On December 24, Christmas eve. Grimmjow was heading towards the front area to speak to a person who had come to visit him. He had a bruise on his left cheek and newly wrapped bandaged around his head and neck. When asked who it was Ikkaku remain silent. Grimmjow didn't like that that. He had been on pins and needles because Oichi was supposed to be there yesterday to visit him, but she never showed up. He was both relived and a little disappointed to not see her. He could only hope that she was doing okay without him for a while.
When they got to the visitor area, Yumichika was looking a bit lost in his own thoughts. Grimmjow raised his eyebrow. Yumichika would usually be trying to force his 'good looks' on everyone but today he seemed out of it. As a matter of fact, Ikkaku wasn't being his brash violent self and the brat that holds the gate closed was strangely silent. Did someone important die on their side or something?
Ikkaku removed Grimmjow's cuffs and sat him down and walked out. Grimmjow sighed out seeing an empty seat in front of him. 'Is this some kind of joke…' Just then the door opened. A person walked in a hurry, going to the seat. When Grimmjow saw this person, he had a scowl on his face. The person was none other than Nel. She had a light tan snow jacket on, black pants, snow boots, and was brushing the snow out of her hair. She sat down with a blank look on her face and picked the phone up waiting. Grimmjow really didn't want to pick the phone up but the blank look on her face was very disturbing. It meant she didn't come here to play. He picked up the phone. "What happened…" He asked. "It's nice to know that you look like shit to." Nel says. Grimmjow rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah…what do you want Nel."
Nel looked down. "It's about Oichi." Grimmjow eyes widen slightly. "Remember what you always tell her. To not look like things are getting to you? You might want to remember that for yourself." "Nel…what the hell happened?" Grimmjow asked as calmly as he could. Nel looked down. "Oichi…was assault the other night when she at the club." Grimmjow breath got caught in his throat. "How bad…" Nel rubbed her face. "A few cuts and bruises. Her ankle was sprang in the mist of her trying to run…" Nel paused, unsure to tell him the rest. "Nel…do not hold this back. What else happened to her…" Nel set back. "There were bruising around her neck showing the case that she was strangled." Grimmjow slammed his fist on the desk.
Nel bit her lip. "S-She's okay Grimmjow. She's in the hospital resting." Grimmjow grits his teeth. "Who was it…" He growls out a bit. "They don't know. Oichi hasn't exactly woken up yet. She has a nasty bump on the back of her head." Grimmjow cursed under his breath. "Those bastards…whoever it was…I'll make sure they pay for touching her." "You think it was Aizen?" "Who else would it be? Those fuckers would do anything to mess with me and Oichi…Oichi she means the world to me and they know that. Messing with me through her is…" Nel looked down sadly. "I don't know if this will help but the doctors said that she didn't go down without a fight." Grimmjow rubbed his hand down his face. "Is that right?" Nel nodded. "Our little Oichi did her best to fight and claw from whoever hurt her. She the guy didn't leave unharmed. She even went as far as to somehow cut her hair through the struggle." "Her hair?" Grimmjow asked a bit shocked. "Yeah, Oichi loved how long her hair was getting but when it comes to something like that then hair isn't really all that important you know." Grimmjow leans back. "Fuck…While I'm stuck in this shit hole Aizen can do whatever the hell he wants to her." "No, no he can't." Nel says frowning. "You really think I'll let them do whatever they please and now you know who her father is. Ichigo was able to contact him last night. With a man like that on our side Aizen would be a fool to try something like that." Grimmjow sighs out. "I suppose…even if it wasn't Aizen it doesn't ease my damn mind…She doesn't need to be working at that club. Talk her out of that. Hell, tell her to go work with these assholes…" He says pointing back to Yumichika. "At least they take care of their workers. Anything but that stupid ass bar in that part of the city."
"You don't have to tell me twice. I already went up to Kisuke and told him everything. She's no longer working there and if she does go back Kisuke is instructed to tell her to leave. She might be pissed at me for a while but her safely comes first. There are other jobs she can do." Nel says huffing out. "She's a freaking, stubborn, workaholic." Grimmjow held back a chuckle. 'Those are some of her attractive features.' Nel sighs out. "Anyways, I just wanted you to be up to date about my Oichi. You need to be carful to. If you come out looking like that the next time she comes, she'll start crying her eyes out and find some reason to blame herself." Grimmjow smirked. "How's Gray?" Nel ruffled her hair. "That boy…he has been clinging to Oichi since yesterday crying his eyes out. I can't even get him to stop. The doctors and nurses think he was sick, or something was wrong, but I know my son. He just wants his auntie to wake up." She looks down sadly. "He's doing most of the crying for those who can't do it right now. I didn't think we would be spending his first Christmas like this…Well I'm heading back. There is a gift from Oichi coming to you, so you better thank her when you see her again." She hangs up the phone and quickly takes her leave before Grimmjow could say anything else. Grimmjow rolls his eyes and hangs the phone up. "Such a bitch as always…" He mumbles.
Ikkaku came back. "Time to go." Grimmjow got up. "You worried about Oichi, your job or me?" He asked as Ikkaku cuffed him. "To be honest all three. I can't help you if you go on a rampage in here. You're doing good so far even if those weaklings try to beat the hell out of you. Each time you just sit there and behave the more it looks good for you and for me. Within a year or even a few months you should be able to get up out of here and find the fuckers who attacker Oichi…" Ikkaku says angrily.
At the hospital, Ichigo was sitting in a chair watching Oichi. Beside her was Grayson cuddled up to her side. Ichigo couldn't help but to feel responsible for this. If he was there earlier then this wouldn't have happened. If he could have talked her out of taking that damn job, she would be safe and not stuck in this bed. He reached out and grabs her hand and rubs it with the back of his thumb. "Oichi…wake up soon." The door to the room opened and Orihime walked in with two cups of coffee. She frowned when she saw Ichigo holding Oichi's hand. Her heart started to quiver just a bit. She shook her head and quickly masked her feelings. "Ichigo?" She says in a low voice. Ichigo looked up and sat up, releasing Oichi's hand. "Hey there Orihime. Did you get some rest?" Orihime nodded and walked to him. "You should get some sleep to Ichigo. You need your rest to." She handed him a cup of coffee. "I'm fine. I feel uneasy if I just up and left her." Orihime placed a hand on his shoulder. He reached up and grabbed it. "It's not your fault Ichigo. Please don't put all of this on yourself." Ichigo looks at her and smile. "Yeah." There was a small knock at the door. "Come in." The door open and Rukia walked. Ichigo frowned but sighed. Rukia was wearing a white maternity shirt with blue jeans and flats. She was carrying a vase of lily flowers. "H-Hi Ichigo…Orihime…" Ichigo got up and walked to her. He grabbed the vase and placed it on the table near the bed. "You shouldn't be up and walking around. 7 months, right? Two more months before your daughter is born." Rukia nodded. "I know I might be the last person you want to see right now but when I heard about Oichi I couldn't help but come." She walked over to Oichi and a sleeping Grayson. She felt sadness washing over her. "I know I have no right to be here for you, but I still consider you as my dearest friend…I hope you recover soon Oichi." She grabbed her hand. "Please wake up soon." She says. Orihime walked to her. "Where is Renji?" Rukia sighed. "Work. I heard about Oichi from Momo. I figured Nel would be at the café by this time, so I wanted to come quick before she makes a fuss. Can you please tell me when she wakes up? Just a text will do. Please?" Orihime looked at Ichigo who nodded. Rukia smiled. "Thank you. Now it's back to the house before Renji finds out." She waves good bye to them and takes her leave.
Ichigo looks at the flowers. "Lily's huh…Those are one of her favorites." Orihime smiled and looked down a bit sadly. "I'm going to go get us more coffee at least until Nel gets back." He nodded. Orihime left rubbing her chest.
At the prison it was time for lunch. Grimmjow was sitting at a table by himself not really eating anything. He was thinking about what he'd do to the person who laid a hand on his woman. He was in a very foul mood. At another table some younger prisoners were watching him. They nodded to each other and got up. A few older prisoners chuckled as they watch them. Grimmjow wasn't paying them any attention. The guards watched them closely. Yumichika and Ikkaku were posted up top. "This isn't going to end well…" Ikkaku sighed. The younger men walked up to Grimmjow and without a warning, grabbed his head and slammed it down on the table. Grimmjow did nothing as they then grabbed his hair and pulled him back on the floor. They started to hit and kick him over and over but Grimmjow just took it. He didn't even defend himself.
"He's just getting beat up…" Yumichika said. Ikkaku frowned. "It just shows his resolve. He promised Oichi that he wouldn't get in trouble in here…" "Well nowww, that's pretty boring." Deep voice rings out. They turned around quickly and salute. "Good day Sir!" They yelled out. In front of them was a tall, muscular man with a wild and aggressive appearance. He had a long face with pronounced cheekbones, hairless brow ridges, green eyes and long, stringy black hair and thin scar running down the left side of his face and across his left eye. He walked passed Yumichika and Ikkaku and looked down to see the three younger prisoners still breathing down on Grimmjow.
"Heh, how pathetic. I remember him cracking skulls of any bastards who looked at him the wrong way. I guess without Aizen he's just a sad sack of shit." "Kenny!" Ikkaku frowned as Yachiru appeared out of nowhere and landed on his shoulder. She had pink hair, dark pink eyes and a perpetual blush on her cheeks. She was smiling happily. "Kenny! I've been looking all over for you!" "Kenpachi sir, you have a call from…" "Put them on hold, I'm busy." Kenpachi says. "Understood sir…" Kenpachi looked back down on Grimmjow. "Holding out for his girl is all nice but it's so boring. Let's liven some things up. Cut the camera feeds. Put it on a loop like always." He chuckled. Ikkaku nodded and motion the men up in the room to cut the feed. Once that was done, they gave him an ok signal. "It's done sir." Kenpachi smirked. "Oi!" He yelled out making everyone stop and look up. The three prisoners looked. "Listen up your bastards! Today is your lucky day! For one hour only, I'll allow you to act like the animals you were all meant to be! Feel free to beat the living shit out of each other or even kill. I don't care! Just make it exciting!"
