RandomHeroX: Was up people. Last chapter we left it with Renji releasing his zanpakto about to attack the lovely scene of Ichigo and Orihime sleeping together. You better believe there was a reason behind the last chapter and it's revealed here. Ichigo's going to be the main character of this one. Someone has to fight Renji and what better choice. Let' s get going then.
-------------------------------------------Chapter 7:Lifeline-------------------------------------------
Ichigo abruptly woke from his sleep with Orihime still in his arms. Both stood up in bed wondering what the hell just happened. They found that Orihime's bedroom window was smashed along with half of the wall, the unwelcomed cold air spilling into the room carrying along the morning fog.
"Who did this?" Ichigo questioned. He looked at Orihime who was speechless looking at the debris of her wall. He looked into the sky and saw a familiar figure. It was Renji, but not his best friend Renji. This wasn't the man who helped him save Rukia nor helped him save Orihime. The Renji he knew died to make way for this shell of a person.
"Well you're finally up. So how is sex Ichigo? Amazing, passionate, un-fucking-believable. So glad you and your whore won't die virgins cause it looks like your time is up." Renji bellowed.
"Renji we didn't do anything. She was alone when she fought the espada. She ultimately wasn't ready for what was up ahead either. It was just unlucky that she wasn't strong enough to kill the espada and keep herself alive."
"I don't care about him. It's your girlfriend's fault. If she hadn't gone to Hueco Mundo none of us would have died. Your pal Chad is gone because of her. Do you not remember almost dying there Ichigo. I sure remember your spiritual pressure dropping dangerously low at the time. How can you not feel anything for your fallen nakama?"
"It's obvious. We went there knowing we had the possibility of dying, same as when we went to the soul society. As for me, I am will to take my own life to ensure Orihime's safety so back there was part of my promise to her and to myself. Why can't you just let it go?"
"Never. I came here today to kill one or both of you if necessary. So Ichigo if you don't mind, stick that bitch in front of you so I can slit her throat with ease."
Ichigo moved Orihime behind him. "You know I can't do that, Renji, not for you, not for anybody. I don't want to fight you Renji, but I will have no choice if you threaten Orihime's life."
The devilish grin spread across Renji's face. "Well. You sure dwindled down my options." He swung his zanpakto at them. Ichigo quickly reacted and picked her up bridal style and jumped off the bed into her nearby bathroom. He shut the door and pulled his battle license out of his pocket. "Orihime protect, my body. Don't worry. I won't hurt Renji any more than I need to, to make him come to his senses. I promise everything will be fine." His spiritual body was pushed out of his body and he hugged Orihime and kissed her forehead.
"Be safe Ichigo." She muttered under her breath.
Ichigo bust through the door and met Renji in the air. Their swords clashed. "Renji, why do you have to blame Orihime? She did the right thing by going to Hueco Mundo. If it weren't for her we all would have been dead before we could even enter Hueco Mundo. She saved all of our lives that day. I would have done the same thing if I was in her position."
"Talk is cheap." Renji overpowered Ichigo and hurled him towards the ground. "You just don't get it. She died without me telling her things I have been meaning to tell her my whole life. I may be the fool there, but if she didn't go to Hueco Mundo. I would have had all the time in the world."
Renji swung down again, pounding Ichigo into the ground. 'Shit, when did he get ridiculously strong? He must not have a limit placed on him. I have to end this quick before he releases his bankai. The whole freakin' world will shake if that happens.'
In that second, Renji rush towards Ichigo and Ichigo blocked his attack. Renji was relentless, attacking with such speed and precision that was actually frightening. Ichigo was having some trouble keeping up with his movements, but has been very clean so far as to not get hit. Renji jumped back, pausing the fight momentarily.
"I hope this finishes you off you smug bastard and when I'm done with you, that bitch is mine and I will have fun cutting her into so many little pieces that no one will be able to recognize her." Renji laughed hysterically.
"BAN-!"
"Ok I think that's enough." Said a raspy voice. 'Yoruichi, please stop this."
A dark woman appeared behind Renji and landed a kick to his backside. She grabbed his sword hand and forcefully twisted it. The breaking of bones could be heard where Ichigo was standing making him cringe. Renji, now lying on his back, hadn't even realized what happened. She put her foot on his neck, choking him.
"Hey quit that Yoruichi. He can't breathe." Complained Ichigo.
"It's fine. He's just being a baby."
"Wow we sure do have perfect timing when it comes to life threatening situations." Ichigo turned around to see Kisuke. "Lucky for us, Renji didn't release his bankai or there would be way to much paper work to fill out. So Ichigo how's your morning so far."
"You think you're so funny don't you. Not everyday you have to fight your best friend." He looked to see Renji passed out from the lack of air. "Shit. Hitsugaya wasn't kidding when he said Renji was in bad shape. I feel sorry for the guy, losing Rukia without telling her how he truly feels. Not being able to be loved by her and love her in return. Almost makes you to put him out of his misery." Ichigo sadly pointed out.
