Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach or make any profit off of this.


Orihime couldn't understand her own feelings anymore. Not in the least bit. Gods, she didn't even have a handle on them anymore. Ever since she came back from Hueco Muendo, she found herself flying off the handle all the time. Tears, tears, tears and she hated it. She hated bringing people down with her. Tatsuki was the only one who could try to offer any kind of comfort, and Orihime could tell frustration was brewing inside her, not knowing what to do. All the hugs and pep talks in the world weren't helping.

And then Renji was sent to patrol Karakura Town again. Orihime found herself sleeping at odd hours, just to be around him as much as she could. When he patrolled at night, she was up all night with him. She didn't mind being a sidekick.

And when she flew off the handle in front of him, he would just grab her and hold her until it was over. Why couldn't Ichigo do that? Ichigo always got awkward and then Tatsuki was forced to take over. Orihime found out, strangely, that Renji smelled like cologne. She also found herself falling way too hard.

But who was she to judge her heart's decisions? Renji could make her laugh, and he held her when she cried. This was important to her, immensely important. And she didn't feel the least bit guilty breaking down in front of him, not at all. Being with him was like floating on a cloud, a cloud with no number that held no worries or fears, just her and him.

When she invited him into her house for the night, one of the few nights he was off, things started off awkward. But they were both happy to have each other's company, and somehow, they ended up in the same bed, just cuddling and enjoying the feel of safety.

Orihime knew then, this was not the kind of relationship she had to fear rejection with. Renji was not Ichigo.

This was special. It was mutual.