The three younger prisoners smirked. "An hour huh! We will take you up on that…" Before he could finish, Grimmjow had grabbed him by his ankle and twisted it. The man fell in pain holding his ankle. The other two jumped back. One of them pulled out a sharped toothbrush. Grimmjow stood up slowly and spit out blood. His nose was bleeding, but he wiped the blood off. "I won't need an hour to kill all three of you. I was already in a bad mood." The man with the sharp toothbrush rush to him and tried stabbing him but Grimmjow caught the man by the wrist, twisted his wrist and punch him in the throat. The man spit up blood and fell to the ground holding his throat. Grimmjow picked up the toothbrush and walked to the other prisoner. The man shook and was frozen on his feet. Grimmjow walked up and with one swift movement his slit the man throat. However, because the toothbrush wasn't very sharp it was a sallow cut. The man yelled out holding his throat. Grimmjow clicks his teeth. "What a piece of shit…you can't even sharpen the damn thing right." He walked up to the man and stabbed him right in the eye making him scream out even more." Grimmjow smirked as his bloodthirstiness rises. "You really think you little shits can take me on? Let me remind you…" He looked at all the prisoners. "Let me remind all you fuckers who the hell I am!"
In a course of that hour Grimmjow let out all his pent-up anger and took it out on the three prisoners. Nearly beating them half to death. Before the hour was finished the guards came in to stop him from finally killing him. Kenpachi was laughing his ass off at the carnage. "Now that's the guy I remember. Hey, you lot, clean this place up!" Grimmjow had blood all over his hands, clothes and even on his face a bit. He turned back to the other prisoners and gave them a sadistic smile before the guards dragged him away. The older prisoners chuckled at the younger prisoners who were scared stiff by Grimmjow's actions and that last look he gave.
Grimmjow was taken to the nurse's office where Hanataro was waiting for him. The guards pushed him in the room and close the door. Grimmjow sighs out feeling a bit better now. Beating the hell out of those three idiots got his point across to the people who were trying to 'take him out.' "Grimmjow? What happened to you?" Hanataro says. "Did you get beat up again? Are you injured?" "Shut the hell up already." Grimmjow says walking over to one of the beds. "The blood ain't mine. Just give me so fresh clothes and change my bandages so I can get back to my cell." Hanataro smiles brightly. "Oh! That's very good then! I mean when you told me about why you weren't fighting back, I thought it was cool of you. You can really take a beaten, but you can only take so much you know. I thought you were going to lose it and kill someone and forget about your promise." Grimmjow groans out. "Shut the fuck up already!" He snapped, making Hanataro jump away in fear. "S-Sorry! I talk too much don't I!? Let me give you some clothes and you'll be on your way!" He says running around the room. Grimmjow rolled his eyes and sighed out. He looked down at his bloody hands. He wasn't going to lie it felt pretty good to beat the hell out of someone.
Back at the hospital, Nel had gotten back and had question the flowers. Ichigo played it off as a gift from one of Oichi's customers from the bar. Grayson was now up and was just watching Oichi with teary eyes. Nel was sitting down peeling some apples and bananas for him. She had to force Ichigo to leave with Orihime so that he could get some rest. It would make things even more difficult if he passed out to. She looked at Oichi and smiled. "You got a lot people worrying about you Oichi. I hope you wake soon, or our little Grayson is going to start crying rivers. Grayson rubbed his eyes and lays back down beside Oichi again.
On December 30st, late in the evening Oichi finally woke up. Her eyes scan the room before she realized where she was. She was about to sit up when she felt something curled up beside her. Turning her head and looking down she Grayson curled up with a small blanket over him. He had dried tear marks on his cheeks and was a bit pale looking. Oichi smiled a bit. "Have you been beside me this whole time…" Her voice came out softer then she thought. It was more like a whisper. She lifted her hand and rubbed his cheek. "Your cold…have you been eating? What has your mother been doing. I'll give her an ear full later. For now…" She sat up and wince in pain. She turned over to her side a bit, pulled her blanket over and moved Grayson under the blanket with her. "At least you will be warm." She started to feel dizzy. Laying back down, she pulled Grayson close to her before falling asleep.
An hour later, Nel walked in with some food for Grayson. Her eyes lit up a bit when she saw him under the blanket with Oichi. She smiled as she took a seat beside them. She rubbed Oichi's head causing her to stir a bit. Nel leans back and pulls out her phone to call Ichigo.
At Ichigo's apartment, Ichigo was laying down looking at Orihime sleeping. While they had a moment to rest, they took some time to give into some pleasure. He rubbed her hair gently. With everything that has been happening recently he didn't give her much attention. Her sleeping face was so peaceful and happy. It was cute.
Ichigo hears his phone vibrate. He turns over and grabs it to answer. "Hey Nel. What's up?" "Hooo? I thought you would be like super loud and annoying when you saw my name." Ichigo chuckled. "Yeah well…" He turned to look at Orihime. "I had some time to get some rest. So, did something happen?" "I think Oichi woke up for a few seconds. I came back in to see her on her side cuddling up to Grayson." Ichigo sighs out in relief. "That's really good to know. I'll be there when I can." "Alright." Nel hangs up. Ichigo gets up and rubs his head. "Good news?" He turns around to see Orihime awake. "Yeah. Oichi woke up. It was for a few seconds but it's good." Orihime sits up wrapping the sheets over her. "Are we going?" Ichigo nodded. "You can stay her and rest up a little more if you want." "No, I'll go with you. I bet she'll be hungry when she gets up, so we can stop by the store and get her something easy to eat?" Ichigo smiled and rubbed her cheeks. "Yeah. We should."
At the prison, Grimmjow was sitting up looking at the gift that was sent to him by Oichi. It was a golden heart locket with a picture of her and Grayson. Grimmjow chuckled and closed it. He flipped it on the back to see an engraving that said, 'My love, you have my heart and soul.' Grimmjow held the locket in his hands. "That woman…she's something else." He lays back on his bed and opens the locket again to look at the picture of Oichi and Grayson. "I'll be back to you both soon." He closed and place it on his chest. 'I wonder how she got this.' He frowned. 'I hope she didn't dip into her savings for this.' He sighs and rolls over. 'She's doing too much for a murderer like me.' He smirked. 'I just have to give her a gift in my own 'special' way haha.'
When Ichigo and Orihime arrived at the hospital, they saw Renji and Rukia walking towards the door. Rukia looked a little pale and in pain. "Rukia? You okay?" Ichigo asked. Renji frowned. "No, she's not. She hasn't been eating properly and she fainted." Orihime gasped. "Rukia!? Are you alright?" Rukia smiled. "I'm fine…" "You're not fine. Come on you have an appointment." He wrapped his arm around her to help her steady herself. "Wait. How is Oichi?" Rukia asked. "Oh…well Nel said she woke up a bit and went back to sleep." Ichigo says. Rukia smiled. "That's good news. Do you mind…if I stopped by a little?" Renji frowned. "No. Definitely not while Nel is there. I told you before Rukia, you don't need to be stressing about someone else! You are carrying our child and I don't want you overworking yourself!" Before Rukia could say anything else Renji dragged her inside. Ichigo shook his head as he grabbed Orihime's hand. She had a bag of food in her other hand. "Let's go." He says.
Before they could take another step, Momo quickly pulled up in a hurry. She got out the car, wearing her café uniform. Kira and Hisagi also got out. "Ichigo! You guys! We heard Oichi woke up!" Ichigo looked at her car. It had a dent in front. "Momo…did you hit something on the way here?" "Never mind that! Is Oichi up or not?" "We aren't sure. Nel said she woke up for a second to cuddle with Grayson, I guess. We are heading up there now." Momo nodded. "Right! We will come with you!" Orihime rubbed her chin. "Momo shouldn't you be at work?" "Again its not the time for that. Let's go see Oichi!"
They walked in and headed to Oichi's room. They got to her door only to hear Grayson crying. That put a frown on their faces. Grayson's crying only meant that Oichi was still out cold. Orihime looks down at the bag of food she had. Ichigo bit his lip as he opened the door. There they saw that Grayson was indeed crying but he was crying into the chest of a awaken Oichi. She rubbed his head as he cried louder. "There there…don't cry." "Oichi!" Momo says smiling. She bounces in passed everyone. Oichi looked at them. She was still laying on her side cuddling a crying Grayson. "Oh. Hi Momo and everyone, else to." Her voice was still soft like she was whispering. She rubbed Grayson's back finally calming him down some. Ichigo and the others walked in closing the door behind them. "How are you feeling?" Ichigo asked. Oichi sighs. "Like crap…my entire body hurts and…" She rubs her throat where freshly new bandages were placed. "My throat…it hurts a bit to talk…" Ichigo frowned.
Kira walked over to her. "Oichi do remember what happened to you? You were out for a few days." Oichi eyes widen a bit. "How many days?" "about nine days." Oichi frowned. "That's a little over a week!" She lets go of Grayson who was clinging to her. She tried to sit up, but pain shot up her body. "Oichi don't push yourself!" Nel says getting up. Hisagi and Ichigo went to her. Ichigo was able to take Grayson while Hisagi helped Oichi. "Oichi calm down." "No, I promised Grimmjow that I would see him…if I haven't contacted him, he might get worried or think I abandon him!" She started to cough heavily. "Calm down Oichi!" Nel says coming to the other side of the bed. "I went to see Grimmjow myself and told him everything. He knows that you couldn't be there okay?" Oichi rubbed her neck. "You did…" Nel placed her hands on her hips. "Seriously. Getting riled up because of that man. Think about yourself first. It's been over a little week I'm sure Grimmjow would understand even if you weren't attacked. Sheeh. Plus, How, would you get there when you can barely move?" Oichi looked down. "I'm sorry…"
Nel shook her head but smiled. "You are such a silly girl. Here we are worried sick about you and your worried about Grimmjow." Hisagi carefully helped Oichi sit up. Grayson was wiggling away from Ichigo. "No! My auntie!" Oichi smiled at him. Momo hit a button on the bed and it sat up and adjusted to Oichi. Hisagi leans her back. She sighs out and holds a hand out to Ichigo." Ichigo walked up and placed Grayson on the bed. Right away he crawled up to her and cuddled on her lap. Oichi rubbed his back. "Oichi? Can you remember anything?" Ichigo asked. Oichi looked down. "Remember anything? She rubbed her head. She looked at her arm where it was bandage. She tried to shift her leg and foot but hissed out a bit when a sharp pain came from her ankle. Hisagi frowned and flipped the blanket near her feet. He looked at her ankle. It was swelling up. "My ankle…" Oichi bit her lip. "I'll go find a doctor." Momo says. "I'll come with you." Kira says. They quickly left the room. Nel sighed. "It's okay Oichi. In your sleep, sometimes you shifted around. Everything other than your ankle everything has been healed." She looked at the bandages on her neck. "Mostly…"
"What in the world." Oichi closed her eyes and rubbed the back of her head. She felt her hair where it had been cut. "My hair to." She thought back to that night she was attack. "I was waiting for Ichigo to come get me and I remember a car pulling up…I…I can't remember anything after that. Just bits and pieces. I was trying to get away from someone. I cut them I think…" She rubbed her neck and tears started to swell in the corners of her eyes. "B-Being choked…is the last thing I remember clearly…" She shook as she thought about that feeling she had. The feeling of dying. Her heart started to race as the tears ran down her cheek. "Oh hun." Nel hugged her. "It's okay now Oichi. Your safe." Ichigo gripped his fist. 'Dammit.'