"Losing Rukia? What are you talking about? She's fine."
Ichigo's eyes widened. "What are you talking about? She died in Hueco Mundo. We all felt her spiritual pressure disappear. We never recovered her body."
"You may not have but, we did." putting his arm around Yoruichi.
Ichigo was speechless. His brain wasn't going to accept this statement as true until he saw her. He went up to Kisuke and whacked him on the head. "WHEN THE FUCK WERE YOU GOING TO TELL RENJI OR THE SOUL SOCIETY!"
"Ouch. Damn you have a powerful arm there. We were planning to tell him soon, but we don't know if he was able to see her in the condition she was in yet."
"What do you mean?" questioned Ichigo.
"She was attacked so fiercely by the espada and after she was dead other arrancar found her as good food. When we found her, it was hard to make out who she was. We carried her body to the real world and hopefully restore some of her before coming to Orihime for her power." Confessed Kisuke.
"You went looking for her? But why?" Ichigo asked.
"I felt guilty making her my subject to the orb of distortion and seeing Renji like this was unbearable. The guilt ate away at me so I decided to get Yoruichi and go looking for her. It took a while, but we did it. We came here today to ask Orihime for her power. It may violate god's will, but it think he will look upon us with a smile this time."
So many emotions were racing through Ichigo. He couldn't believe that Rukia would be with them again. He was also relieved that Renji would no longer be alone in this world.
"Ichigo go get Orihime. The sooner the better."
Ichigo nodded and jump into her room. She was sitting on her broken pieces of bed. She had a sad expression on her face and was huddled over for warmth. Ichigo jumped inside his body and sat down next to her and wrapped his arm around her, snuggling her close to him.
"What's on your mind, Orihime?"
"My place is destroyed. I know they're material possessions, but most of these things had sentimental value to them, making them irreplaceable. That used to be a portrait of my brother, the only one I had left of him. That stuffed animal was the only toy my brother had ever given me." Her knees pressed up against her chest and she quietly let tears stream down her face.
Ichigo held her closer. He didn't want to ask her to leave now, not now. Today whatever memories of her brother were destroyed. She loved her brother and Ichigo knew he couldn't make her leave. He got up and walked over to the hole in her wall. "Hey guys can we just meet you at your shop. We kinda need to clean up here." Ichigo said with a serious expression on his face. Kisuke and Yoruichi knew from his statement what was up and kindly walked away with Renji on Kisuke's back.
Ichigo went back to Orihime's side. She turned around and cried in his chest. 'Damn this is the first time I'm handling someone who's crying, I just wish this wasn't bittersweet.' He looked down and this girl with a broken spirit trying to find a way to make this better. Nothing was good enough; nothing could heal the lost memories of someone who saved you from a broken home.
'She's calmed down a little, but I'm only left with two options. I stay here with her until the hole is fixed and try to rebuild to it's former self, or she starts new and lives with me and my family at the clinic.'
"Orihime, what do you want to do? We can't stay here just crying, we need to do something. Do you want me to stay here and help you rebuild or do you want to come and stay with my family and me? I don't care which you pick. I'll back you up 100 percent of the way."
She looked up at him with her big watery eyes. With his thumb, he rubbed the streaks and tears from her face waiting for her answer. "Ichigo, we can't stay here. That would be incredibly selfish of me. I'll most likely be kicked out anyways, so can I please stay with you. I wouldn't mind being with you all the time and everyone seems to like me there."
The cheerful expression he missed was coming back, encouraging him to smile. He kissed her head "Well pack what you need. I'll call Tatsuki over to help you as I get things sorted out at home. I'll come back with a car to help with all that you need."
"Thank you, Ichigo."
"This isn't a problem." He put on his clothes from yesterday over her nightclothes. It was freezing outside. He saw Orihime huddled over for warmth. He grabbed the blankets from last night and draped them over her, wrapping them tightly around her.
"I'll be back as soon as I can. You just keep warm until Tatsuki comes to help."
She smiled and kissed him on the lips. That was Ichigo's cue to leave. While running home he called Tatsuki, telling her to bring something warm for them to eat and some boxes over. When he got home, Isshin dropkicked him to the floor, knocking the breath out of him.
"What the hell Ichigo? You basically ran into that. Has having a girlfriend turned you soft of something?"
Ichigo, not caring what his father was saying, got up and put his arm on his father's shoulder for physical support. "Dad, I need you to be serious for a second. Orihime's place was just destroyed and she needs a place to stay. I offered her my home and I need to borrow the car to bring her stuff here. Don't worry there isn't much left. So please dad let her stay."
"Ichigo. Of course she can stay as long as you answer me this question?"
Surprised by his quick answer, Ichigo's brow raised. "What 's the question?"
"What are you wearing underneath your clothes?" he snickered
Ichigo looked down to see that his girly nightshirt was showing from his partially open jacket and that the loafers were making their way out of his pant leg. Ichigo lightly blushed with how this looked. "It's just Orihime's nightwear. I borrowed it last night and wore it here because of the weather."
