Renji, though proud of her strength, couldn't help worrying. He did as she asked and they got back into the elevator to take Ichigo upstairs. Walking to Renji's room she opened the door and he followed her. He laid the unconscious man on his bed and Orihime covered him up. She stood there for a moment before reaching out to stroke his bright orange hair.

"Oh Kurosaki-kun, what has gotten into you?" she asked softly. Renji felt he could answer that better than anyone else. It was her; she had gotten into him, all the way to his Hollow.

She stepped back and walked out of the room, Renji following her lead again, to be met by Kisuke in the hallway. "Inoue, the charm I placed on him will work for only so long. It's a band-aid on a gushing wound and we need to formulate a better plan and soon."

She didn't even hesitate, "In that case I suggest Renji take him back to Soul Society to be placed under protective custody. We can't control him like this and he's a danger to us and to himself." Renji's eyes went wide; he never thought that was where her mind would go.

Kisuke inhaled a deep breath, "Are you sure you want to do that? There are some who would not be too keen on letting him go once we get him back under control, presuming we can."

She cocked her head slightly and asked, "What do you think we should do then? I'm sorry but I can see no other way to contain him, plus he needs to be away from me right now."

The former captain's eyebrows rose questioningly and he looked at Renji who nodded.

"Care to fill me in on why?" the former captain asked.

Orihime sighed and answered, "I'm the reason his Hollow is fighting for dominance. For some reason Kurosaki-kun's newly developed, or at the very least admitted feelings, for me have manifested in his Hollow and it's causing him to fight for dominance. I know he will be angry but I don't know what else we can do. We have enough to worry about with Grimmjow stealing my powers and using them for only Kami knows what. Please, if you have another suggestion that will work I'm open to it but for now I don't know what else to do. It's my turn to protect those around me and I'm doing the best I can."

Kisuke considered the young woman before him and realized anew how much he had grossly underestimated her. He weighed their options and realized she had a point. In Soul Society there were much stronger options for confinement of Ichigo until he could be under control. He also knew he'd be treated like a prisoner despite all he'd done for them as there were many who didn't trust him to wield the power he did. Throwing him into a cell because he couldn't control his Hollow over a woman was not the reputation he needed.

"Inoue, while I appreciate your concern and think your solution would work to a point we cannot allow Soul Society to know Ichigo's Hollow is manifesting in this way. They will never let him leave if they know he cannot control it over something that should not be affecting it at all."

When he saw guilt flicker in her eyes he quickly continued, "Please do not blame yourself, this is uncharted territory for everyone but we have to tread lightly. I propose we move him to my shop. I have stronger kido and charms there that I can use. I'd just happened to have the one I used with me otherwise we'd be in even more trouble than we already are."

Orihime nodded and they began preparations to get Ichigo safely away into the underground. Uryu would take care of his teachers saying he'd had a family emergency he had to rush to and would offer to get him his class work to him but was planning on doing it for him so he'd keep up with his classes. Chad decided he would stay at the underground to help watch over his friend and do what he could to help.

It was inevitable that another meeting with the Goeti 13 would happen and they elected to get it out of the way. Prior to its start all had agreed to keep Ichigo's Hollow a secret. When admonished for disobeying orders to not use her powers Renji almost forgot himself to come to her defense but Orihime said evenly, "I had no choice. He would have killed Rukia and I simply could not let that happen."

Silence dominated after her statement only to be broken by Byakuya stepping forward and saying, "Inoue, I thank you and am in your debt." She was surprised but merely bowed and waited for the meeting to continue. There wasn't much left to say since so much had happened again within twenty four hours.

"If that is all, I would like to clean up and get some rest," Orihime said politely. Yamamoto nodded and they terminated the meeting. Turning she met her eyes to Kisuke, "Will your charm hold Kurosaki-kun for tonight?" He nodded and she continued, "Ok, then I propose we clean up and get some rest. We'll need to get him back to your shop tomorrow as soon as possible." They all nodded.

Uryu and Chad offered to stay and guard the door to where Ichigo was being held just in case it seemed he were waking up. Kisuke accepted their help letting them know he'd be in the lounge on a pullout if they needed him. Yoruichi went with him and were they under any other circumstances it may have been commented on but no one had it in them to jest.

Before going to her room Orihime hugged and kissed the cheeks of her comrades, thanking them for their help. Both blushed slightly but murmured they were happy to do it. She smiled and turned away towards her door, taking Renji's hand to come with her. Watching her walk away Uryu couldn't help a sad but proud smile turn his lips as he thought, "She's so strong, she's so much stronger than any of us ever knew possible."

When she and Renji had entered her bedroom and the door was shut it was then she let herself go. She fell to her knees and sobbed. He wrapped his arms around her firmly and let her cry. She'd been through so much in such a short time he couldn't believe it. And yet she'd continued being strong for everyone around her. Though he hated to see her crying it warmed his heart to know she wanted him with her when she broke down.

She looked up at him and kissed him gently before saying, "Thank you. Thank you for teaching me how to be strong but to know that it's ok to cry. I used to feel so ashamed of my tears because I cry when I'm angry, when I'm sad, when I'm happy, it's just something my body does when my emotions are raging. But I'm not ashamed anymore because of you."

He kissed her back and helped her to her feet. "Come on, I think a hot shower will help you relax before getting into bed."

She hugged him tightly as she whispered in his ear, "Renji, please come in the shower with me, I don't want to be apart from you tonight."

He's stiffened in more ways than one and pulled back to look at her, "Are you sure you want that tonight?" She smiled and kissed the tip of his nose.

"If tonight has shown me anything it's that we are not guaranteed tomorrow. I'm not talking about sleeping together yet, I agree with you that I doubt I'm ready for that right now, but I know I want to be near you and feel you. Are you ok with that?"

He surprised himself by hesitating. True, his body ached to be near her, to caress her and hold her naked form against his. Hell, he'd been dreaming about it long before they'd confessed their feelings to each other. She could see him struggling and pulled away with a smile on her face.

"I can see this bothers you for some reason and since I know it's not because you don't want me I can only presume you're worried about preserving my honor," she said teasingly. He released a choked laugh but found himself nodding and asking, "Does that mean you're not mad about it?"

It was her turn to laugh slightly and say, "How can I be mad at you for being honorable? Tell you what, we'll shower separately but I'd like you to sleep in the bed with me, fully clothed, I promise," she said.

He nodded, kissed her lightly and released her, she heading to her bathroom and he to his. When they'd both cleaned up and changed into their sleeping clothes he climbed into the bed pulling her to rest her head on his chest as he lay on his back, arm lazily stroking her hair as she moved her hand on his chest before they both fell asleep quickly, pure exhaustion taking over them.