He walked over to her on the other side of the bed where Hisagi was looking at her ankle. He reached over and grabbed her hand. "I'm sorry Oichi…" Oichi looked at him. "If I would have been there sooner you wouldn't have gone through that." His hand cupped her cheek and his thumb whips away the tears falling. "Ichigo." Orihime tried to hide a frowned as she watched this. Oichi smiled and leans into his touch. She then glances over to Orihime and notices her expression. She lets go of Ichigo's hand and leans away from his touch. "Thank you Ichi. You can't blame yourself for this." She rubs her tears away. "The good thing is that I'm okay right?" She tries to put on a carefree smile. Ichigo could see right through it but he had also caught the look Orihime was giving them. Yes, he still had feelings for Oichi but once he understood that he wouldn't be able to have her he buried them and moved on. He was now with Orihime and it wasn't fair to her if those feelings started to creep right back up.
Ichigo walked back over to her and kissed her cheek. "Sorry." He says shocking her a bit. She looks at Oichi who just smiles at her. Orihime blushed and looked down. "I-It's okay." Oichi sighs out. "When can I leave?" She says looking at Nel. Nel crossed her arms. "You will leave when the doctor says you can leave." Oichi frowned. "I hate hospitals…" "Tough shit Oichi. Until you are cleared by the doctor you are staying here." Oichi pouted a bit. "Other than my ankle I'm okay." "Liar, your body is super stiff and its obvious your throat is bothering because you're still whispering." Oichi huffs out. "She's right Oichi. You shouldn't leave until you get checked and cleared and even though you can't be pushing yourself." Ichigo says.
The door opened and Kira and Momo came in with a doctor behind them. He smiled at Oichi. "I see that you're up Ms. Yamamoto." He walked to the foot of the bed and grabbed her board. "Your normal doctor, Ryuken Ishida, is a bit tied up, so I'll be taking care of you for a bit. He flipped her papers over. "Let's see…you had a mild concussion due to the bumps on your head." He walked around the bed and took out a small light. "Can you follow this light for me without moving your head?" "I can." The doctor waved his light and Oichi did as she was told. He gave her a full check out before attending to her ankle. "When can I leave?" Oichi asked. The doctor smiled. "First I would like to see how your ankle is. We took some X-Rays when you came in and it showed that you had a sprain, but it might be a little worse than that." Nel grabbed Grayson who was falling asleep on Oichi. He mumbled out something but fell asleep on her shoulder. Oichi whimpered a bit when started to touch her ankle. Hisagi saw how nervous she was getting and grabbed her hand. He felt her grip tighten. The doctor lifted her ankle. She hissed out in pain a bit. "I do apologize for making you uncomfortable Ms. Yamamoto. It will only be a few seconds more." Oichi nodded as she held back the tears from the pain.
When the doctor was done, he wrote something down and nodded to himself and smiled. "Okay Ms. Yamamoto. I'd like to take one more X-Ray of your ankle and we will be done for now. As soon as the results come back, I'll tell you everything you need to know. For now, just relax a bit more. "How long will the X-Rays take?" "Not long." The doctor chuckled. "You really don't like hospitals, do you?" "They…make me a bit uncomfortable…" Oichi says. "A lot of people feel the same but don't worry. Once everything is checked out you will be out of here in a day or two okay?" Oichi nodded. "Thank you." The doctor left to get the X-Rays ready.
In another room, Rukia was looking at her ultrasound pictures of her baby girl. "Oh Renji, look at her. She's beautiful." Renji smiled and kissed her forehead. "Yeah." He helped her off the bed. Rukia had a clean bill of health and the bruise didn't hurt the baby. She was told that she needed to eat, or it will affect her heath and the baby.
Walking hand in hand, they headed down the hall. Kira and Momo were outside Oichi's room on the phone with Luppi. He was chewing them out about leaving in the middle of their shifts. Rukia smiled. "Momo! Kira!" Momo hung the phone up. "Hey there Rukia." "Is Oichi awake?" Kira nodded. "Yeah, once she gets her x-ray done then she will be able to leave." Rukia eyes lit up. "That's great! I-is there any way I can see her?" Momo and Kira looked at each other. "I don't think that's the best idea…Since Nel is in there and all." The door opened and Nel walked out with Grayson. "Speak of the devil…" Renji says. Nel looked at them and narrowed her eyes at them but surprisingly she said nothing. "I'm taking Grayson home now. Hisagi said he will look over Oichi and keep me updated until I get back. I hope that's okay with you two?" Momo nodded. "Sure, we have to go anyways before Luppi blows a cow." Nel rolled her eyes. "Let him rot. It's not like the café is doing well anyways." She turned away and left. Once she was gone Rukia smiled. "I'd like to see Oichi please." Renji sighed.
They walked in to see a nurse changing Oichi's bandaged on her neck. Rukia's eyes widen to see her bruised neck. When the nurse went to touch it with ointment, she flinched when Oichi tensed up a bit and pulled her hands away. "S-Sorry!" The nurse says. Oichi shivers as she felt her neck. "Hisagi, can I see?" Hisagi frowned. "Are you sure?" Oichi nodded. Hisagi looked around and founded a small mirror. He held it in front of her and angled it so that she could see her neck. She rubs her neck with both of her hands. "Oh…" She rubbed her neck carefully. Hisagi moved the mirror and then looked at the nurse. "I can take it from here." The nurse frowned. "I don't think I'm allowed to." Hisagi frowned. "We are never going to get anywhere with you flinching here and there. Just hand me the ointment and the bandages. Please." The nurse sighed and nodded. "I'm sorry." Oichi looked at her. "No, I'm sorry…you're just trying to do your job and I'm making it hard for you…it's just." She kept her hands on her neck. The nurse placed a hand on Oichi's shoulder. "It's okay. I understand. I'll be back later to collect everything. She gets up to leave.
Hisagi washes his hands and grabbed some gloves. "Oichi?" Oichi looked to see Rukia and Renji. Oichi frowned but sighed mentally. "Hi there…" Rukia looked down. "Did you like the flowers?" Oichi tilted her head. "Flowers?" She turned to see the lily flowers on the desk beside her. "Oh my! They are beautiful." She touches them, and a smile came to her face. "Reminds me of home somewhat." Rukia smiled. "How are you feeling?" Oichi leans back. "Okay I guess." She looks at Rukia's stomach and then Renji. His eyes were widened and were looking at her neck. "Who did that to you?" He asked. Oichi turns her head. "I…I can't remember who." Renji grits his teeth. 'Who put their hands on her…' He felt anger rising in him.
Oichi rubbed her hands together. "Was there something you both needed?" Rukia held on to her ultrasound. "W-We just wanted to see how you were doing. Everyone was worried about you. Do you remember anything? I know that Toshiro plans looking into your attacker." Oichi looked at her hands. "No…not much. I think due to the bumps I got on my head it scrambled my memories or something. The only thing I can freshly remember was…" She touched her neck. "A pair of hands…squeezing…tightly…" Oichi bit her lips as she remembers cold hands. She then shook her head.
Hisagi walked over. "Oichi are you ready?" Oichi nodded. "Yeah. Um…" She looked at Rukia. "Thanks…for checking up on me." She says. Rukia smiled. "Of course, Oichi. Things may be strain between us, but I still consider you my dearest friend. When I learned that you were attacked, I was so worried." Renji frowned. "Is that why you weren't eating!? Do you know how badly that could have gone!?" Rukia looked down. "I'm sorry Renji." Oichi frowned. "You shouldn't sacrifice the health of your baby for me. Please make sure you take better care of yourself." Rukia nodded. Renji sighed. "I think we should go. You've seen her, she's fine, let's get you back home and into bed." Rukia nodded. "I wish much luck in your recovery Oichi." She says before Renji dragged her away.
Hisagi looked at her. "Are you alright?" Oichi nodded. "Yes, I don't think I have enough energy to feel how I usually feel about them. I just want to go home…if I had an actual home to go to." Hisagi frowned as he started to put the ointment on her neck. "How about you come stay with me, Momo, and Kira? I'm sure staying with Nel is tight. She only has one bedroom and I've seen how she's sleep…I'm sure Grayson sleeps widen as well." Oichi giggled a bit. "She doesn't sleep that wild and Grayson can be dead as a doorknob. He's a very hard sleeper." Hisagi chuckled. "We do have an extra room you know." Oichi looked down. "An extra room? Well…I don't know…" Hisagi smiled. "I'm sure Momo and Kira wouldn't mind. Also, with our ties in the center we can help you get a much better job the working at the bar or the café. I remember you saying that you went to school for fashion, right?" Oichi nodded. "Well we can help you further your degrees and help you learn how to really build up on starting your own business." "Really?" Oichi asks with a little light in her eyes. "Yeah, I'll talk to some people and put your name out there. I'm sure we can find you some work and with your paychecks you can start saving up for your own house. For now, you can come stay with us." Oichi smiled. "Wow, Hisagi. Thanks so much. I'd have to talk to Nel about it and please make sure it's okay with Momo and Kira. I don't want to impose." Hisagi nodded. "Alright then." A hint of red crossed his face. "Hey Oichi?" "Yes?" Hisagi cleared his throat. "Do you think…before you met Grimmjow and all…that me and you could have…" "Dated?" Oichi blurts out. "Yeah." Oichi smiled. "Well I can't say I didn't think about it. You're a really nice person and you've helped me through some tough times when I was going through everything but, I have Grimmjow in my heart and that won't change for a long time I hope." Hisagi sighs out in disappointment but then smiles. "I see. So, if only if I was a bit quicker than you could have been mine." Oichi smiles. "Sorry. I don't want to lead you on or anything." "It's fine. Unlike some, I like to make things clear between us. If I know I have no chance, then I'll let it be. I'll still be here to support you though." "Thank you Hisagi. I really don't know how to thank you for everything you have done for me."
A few days later, Grimmjow was being led to the visitation room. He sighed mentally. 'Who the hell is coming to see me now…' Once he was uncuffed he sat down and waited. He watched one of the guards open the door to let someone in. Grimmjow crossed his arms. 'It had better not be Nel again. Then again, I hope it is. That bitch just up and left. I still had more questions for her. I'll show her what's for.' He growled slightly until he saw who it was.
It was Oichi on a pair of crutches with her neck still bandage up. She was wearing a light blue sweater dress and black flats. Her ankle was in a cast and her hair had been cut to her shoulders now. The guard helped her sit down and laid her crutches to the side. Oichi smiled excitedly at Grimmjow and picked up the phone. Grimmjow was a little lost at words, seeing her come in on crutches and her neck. He grits his teeth. Oichi pouted at him and tapped the glass. Grimmjow signs and picks it up. "Hey." "Grimmjow! I missed you so much!" Oichi says happily. Grimmjow couldn't help but to smile. "Did you now?" Oichi nodded. She twirled her hair. "I think about you a lot you know." Grimmjow smirked as he felt the anger subside. "Oh? What do you think about?" "A lot of things. How you hold me at night after…you know." She blushes. Grimmjow laughs. "Dammit your so cute." Oichi giggles. "Thank you." She looks down. "I um. I guess Nel told you everything that happened?" Grimmjow leans back. "Yeah. Do you know who did it?" Oichi shook her head. "No, before I got out the hospital Toshiro came and asked me some questions. He said they got some evidence to who may have done it." She held up her hand. "He said something about me getting skin under my nail. Yuck." Grimmjow smirked. "That just means my woman fought back just like I showed her." Oichi rubbed her head. "Yeah, Though I don't remember most of it."
Grimmjow chuckled. "The important thing is that you made it out alive. That's all I care about for now." Oichi smiled. "Yeah, oh! I heard from Yumichika how well you have been doing. Like keeping out of trouble and stuff but I'm worried about all those guys who are trying to hurt you." She looks down sadly. "Why do they wanna hurt you so much." Grimmjow shook his head. "Don't worry about me babe. I'm way too strong to let those losers actually hurt me. The sooner I'm out of here the sooner I can have you in my arms." Oichi smiled. "HeeHee." Her face got redder. "A-Actually…I do have some news for you…something from Toshiro." Grimmjow raised his eyebrow. "Oh, and what's that?" Oichi twirled her hair. "Since you have been well behaved, he said starting this year…you can have c-conjugal visits." Grimmjow eyes widen and a wide grin came on his face. "Ho? Conjugal visits from my lovely woman? Just for behaving? Maybe this won't be so bad after all. There are some things I'd love to do to do you." He licked his lips making a shiver go down her spine. She turned her heated face from him. "I-I can't wait either, but you have to keep behaving okay?" Grimmjow chuckled and leans back in his chair. "Not an issue there. Are you going to wear something sexy for me?" Oichi nodded. "You gonna tell me what it is?" Oichi shook her head. "Such a damn tease. So, did he say what date?" Oichi shook her head. "No, even though it might start soon my ankle still needs about six to eight weeks to heal." "No biggie. I can easily work around that. Bring some straps." "Gah!? Straps? That sounds kinky…" "Kinky huh. Oh babe, you have yet to see the kinky side of me yet. Let me prove it to you right quick." He whispered something into the phone. Oichi's eyes grew wide and her face turned completely red. She hung up the phone out of instinct. Grimmjow laughed at this. It took a few moments before Oichi could calm down before she picked the phone back up. She cleared her throat. "S-So I know that date would be in February…or around that time." Grimmjow chuckled. "I hope you're ready for me babe."
Oichi rubbed her blushing face. "Oh. I'm moving out of Nel's place for now." "You are? Where are you going?" "Well, Hisagi offered me a room in the house with Momo and Kira and they are helping me get a better job. In fact, tomorrow morning I have a sit down with Byakuya and we are going over all the jobs I will be qualified for. I hope I get put with Hisagi's section. They seem the closest to what I want to do." Grimmjow frowned. "Try not to get to close to that bastard…" Oichi smiled. "Don't worry about him. We already settle the line between us." "Is that right?" "I told him that I plan to have you in my heart, hopefully for a long time." Grimmjow felt his face heat up a bit. Oichi giggled. "I can make you blush to I see." Grimmjow covered his face. "Oh, shut up." Oichi laughed.
Grimmjow and Oichi sat there for the next two hours talking. They didn't want it to end but atlas it was almost time for Grimmjow to head back to his cell. Oichi looked down a bit sadly until she noticed the necklace. Her face lit up. "Oh! You got my gift! I'm so happy you got it!" Grimmjow pulled it out. "Damn right I like it. It's got my son and my woman in it." Oichi smiled. "HeeHee." "How did you get this? Did you pull the money from your savings?" "No, I brought it with the money I earn from the bar." Grimmjow frowned. "The bar…" "Don't worry, Nel already grounded me from that job. It sucks because I was making very good tip money." Grimmjow sighed. "Your much better than that job babe and its much too dangerous since you don't even have a car to use. You can't rely on Nel and strawberry head all the time. I'm stuck in here worrying about you and I can't kill the bastard who put his hands on you." Oichi smiled. "I know which is why I didn't make such a fuss about it…If I can start my own shop then I would be able to finally get us a place to stay!" She smiled brightly. Grimmjow sighs. "Well I can't let you do all the work. As soon as I get out of here, I'll have to find a way to make up for all the time we lost together."
Ikkaku walked up behind him. "It's time to go Grimmjow." Grimmjow growls softly at him. "Hey, I spared you a few minutes but that's all I can give you, now move your ass." Grimmjow looks back at Oichi. "Well I can wait until February ain't that right?" Oichi blushed and nodded. "Yes, please be on your best behaver Grimmjow…I don't want you to lose your um…" She cleared her throat. "Conjugal visits…I'm not sure how much longer I can stand without you." Grimmjow chuckled. "Well then, I'll see you soon babe." Oichi nodded. "Yes, I can't wait."
Outside, Hisagi was waiting on Oichi. He was standing outside the car smoking when he saw a car ride pass him and park further down. Hisagi raised his eyebrow at the car. It gave him a very weird vibe, but he ignored it for now.
Oichi sighs as she came out. It was a bit difficult to get use to walking with crutches. She saw Hisagi and maneuvered herself over until someone walked in front of her. She stopped and frowned. "Excuse me, can you…" She looked up to see Ulquiorra looking down at her with a blank expression. Her eyes widen, and a sudden chill ran up and down her spin. Ulquiorra eyes locked with her. His blank expression felt like a void that was sucking her in. Her body started to shake uncontrollably as she dropped her crutches. She ended up falling back until Ulquiorra reached out and grabbed her by her waist. He pulled her close to him, without saying a word to her. Every nerve in Oichi's body felt like it was screaming for her to get away from him. She felt a horrible pain in her head like it was trying to remind her of something. Tears come to the corner of her eyes and shocking her own self she just started to scream, pushing Ulquiorra away from her. She didn't know why but she wanted to get away from him. She needed to get away from him now!
Her screaming caught the ears of Hisagi and a few police officers that were coming from outside. They quickly rush to her aid. Hisagi reached her first and tore Ulquiorra away from her. "Get your hands off of her!" He yelled pulled Oichi into his arms. She clinged to him for dear life with tears running down her cheeks. The police officers walked up to Ulquiorra. "We are going to ask you to leave now unless you wish to be arrested." Ulquiorra gave them the same blank look but it was unsettling to the officers. So unsettling that the officers reached for their guns. Ulquiorra turned his gaze to Oichi until a few more officers came out ready to take him down. Ulquiorra kept his eyes on Oichi. Hisagi glared at him. "If you know what's good for you, you'd leave now. This is your last warning." Ulquiorra let out soft 'huff' and walked off to the car that Hisagi saw pull up earlier. They watched as he got in the car and it drove off.
Hisagi kept his frown on his face. He remembered the license plate number. Once he got Oichi settle down he was going to look up those plate. He looked down to see Oichi still in tears, shaking. The officers walked over to them. "Hisagi sir, would you like us to call someone to pick her up?" "No, I'll take her home." He picked Oichi up bridal style. Another office picked her crutches up and carried them to the car. Hisagi sighed mentally. He could feel Oichi shaking in her grip.
Nnoitra was laughing his ass off in the car. "That. Was. Fucking. PRICELES!" He tossed his head to the side and laughed more. "She's completely frightened of you and you didn't even have to say one damn word! Shit man what the fuck did you do to her?" Ulquiorra said nothing as he looked out the window. Nnoitra laughed more. "Hell, whatever you did though you might want to keep your distance for now. That chick is in with most of the police forces over there. If you're not too careful you can fuck up and get yourself locked up with Grimmjow and we can't have that, now can we?" Ulquiorra stayed silent. He rubbed his cheek where he had a light cut mark. "That woman…nothing but trash as I said." Nnoitra chuckled. "Considering your uping your stalking game I don't think you can say that. I'm sure you got enough pictures of her in your personal shrine. I wonder how Grimmjow would feel about that haha." Ulquiorra ignored him and looked out the window with a blank look. The look of Oichi's terrified face, her body shaking in his grip, the fear that overtook her body so much that she ended up screaming bloody murder. Ulquiorra felt something stirring inside him. Something strange. He placed a hand on his chest. Was he enjoying this? His arms had goosebumps on them. Was he getting excited with the events that just happened? These feelings confused him. He glanced over at Nnoitra was talking and laughing to himself. There was no way he would be able to give the answers to these questions. Ulquiorra looked back out the window and eyes the cut in the reflection. 'That woman…maybe she's not trash after all…for now at least…' He says to himself.
Hisagi had brought Oichi to the shared house. He helped her into the house and led her to the spare room. It was covered in light pink wallpaper. The bed was covered in dark pink and white comforter. Not much was in the room other than the dressers, a lamp, a closet and a personal bathroom. Hisagi helped Oichi to the bed. She turned on her side and held herself as she curled into a ball slightly sniffing. She could feel herself shaking so she held herself tighter. She bit her lip confused on why she acted like that. She rubbed her head. "My head…it hurts…" Hisagi rubbed her back. "I called Nel and Ichigo. They should be over here soon. I'll go get you something for your head alright?" Oichi nodded.
At the café, Momo sighed as she cleaned the tables. For once they were kind of busy. Not as busy as she wanted but busy enough to stay moving around. Kira was leaning back on the counter. He had headphones in one of his ears. The does open and Rangiku, Iba, Nanao, Isane, and Nemu walked in. Momo perked up a bit. "Hey guys! Are you on your breaks?" They all took a seat at the counter. Rangiku rubbed the counter and frowned to see the dust on her finger. "Looks like you guys are slacking." Kira handed them a menu. "It's not like we don't care or anything…between doing ridiculous crap and running errands everywhere it's hard for us to do anything." Kira shook his head. "It feels like I'm not doing anything other than my regular job. I'm thinking about quitting. I was offered to do this job so that I can try a different environment but if I'm going to be doing the same thing, I do for the company why should I bother being here." Momo sighs and leans on the counter while Kira went to the back to get drinks. "I'm with Kira on this…we do nothing all day but cater to Luppi…he doesn't even work! Most of the workers quit, Nel is quitting, I don't want to be on this sinking ship."
Iba crossed his arm. "Now Momo you know you cannot quit this job. Not without the hearsay of Shunsui or Jushiro. You have to stay here, per orders, and see this through even though we all know this café is going to go down in flames." Rangiku nudged. "Oh, forget the rules for once! We all know that this place was going to die out once Oichi got fired. Hell, once we learned Luppi was going to be running it we all knew that this place was no longer use to either side."
Isane looked down a bit sadly. "That's all true but, it sucks that Oichi had to be in the middle of this." Nanao pushed her glasses up. "Well if she would have simply dropped that man, she would still at least have a job here…" Rangiku frowned at her and then laughed. "Oh, Nanao only you could say something like that. Someone who never experience love nor had a man in her life will never understand." Nanao frowned and a slight pink tint of blush appeared on her face. "F-For your information, I have many lovers in over the years! However, I would never sacrifice my job for them." Nemu looked at her. "From my understanding…unless you were truly in love with one of your so called 'many lovers' then you would never understand the actions that Oichi took." She opened a small notebook and started to read. "Studies show that love is like a force of nature. Something that can't be commanded, demanded, or taken away. We cannot dictate how, when, and where love expresses itself. Love strikes like lighting and is unpredictable and irrefutable…What is that saying…people do the strangest thing for love? I think it was?"
Momo stood up. "Yeah, all that mumble jumbo that Nemu just said. I think Oichi and Grimmjow make a cute couple! They both show a lot of love for each other and so much trust. I think what Oichi did was brave. Just think about it. If she would have turned her back on Grimmjow then don't you think Luppi and those other goons will hold it over her head every day? It would make her feel horrible!" Nanao sighed. "I guess so…when you put it that way…I just don't think it was smart but as you said I may have lovers, but I've never been truly in love…" Rangiku chuckled. "While I agree with that the ladies are saying I really don't think you have a lot of lovers." Nanao blushed. "I-I have to!" "I mean with that small chest and flat waist line I don't think you can even catch a man looking your way!" Rangiku says laughing. Nanao face turned red and she slammed her hand on the counter. Before she could send an insult. Kira came back with drinks, but he had a frown on his face.
Behind him was Luppi with a smirk on his face. "Welcome dearest customers I hope you are enjoying yourself in my shop." Momo sighed mentally. Luppi chuckled and looked at them. "I hope you all are enjoying yourself. Now if you will excuse me, I will be upstairs in my office 'interviewing' some new employees." He licked his lips and walked off chuckling to himself. Iba shivered. "Ugh…something is wrong with that guy…" Kira passed out the drinks. "Yeah, he's been doing nothing but interviewing men to work here and the few who do either quit or just put up with it at this point."
Rangiku rolled her eyes and then they lit up. "Hey! How about this weekend we get Oichi and take her shopping!" They looked at her. "A girl's weekend out! The girl needs it you know. Fresh clothes, make up, girly things and some fresh air. Me, Momo, Orihime, and Oichi!" "What about Nel?" Rangiku frowned. "No way, girls' day out only. If Nel comes she would have to bring Grayson. I think Oichi needs a break from them both. Besides I see Oichi with Grayson all the time before that incident. Nel can handle Grayson for one weekend without Oichi. She has before, and she can again. I'm sure she will understand. She should get a clue that Oichi needs a break from all of this." Rangiku was waving her hand around. "So, its settled! We are going to the mall Saturday morning to shop!" Momo shook her head. "Rangiku…that's all good and all but Oichi doesn't really have a lot of funds these days. I don't think she would come just to window shop or to watch you come and go with a lot of bags." Rangiku laughed. "It will be fine. We will bring Hisagi with us! He's really rolling the sack and it's not like he will spend it on anything. I bet he would love to spend on all the woman he likes." Momo and Kira frowned. "I think that would be even worse. You know how Oichi hates handout and then you gotta remember how Grimmjow would feel about it…learning that Hisagi, another man, brought clothes for his chick would send him flying into a fit of rage." Rangiku waved her hands and groans out. "Details, Details, fine if it bugs you guys so much, I'll just convince Hisagi to give me the money and I'll use to spend on Oichi. Is that better?" Momo nodded. "I suppose so…" "Come on Momo, where is that spirit you always show! This is going to be a great weekend for us girls!" Rangiku says smiling.
Oichi was laying on the bed thinking, she had called both Ichigo and Nel and asked them not to come. She just wanted some rest and them worrying about her would make her more frustrated now. Hisagi had left to go to work but he had some officers posted outside to make sure no one suspicious would roll up. Oichi turned on her side and sighed. 'Why did I act that way when I saw Ulquiorra?' She placed her hands around her neck. 'My body was trying to tear away from him the moment he touched me.' She placed a hand on her head. 'What is it that I can't freaking remember!' She slammed her eyes shut trying to force herself to remember but, all she did was give herself another painful headache. She sat up. "Dammit it all! Why can't remember anything!"
There was knock on the door. Her body tensed up. Hisagi was at work, Momo and Kira wouldn't be home until late and if that was Ichigo or Nel they would have busted through the door. She bit her lip and said nothing. There was another knock. "Ms. Yamamoto are you in here?" She heard Jushiro's voice. She breathes out easily. "C-Come in…" She says. The door open and Jushiro opened the door with a gift basket and folder in his hand. He smiled at Oichi. "Forgive me. It seems I have scared you. I heard from the officers outside. Are you alright?" Oichi rubbed her arm. "Yes, I'm okay." Jushiro walked to her and placed the gift basket on the table next to the bed. "I was riding by through the area looking for you." "Looking for me?" "Yes, You your interview with us in the morning. I simply wished to go over with you the different jobs that we do in detail. So that you can gain more insight on what you wish to do. With your skills you can almost do any job you'd like. Plus, I also figured after what happened you need something else on your mind."
Oichi sat up. "Wow. Do you do this for all of the people you guys look for?" Jushiro chuckled. "We do it for those who are promising." He opened the folder. "So, let's start with the first division, shall we?" "Of course, but before we start, wouldn't Byakuya go over these things with me?" "No, he will only give you the options of that jobs you will be qualified for. I want you to see what you are coming into. Explain the jobs you may be more interested in and it will give you something to think about." Oichi nods. "Okay, I understand."
Jushiro nodded and pulled out a list. "Now, the first division as most know, is run by the founder and owner of the Soul Society Prevention Center, Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto. He oversees over seeing any and all business throughout the Center. He also has the final say in the hiring process. He goes over who will be hired, replaced, or moved to a different division. Under him is Chojiro Sasakibe a very loyal man who helps Genryusai with various jobs within the division. Most of the people who work here are consider as model workers with a lot of leadership goals. Those who work here have either already been to the top or about to take that next step into being at the top." He handed Oichi the paper for her to look over. "On there are also the work uniforms you will have to wear. The colors of the division are deep purple, and you will be given a pass with their insignia on it which is a Chrysanthemums. It will let others know which division you are with." "I see…it looks like it would be hard to get here…"
Jushiro pulled out three papers. Now I don't really need to get into a lot of detail with these divisions. The second division, our task force and main military unit, that is run by Sui-Feng, the 9th division, our police force, that is run by Toshiro Hitsugaya, and the 11th division, who runs and looks after the prisons, that is run by Kenpachi Zaraki. All deal with our military forces. Your mother for an example, though she may be with a different branch of military she is still considered a part of our forces." Oichi's eyes widen. "She is? I mean, mama has been overseas for a very long time. I didn't know she was with you guys." Jushiro chuckled. "Yes, your mother has a spot on each of the divisions. She coordinates with Sui-Feng from across the seas and gives detail of what's going on. When she's here on leave she works with Hitsugaya as an investigator and then her first job is with Kenpachi Zaraki and she worked the prison alongside him. I don't think you are cut out for these jobs, so I will let you review them for yourself." He handed her the papers. Oichi quickly shifted through the paper. "Oh my…I never knew mama was so close to you guys. She's never said anything about it before…wait…is that how you knew my dad? From her?" Jushiro nodded. "Yes, it's thanks to her that we even know his name. Your father is quite cunning." Oichi sighs. "Is that right…"
"Let's move on to the jobs you would be more interested in. Now you may be placed in the third division as a start before they place you anywhere else. Third division is currently still looking for a head boss there. No one has really stepped up just yet so maybe that's something you can look forward to doing. You gain many connections. This division oversees Errand Services. They are also couriers and assign you to do simple basic jobs such as picking things up, delivering messages, and things like that. A fairy easy job for most who are looking for extra money here and there. That is why Kira works at the café. The color of their work uniform is Spring green and their insignia is Marigold. I suggest you stop by their quarters and pick up some side jobs to make extra money on the side." He handed Oichi the paper. "Thank you! I will take you up on that offer."
"The fourth division is our medical division. Its run by Unohana Retsu. This division is basically like our own personal hospital really. Unohana is quite the amazing doctor and is very knowledge with the medical field. Once you start working with us then you will be able to visit her as many times you like." He handed her the paper. Oichi looked it over and her eyes lit up a bit. "Hey, it says I can sell herbs here!" Jushiro nodded. "Yes, it would be helpful to have more herbs from here to there. Do you think you could help in that department?" Oichi nodded. "Yes, actually. My home grows a lot of rare herbs here and there. I can ask my sisters to bring some when they come visit. I'm sure they will be of us to you." Jushiro chuckled. "I see. Then yes, please visit the 4th division and speak with her. I'm sure she will welcome the help."
As the hours passed Oichi and Jushiro got lost in conversations about the rest of the divisions. Oichi asked for more details on Hisagi's division more than anything. He had only told her the basic of things. She learned that he oversaw their publishing and editing department. They made the newspapers and magazines. His division also oversaw arts, culture, and clothing services and even sold the items on their website. Something Oichi was already doing with her own items. Oichi's eyes were sparkling, making Jushiro laugh cheerfully. "I see you have some fighting spirit back. You are quite excited." Oichi smiled. "Hisagi's division is what I would like to work in! I would love to get back into fashion and Kira's division is good for extra jobs and then I can make some extra money on the side by giving herbs to the 4th division. Other than being able to see Grimmjow a bit more this is really like the best news I've heard in a while! I can't help but to be a little excited." Jushiro smiled and pats her head. "You are quite a fascinating woman." He handed her the folder. "You can keep these and look them over for your interview in the morning. I look forward to seeing you around and don't push yourself to hard okay?" Oichi nodded. "Thank you so much for doing this. I feel like I can finally get a hold of a good start now." Jushiro nodded. "It's a sham to see your talents go to waste. We take very good care of our workers and if you play your cards right you might climb the ranks faster than you think." He waved good bye to her and was on his way.
Oichi smiled and looked down at the folder. She then reached over to grab her phone. "I need to contact Flo or Izzy before they make a play to move down here. I hope Granny lets them bring some herbs." Before she could dial anything her phone rung. She looks at it to see that her father was calling. She frowned but then sighed as she answered the phone. "Hello papa…" "Hello peanut, are you busy?" Oichi looked at her ankle. "No, not really." "Good there is some things I would like to talk to you about. I know you hate being left out of the loop on these types of things so please listen closely. Though no matter what I say…." "You are going to do what you want anyways…" Oichi says finishing his sentence. "I got it papa. So, you can tell me."
The next morning, Oichi was up bright and early. She had taken her shower and done her hair. Now that it was short it was a bit easier to take care off. She was thinking about dying it all purple. Since she didn't have much clothes anymore, she was wearing something she borrowed from Momo. A gray and black retro chic lapel tunic dress. Since it was Momo's it was a bit of a tight fit. It showed more of her curves then she wanted to. She was thankful that the top stretched out or her boobs would be popping out. She didn't want to walk into Byakuya's office like that. She wanted to look as professional as possible. She looked herself over before she heard a knock at the door. "Come in." She says. The door open and Hisagi walked in with his causal work clothes on. His eyes widen as he looked Oichi up and down. "Do you think I should wear makeup?" Oichi asked looked at her face. "No, you look more beautiful without makeup." Hisagi says. Oichi smiled. "If you say so." She grabs her lip balm and Chapstick and placed it on her lips.
"Are you ready to go?" Hisagi says grabbing her purse. Oichi grabbed her crutches. "Are you sure it's okay for me to go? I mean I'm on crutches. Not very professional you know." Hisagi nodded. "It's fine Mr. Kuchiki is aware of what happened. Come on let's go."
Oichi slipped her one foot into her black flats and made sure her cast was on steady and followed Hisagi out the room where she ran into Momo. "Man, that dress fits you well! You can keep it if you like." She says. "Oh no, I couldn't do that Momo. I just would like borrow it for today." Momo smiled. "Consider it as a gift then. Good luck in your interview, not that you need it." Oichi smiled and noticed a hicky on her neck. She smirked. "Good luck with your guest this morning but I'm sure you don't need it." Momo blushed madly as Oichi laughed.
In the car now, Oichi took deep breath as Hisagi drove. Now that she thought about it, she has never been to the center before. Due to work she's never had the chance to go. She's never brought Renji lunch there, she'd asked someone to take it for her. There was a time when Renji asked her to come with him, but she said no. She didn't even know anyone else who worked alongside Renji. She sighed. 'May I wasn't a good girlfriend to Renji…' She closed her eyes and shook her head. 'No matter, the past is the past. I have to focus on this interview.'
It didn't take long for them to come across the border line of Karakura City. Past this point Oichi was in uncharted territory. She looked over to the right and saw a very large structure with a tall building in the middle. The town surrounding the structure, looked a little loose for wear but there was a bit of construction going on. There was also a large fence that went around the area. "That's Las Noches. Where Grimmjow use to work at. They control the right side of the city…nothing but trouble makers over there…" Oichi frowned. They drove a little more before Oichi saw a large gate. Her eyes widen a bit. "Whoa…" Hisagi chuckled and this is the Seireitei. Hisagi drove up the gate and stopped in a line where cars were waiting to go in. At the front there was a check in gate. "You can't get in or out with this." He held up his badge. "There are also four gates to get into. This one is closest to the city. It's always best to come an hour early so you can get here in time."
Three minutes later Hisagi pulled up and showed the gatekeeper his card. The gatekeeper looked at Oichi. "And what about her Sir?" "She's with me. We will stop by and get her a visitor past." "Of course, sir, enjoy your day." Hisagi nodded and drove through the gate. Oichi looked around. "Wow! It's like a whole other city here!" Hisagi nodded. "Yes, something like that. The road we are on is the main road. It links to the gate to the first division living quarters. Up here at the crossing though is where you would spit to the different divisions. Each division is in a section of it's on with living quarters. There are also academy's here for those who wish to return to school. I'll give you the tour later but first let's get you to the sixth division section." Oichi nodded as she took in the scene.
Minutes later, Hisagi pulled up to a large building and followed a line of cars to the back where the parking was. Once he found a spot, he helped Oichi out the car. "Thank you for doing this Hisagi." "Think nothing of it. Come on, let's go. You have to go upstairs to the top where Mr. Kuchiki's office is." Oichi nodded and they walked around to the main doors along with a few other employees. While focusing on not falling Oichi noticed some of the employees were looking at her. She ignored them as she and Hisagi made it to the door. "E-Excuse me." Oichi and Hisagi stopped to see a young man with black hair and grey eyes. He had a tattoo above his left eye and his hair was parted on the left and fans out at the tips. On the left side of his head, three RCA cables were tied to his hair. He was wearing A light blue shirt and black slacks. "Are you Oichi Yamamoto?" "Yes, I am, do I know you?" The young man smiled. "My name is Rikichi. Renji sent me here to assist you." Oichi frowned. "Renji did?" "Yes, he said he didn't want you to hurt yourself trying to make it to the office." "I'm fine. Hisagi is helping me." Oichi says as she goes to walk up the stairs.
"Forgive me for being pushy but, I was order to bring you to Renji's office." Oichi frowned and then glanced back a bit to see employees staring at her. Hisagi frowned at this. "She said she was fine. You can tell Renji that I am assisting her. She is going to your boss not him and that's that." "No, it's okay." Oichi says. Hisagi looked at her. "I'll be fine Hisagi. Plus, you must get to work too right? I'll call you when I am done okay?" Hisagi sighed. "Alright." He handed Rikichi her purse. "If he tries anything you let me know right away understand." Oichi nodded.
Rikichi smiled. "This way Ms. Yamamoto." Oichi nodded and walked after him. Inside the building was many doors. Looking into one Oichi could see that in some of the rooms were just a large office for a section of people. She followed Rikichi past the main desk and into the elevator. There were 4 buttons on it. Rikichi picked the 3rd one and the door closed. Oichi sighed mentally. 'What the hell could he want…I really don't want to see his face right before my interview. I'd rather have Hisagi, but I didn't want to make a scene…and why were all those people looking at me? It's not like they have seen me before.'
Oichi was a bit lost in her thoughts that she didn't realize the elevator had come to a stop. Out the corner of her eye she saw Rikichi move forward so, without looking she did the same. However, she ended up bumping into someone. She gasps as she loses her grip on her crutches. She fell back into the elevator and it didn't help that whoever she ran into fell on top of her. She felt pain from her ankle. "Ow!" She hissed out. The person she ran into was a rather large man who had loads of paper in his hand that had went scattering everywhere. He was in a panic and trying to move. His foot hit her ankle causing her to cry out in pain again. Rikichi frowned and tried to move the man. "Get off her bubba! You're hurting her!" "M-My apologizes!" The man said trying to move. Suddenly the man was grabbed by the back of his shirt and tossed back. "You damn fool! What the hell are you doing!?" Oichi sit up and reached for her ankle. Rikichi went to her. "Ms. Yamamoto, your ankle." Oichi held back her tears as she reached for her crutches. "Oichi!?" Oichi looked up to see Renji with a worried look.
"He dropped down and picked her up bridal style. "Renji!? Put me down!" Oichi says. "Rikichi grabbed her crutches and follow me now!" Renji says rushing to his office. "Renji stop! I can walk on my own." Oichi says as she saw people looking at them. "Like hell you can." He stopped and looked Bubba, the man that had fell on Oichi. "You, stay after work hours." Bubba shivered and nodded as Renji and Rikichi went to his office.
Rikichi closed the door behind him. "I'll contact Mr. Kuchiki sir." Renji nodded as Rikichi went to his desk phone. Renji placed Oichi down on the couch. "Renji…" Renji kneeled and took the cast off her ankle. "I'm only going to look. I won't do anything else." They both looked to see her ankle swelling up in the bandages. Renji frowned and sighed. "That idiot…I told him a million times to watch where he is going." "It wasn't his fault. I ran into him." Oichi says. "It doesn't matter. The guy had a stack of papers up to here and is always running into someone. It happens a million times!" Oichi sighed and tensed up as Renji placed her case back on. "I need to get you to the fourth division." "I'm fine. Just give me my crutches. I need to get to my interview." Renji frowned. "Your wellbeing is a bit more important than an interview." "Say the man with an income and his own place over his head…" Oichi mumbles. "I will go to the doctor after my interview." Renji sighed. "Your so damn stubborn." Oichi felt a little anger rise in her. "Well isn't that one of the things you hate about me." Renji frowned. "Oichi I didn't mean it like that." Oichi pushed him away and grabbed her crutches. "Look, I thank you for your concern, but I am fine. Besides I do not want any rumors spreading about me because of your so-called heroic act." She stands up on her crutches and ignored her now throbbing ankle. "Good bye Renji. I have an interview to get to." Renji stood up and blocked her way. "Oichi wait, there is something I also wanted to talk about."
"I don't want to hear whatever you have to say Renji." Oichi says. "I shouldn't have even come here but I didn't want to make a scene outside." Renji didn't move. "Oichi…I just want to wish you good luck." "Say what?" Oichi asked and raised her eyebrow. Renji rubbed his head. "I wanted to wish you good luck and…I hope that you end up working with us. There is an opening here as a secretary and it would be perfect for you. I can put in a word for you later." Oichi looked down. "I see…thank you then but I would prefer not to work so close to you." Renji frowned and reached up and cupped her face. "Oichi, I did a terrible thing to you and I just want to make it up to you. I want to help you get back on your feet so if you ever need anything all you have to do is ask." Oichi frowned and pushed his hand away. "Thank you but I have been managing just fine without your help. Focus on your new family and I'll focus on my life okay?" Renji frowned.
The door to his office opened and Byakuya walked in with a young woman wearing a nurse uniform. Renji quickly stepped away from Oichi. "Sir!" Byakuya narrowed his eyes at him and then looked at Oichi. She was adjusting herself on her crutches. "Ms. Yamamoto." Oichi looked at Byakuya. "Your ankle needs to be looked at. While that happens, we will do the interview here." "Yes, of course, if that's fine with you Sir." Oichi says.
Byakuya sat at Renji's des and Renji stood beside him. Oichi was sitting in the seat in front of the desk while the nurse took care of her ankle. Oichi grips her hands and she fights through the pain of her ankle being touched. Byakuya studied her expression before opening a folder. "Oichi Tamiko Yamamoto. Age 25, Birth day July 22nd, The second oldest of four. Mother is in the military and father…well his activities are still a little unknown to us. You had a degree in arts and fashion. You worked in the café since your high school years and also had done many side jobs during the summer, is that correct?" "Yes sir." Oichi says as she tensed up from the nurse rebandaging her ankle. "You have the experience in management and you do have a great leadership skills." He flipped over the paper in the folder. "There are many jobs you can do here and 9th division and the 13th division has made a request to have you employed with them. I'm sure you understand what each division does correct?" "Yes sir." "Then tell me which division you wish to be with and why."
Oichi closed her eyes as she held in a yelp. The nurse had finished with her ankle and was placing it back in its cask. "Sorry about that dear. Make sure you stay off your ankle and please be more careful." Oichi nodded and sighed out. "Thank you." The nurse nodded and took her leave. Oichi opened her eyes and smiled. "I think the 9th division will work for me perfectly sir. As you said I do have a degree in both fashion and arts. I have great skills when it comes to fashion. I've already sold many items on my sister's website as a side job. The 9th division will help me further and approve on my own skills no matter which part I work on. I look forward to learning anything that may one day further my goal in opening a fashion shop." Byakuya was writing something down. "I see and say if we placed you in publishing department. How would you feel about that?" Oichi kept her smile. "I would not mind that at all. The publishing department would be able to show me how to get my products out to the world." Byakuya hums to himself. "I see…are you only seeking to be in the 9th division?" "While I do prefer if I could work in the 9th division I wouldn't mind working in the 3rd division or even the 7th and the 5th I see them all as good opportunities for me."
Byakuya nodded. "…and what if you were placed in this division? Would that be an issue?" Renji's eyes widen and tensed up a bit looking at Oichi who kept her smile. "No sir it will not. If I were hired here, I could learn about the hiring process for when I open my own store." Byakuya leans back. "Mmm hmm…" He closed his eyes and then open them. "I see. I have heard all I needed to hear. You will receive a call next week on where you will be located. You will also have the option of living in the living quarters to where ever you have been assigned. For now, Renji will take you to the 1st division office to get you a temporary pass until we figure out where to place you. Are there any questions?" Oichi nodded. "Yes sir, even though I am not hired can I still do side jobs with the 3rd division?" Byakuya nodded. "Yes, Renji will take you there after you get your pass. Once you are called back here you will get your photo taken and a brand-new pass." He stood up and walked over to her and reached his hand out. Oichi took it. "I look forward to having you join the center. If you play your cards right, you may be able to reach high levels." Oichi held back a giggle from hearing the same words that Jushiro told her. "Thank you for the opportunity sir!" Byakuya looked back at Renji. "You know what to do, no games, understand?" Renji nodded. "Yes sir."
Around 1pm, Oichi was sitting outside the 9th division quarters waiting on Hisagi. She looked at her temp pass and smiled. "I feel really good about this haha." She then looked at the paper she got from Kira. It was a list of stay at home jobs she could do to make extra money. She then looked down at her ankle. She went to get it checked out with Renji. It wasn't damaged any further, but it was recommended to her once again to just take it easy and relax. That was something she couldn't afford to do. There were many things she wanted to do, and one was to finally get her own place. She didn't need anything big. A small one- or two-bedroom apartment would be enough for her and Grimmjow when he got out but then by then she would have enough to get something bigger. She sighs and leans back on the bench she was sitting on. "Let's try not to overwhelm yourself right now Oichi. First you have to get this job and save up money then you move on to the next agenda. One step at a time. You can't crash and burn before everything starts…" She closes her eyes as she talks out loud to herself.
"It's cute when you talk out loud to yourself." Oichi frowned and opened her eyes to see Renji walking up to her. "What do you want Renji?" She asked flatly. "I came to see if you left yet. Hisagi usually has a lot on his plate and sometimes work later in the evening. I'm on my way to lunch so I can drop you off at the house." "I'm fine Renji. You have helped me enough today." Renji frowned. "Don't be stubborn. You can't stay out here and wait late into the evening. At least go inside and wait for him." "You don't think I tried?" She held up the pass. "They lady at the desk said I couldn't wait inside for him because the pass is just a temp pass or something like that." Renji rolled his eyes. "Of course, it is…then no choice. You either come with me now or I'll go in there and make a scene and I know how much you hate making a scene for no reason." He says smirking. Oichi sighed loudly. "Why won't you leave me alone?" "The last time you were left alone you got hurt. I'm not about to do the same thing here especially when you don't know where you are. Now come on." He reached out to take her hand.
Oichi by passed it and grabbed her crutches. "Fine…whatever…" Oichi says. Reni sighs and follows her. They reached the parking lot behind the building. Renji opened the door for her and she slid in with her purse in her lap and crutches on the side. Renji closed the door and she pulled her phone out her purse. She had to text Hisagi or else he would freak out. She couldn't have that. Renji got in on the driver side, started the car, and pulled out. The ride was silent, other Oichi's phone while she texted. "Did you want to stop and get anything to eat?" "No." Oichi says. "Did you need anything before you go back to the house?" "No." Oichi says. Renji tapped his fingers on the stirring wheel. "Have…you been visiting Grimmjow lately?" "Renji, please… just take me home. You don't have to force yourself to talk to me." Oichi says not looking up from her phone.
Renji frowned. "How much do you hate me?" Oichi looked up from her phone. "The question is what do you want from me?" Renji glanced at her. "You told me to move on and get over it. That is what I've been trying to do. Every time I try you do your best to wiggle your way back into my life. You have your life with Rukia. I am trying to have a life with Grimmjow." "No, you are being used by that man." "Oh my Gosh…if anyone has been trying to use me it is you!" Oichi says. "Me!? What did I do!?" Oichi looked at him. "Don't play me for a fool again Renji! Rukia has already told me everything I needed to hear! You…" Oichi stopped herself. She took a deep breath. "You know what…forget it. Just drive me home please." Oichi says leaning back in the chair. This always happened. Every time they run into each other alone. She didn't want to deal with this anymore. All that was going to happen is that he would bring up something from the past and it will get her in her feelings. "Oichi don't do that. Talk to me." Renji says in a pleading voice. Oichi ignored him and looked at the window. Renji frowned as the car went silent again.
Renji pulled up to the house. He was about to get out and help her out but Oichi opened the door and got out herself. "Thank you." She says before closing the door. She walked towards the door when Renji got out the car. "Oichi do you…" Oichi was silent as she made it to the door. She unlocked it and without looking back at him she closed it. Renji frowned and looked down a bit hurt. He rubbed his chest a bit. "Oichi…what can I do to make you forgive me…" He sat in his car a bit longer before finally leaving.
On January 6th, a Saturday. Oichi was sleeping in her room. There was a knock on the door and it open. Momo popped her head in and giggled at the sleeping Oichi. It was almost 9am and they were going shopping today. Last night they had went out to eat and she had a little much to drink. They all did really except Orihime who was just eating away strangely. Oichi was telling them about her ride home with Renji the other day. Rangiku offered to kill him which made them all burst out into a drunken laugh.
Momo walked to Oichi and shook her shoulder. "Oichi it's time to get up." Oichi stirs a little but turns over. "5 more minutes…" "No can-do sleepy head. Rangiku wants us up right away. We have a lot to shop to do you know. Oichi yawns and sits up rubbing her eyes. Momo giggled at her massive bed head. "You still have to pick something cute for when you see Grimmjow." Oichi eyes snapped open. "I thought that would get you so come on. Rangiku can be quite pushy."
Around 11am Oichi, Momo, and Orihime were at the mall waiting on Rangiku who was a hour late. Oichi was wearing a black zipper front, stripped hem sheath dress with black flats. Momo was wearing a pleated button detail flare sleeve red blouse with blue skinny jeans and flats. Orihime was wearing a light jean button shirt, a fitted black skirt that went down to her knees and black flats. Momo and Oichi were watching Orihime eat quite a big meal. Oichi couldn't help but to chuckle a bit. "You have been eating a lot lately Orihime." Momo says. Orihime stopped and looked down. "O-Oh have I? I never noticed." Oichi smiled. "Have you been feeling okay?" Orihime looked down at her food. "I've been feeling a bit of sick lately, but I don't think there is anything wrong." Momo eyes widen. "I see…"
"Helloooo ladies!" They turned around to see Rangiku walking towards them. She was wearing a plain low-cut black shirt and pink skinny jeans and black heels. Her clothes fit her body smug causing a few men to stop and look her up and down. Rangiku brushed her hair back and chuckled as she blew them a kiss. "Sorry I'm late girls I had to go pick up the boys." She pointed back to Hisagi, Kira, and Iba all in their work clothes. Oichi smiled and waved at them. "Sorry for this you guys. I'm sure you must have a lot of work to handle." Hisagi smiled. "No need to say sorry Oichi. Just go wild and enjoy yourself. We are here to hold the bags and keep the leachers off your back."
Momo stood up. "Well then! Let's get this show on the road! Oichi we should get your hair done to while we are here!" Rangiku nodded. "I agree, your split ends are killing me over here. I would have liked for Nel to have done a better job." Orihime smiled and nodded in agreement with a mouth full of food. The girls looked at her as she stuffed more food in. "Slow down Orihime. The food isn't going anywhere." Rangiku says. Orihime sips on her drink and sighs out. "It's just really good for some reason. Sorry. I'm ready to go!" Oichi giggled as they got up and headed to the first store.
At the prison Grimmjow was being led to the visiting area. Someone was there to speak to him. 'What's with everyone wanting to talk to me. I was in the middle of a great nap to.' Grimmjow says to himself as he is led to his seat. He looked at the glass and his eyes went widen in confusion and shock, but he then narrowed them a bit deadly. In front of him was Dante, Oichi's father. He was wearing a very nice dark blue suit. His hair was tied into a ponytail and he was wearing a pair of glasses. He picked up the phone and so did Grimmjow. "Those clothes fit you boy." He says. Grimmjow frowned. "What do you want." "To talk." "About?" Dante leans back. "I'd like to offer you a job." Grimmjow gave him a blank look. "I refuse." Dante chuckle. "You don't even know what I am offering you." "True but I know enough about you. After I get out of this place, I am done doing anyone else dirty work." "I see…so what if I told you that I could get you out of here earlier than planned." Grimmjow raised his eyebrow. "You can do that?" "I can however, I don't do things for free. If I get you out of here, then you have to work for me for the 15 years you were suppose do in here." Grimmjow looked down. "Think about it carefully. I will only offer this once. You can get back to Oichi and start your life over again. All you must do is do a few jobs for me every now and then and I'll pay you. Simple no?" Grimmjow sat back and thought about it. He really wanted to get out of here as quick as possible but at what cost. He looked at Dante who smirked. "So, my boy, what will it be?"
At the mall, by the time 2pm came around, Oichi and Orihime were sitting outside a makeup store where Rangiku and Momo were in looking at the ongoing sell. They had been to plenty of the stores already and Iba and Kira were taking the bags to the car. Hisagi was at the food court getting Orihime something to eat. At the moment Orihime was eating a very large pretzel. Oichi was watching her and looked down at her stomach. "Orihime? Have you been the doctor yet?" Orihime stopped eating and looked at her. She then looked down. "No…not yet…" "Mmhmm have you taken tests?" "I have…" "Ichigo knows?" Orihime shook her head. "I haven't told him yet." Oichi leans back. "Why not?" Orihime looks at her with a sadden face. "What if he doesn't want it? I mean there is a lot of stuff going on and even though we were careful I still ended up like this." She tears up. "He is still dealing with his feelings for you and…" "Whoa there…" Oichi says. Orihime sniffs.
"First off, whatever feelings Ichigo has for me should be long gone and buried. Ichigo isn't an idiot okay? Unlike some people he knows when it's time to move on and he now has you. Secondly, Ichigo isn't so cold hearted to not want this child with you Orihime. You and I both know that he is a great guy and he will do anything to protect and provide for his family. There is always going to be a lot of stuff going on and even if you were being careful there is that saying that it only takes one time." She moves closer to Orihime and pokes her tummy. "You and Ichigo's love have made something special. You should be happy not trying to hide it from him." Orihime wipes her eyes. "You think so?" Oichi nods. "I do. Trust me. When you get home, sit him down and talk to him. Tell him about your fears, your thoughts on the matter, everything that is on your mind and I promise you that you will not be disappointed." Oichi wraps her arms around Orihime. "I'm happy for the both of you and while I might not have much on me right now, if you need anything or need someone to smack Ichigo through the wall you let me know okay?" Orihime giggles. "Okay. Thank you Oichi."
Rangiku and Momo walked out the store to see them hugging. "Aw, did she finally fess up about her being pregnant?" Rangiku says laughing. Oichi smiled. "Somewhat, she was more scared to tell Ichigo then me." Momo gasps then pouted. "Ichigo will love this baby with all his heart. No doubt about that." Oichi nodded in agreement. "That's what I told her but now that we have that out of the way what's next?" Rangiku smirked. "We are going to Victoria Secrets. You still need something for Grimmjow right?" Oichi blushed a bit. "Well…yeah I suppose…" Rangiku grabbed her arm and her crutch. "Then come on. Momo you stay here with Orihime while me and Oichi go shop a little." She ended up dragging Oichi away leaving Momo and Orihime.
As the day went on it was getting a bit late now. Momo and Orihime were all shopped out but Oichi and Rangiku were in full gear. Rangiku had some how convinced Oichi to go out for drinks again. Momo and Orihime decided to call it a night and head home with their things.
At Ichigo's apartment, Ichigo was cooking while waiting for Orihime to get home. He had noticed a shifted in her eating habits and thought she might be getting depressed or something. He heard the door unlock. "Ichigo!? Are you home?" Ichigo washed his hands and walked to the door. "Yeah, did you have fun tonight?" Orihime smiled. "I did but can you come help me with my bags please?" Ichigo nodded and walked out to the car. Orihime sighs mentally as she heads to the room to change into something more comfortable. She first headed to the bathroom and closed the door behind her. She bends down under the sink and grabs the hidden pregnancy test she had hidden from Ichigo. She gulped still a little fearful of what Ichigo would say. "Orihime where do you want these bags?" "T-The closet please!" "Alright. I made us dinner so when your done changing we can eat." "You made us dinner? You didn't have to!" She hears Ichigo chuckling. "I don't mind. Hurry and come eat." He left the room. Orihime sat on the floor. 'Oh Ichigo…' She looked at the test. 'I should tell him after dinner. Right. I'll do it then.'
Orihime changed into a pair of shorts with pockets and a red t-shirt. She hid the test in her pockets and went out to have dinner with Ichigo. The smell of food hit her nose and her stomach started to rumble. Ichigo laughed. "I can here your stomach from all the way over there." He fixed her plate. Grilled Steak with Greek corn salad, mac and cheese, Garlic potatoes and green beans. Orihime could feel her mouth water. "O-Oh wow Ichigo! This looks and smells so amazing!" She started to dig in and her cheeks flushed with pink. "Mmmm! So good!" Ichigo smiled. Seeing her happy made his hearts do flips. "Eat as much as you like. I made plenty for seconds."
Throughout dinner Ichigo and Orihime had a nice chat about what happened during their day. Ichigo had a decent day at work and Orihime had told him about the shopping and how Oichi and Rangiku went drinking.
"I swear. Rangiku is becoming a bad influence but its nice to see Oichi cut lose. I just hope she doesn't over do it." Ichigo says. He gets up to get dessert, grabbing the empty plates he places them in the sink. Orihime rubbed her stomach and took a deep breath. "I-Ichigo?" Ichigo turned around with a slice of cake in his hand. He placed it down on the table in front of her. "Yea?" Orihime pushed the cake to the side. "I…I need to tell you something." Ichigo frowned. The last time this happened it didn't end so well with him. He sat down. "Orihime is something wrong?" Orihime played with her fingers. "Well it's just lately…I've been feeling sick and I've been eating more then usual. I um…" She digs in her pocket and pulls out the test. "I took this the other day…" Ichigo's eyes go wide as she placed the test on the table. It read positive. Ichigo picked the test up and kept his eyes on it. "Your…Pregnant?" Orihime looked down. "Y-Yes…I'm so sorry for not telling you sooner. I would understand if your upset with me. I know that we are trying to do a lot of stuff and bringing a child into the picture would add more pressure on us both." She starts to tear up. "I know we tried to be careful, but I still ended up like this. I'm so sorry Ichigo!" Ichigo looked at her confused. "Huh!? Why are you sorry? Your having our baby Orihime!" He got up and walked around the table. Orihime sniffed as she wipes tears from her eyes. Ichigo pulls her up and hugs her. "You have no reason to apologize for anything. This is a happy moment for us. It should be!" He says smiling. He was excited. Orihime looked up at him. "You're not mad?" Ichigo cupped her face. "Why would I be mad. It was bound to happen eventually silly." Orihime smiled. "So, your happy?" Ichigo smiled and kissed her. "Of course, I'm happy! So happy that we should celebrate!" "Celebrate?" Ichigo smirked and picked her up. He carried her to the room and lays her on the bed. "Yes, Celebrate." Orihime face went red as he leans down to kiss her.
The next morning, Ichigo woke up a little earlier then usual. He turns over to see Orihime still sleeping. She had hickys and bite marks along her neck and chest. Ichigo chuckled and sat up. He heard a vibrate sound. It was Orihime's phone. He picked it up to see Oichi calling. He answered. "Morning Oichi. Orihime is sleeping right now." "Oh, Morning Ichigo…um…well can you tell her to call me when she gets up?" Ichigo smiled unable to keep the news to himself. "She's pregnant." There was pause over the phone and then a giggled. "I see. Well congratulations to you both! So, what's it feel like? Happy? Excited?" "All the above really. I mean wow…I'm going to be a dad! How about that!" Oichi laughed a bit. "I'm happy for you and Orihime. I really am. I guess now we gotta set up a baby shower for her and you better pamper her like no tomorrow. She deserves the best." Ichigo chuckled. "Yes, I know." He heard Oichi sighed. "Well then…I'll let you get back to sleep. Enjoy the rest of your morning Ichi." Ichigo rubbed his head. "Once Grimmjow gets out, I'm sure you both with have kids sooner then you imagined. So, don't get all discouraged okay." "Yeah well right now I have focus on other things…none the less…you should focus all your attention on Orihime and your new addition. Tell Orihime to call me later." Before Ichigo could say anything more she hung up. Ichigo placed Orihime's phone back down. He then shuffled back under the covers and pulled Orihime over to him. He felt her cuddling up to his chest making him chuckle.