"So you slept with her. Ichigo, I'm so proud of you." Isshin wrapped his arms around Ichigo, almost with a vice grip.
"Dad, get the hell off. Sorry to disappoint you, but we didn't have sex god damnit." Ichigo broke away and punched him in the jaw. "Dad, stop thinking that we're have sex every time we meet. It's starting to get real fucking old."
Ichigo grabbed his father's keys and stormed out the door, leaving his father aghast with his answer. He started the engine and drove down to her place. The car's heater was a relief to Ichigo's body. He started to relax more about the situation at hand. 'I need to get Orihime settled at home and tell her the news of Rukia's body. That will lift her spirits and put the morning behind us. As he arrived in front of her apartment, he noticed that she was standing outside and talking with Tatsuki. 'Shit they're already done.'
"Hi Ichigo!" Orihime waved at him and he waved back. She was smiling again. Ichigo loved seeing her smile. It gave him encouragement and confidence, knowing that he was doing something right.
"Hey Ichigo. What took you so long? We've been done for a while now." Tatsuki said.
"I had to go slow. No need to get into an accident when the roads are in this bad shape." Ichigo replied.
"Anyways." Tatsuki grabbed a box and handed it to Ichigo. "Load up the car Ichigo. It's only fair if you do. We did all the packing." She smiled knowing that he wouldn't refuse.
"Fine. Whatever." He walked over to the trunk and popped it open and loaded each box in by one. When he finished, he walked into the house and found where Orihime and Tatsuki were. They were giggling about something, which made his curious and nervous to find out the answer. He walked in and they stopped what they were doing.
"What were you two talking about?" Ichigo questioned.
"Nothing important." Tatsuki said while holding back laughter.
"Fine don't tell me. I'll find out eventually."
"Ichigo can you come outside for a second." Tatsuki asked as she left the room and went outside. Ichigo followed wondering why she needed to talk to him in private. She stopped in the middle of the road and wasn't looking at him.
"Ichigo. You better not screw this up."
"Screw whet up? I'm lost."
"Your relationship with Orihime. I don't know what it is you do, but that girl is truly in love with you. It almost makes me sick the extent of how much she would do for you without even asking. Ichigo. She has told me that her faith in her brother has slowly disappeared when she met you. Her brother was her hero when she was little. Now that his memory is almost completely gone, she said she is instilling all of her faith into you. She has unbreakable faith in you, Ichigo so I'm just giving you a fair warning. If you break her heart, I promise to make your life a living hell from here on out."
"Tatsuki, why are you telling me this? At the call of my name I'd be right there to protect her. No not even with a call, I'd be there regardless. Tatsuki, I love Orihime. I will never break her heart and if I do I would kill myself for fucking up the greatest thing that's ever happened to me. You don't need to worry about her or me. I promise that I'll make her life better than her wildest fantasies. I promise to protect her from any threat. I promise to care for her if she gets sick. I would do anything for her." He said with honest eyes.
Tatsuki's face was in awe from what Ichigo said. "Good Ichigo. I'm glad you finally caught on to her feelings. If you waited any longer I would have made you go on a date with her." She smiled.
"I'm glad to. K. You want to get a lift home."
"No I think I'll walk, besides being the third wheel sucks. I'll see you later."
He watched as Tatsuki disappeared in the distance and walked inside. Orihime was standing in the middle of the room looking around. Ichigo stood by the doorway so she could say her last goodbyes to this place, knowing that the second she walked out that door, her life would begin with him.
Ichigo walked up behind her and placed his arms around her shoulders and rested his head on hers. She held his arm and waited there with him in the empty room. "Ok Ichigo. I'm ready. We can go now."
Ichigo led her downstairs and into the car. When they arrived home, Isshin, Karin and Yuzu were already waiting. They rushed to the car and without asking, opened the trunk and brought in all the boxes. "What the hell is my family up too?" Ichigo questioned.
"I'm sure they're just being friendly." Orihime said.
They walked inside where the boxes were all placed neatly in the corner. Yuzu ran up to Orihime and hugged her tight. "Orihime, I'm so sorry about what happened, but I'm so glad that you'll be staying with us."
"Thanks Yuzu. Besides now my lessons will be able to progress at a faster pace now that I'm living here." She smiled at Yuzu
Yuzu's eyes brightened up and asked her. "Where will Orihime be sleeping?"
Ichigo answered, "She'll be sleeping in my room. She can move whatever she wants in there and I'll sleep on the couch or somewhere…"
"No Ichigo you don't need to do that. You can sleep with her in the same room or the same bed for that matter. No need to go to the extremes."
Ichigo had a puzzled look on his face wondering why his Dad would even say such a thing. "Are you sure Dad? You are being serious? We can stay in the same room and you wont have any objections against it."
"Yeah. Did you not hear me before? Orihime is going to sleep in Ichigo's room with Ichigo still in there. Is that so hard to understand?"
Ichigo understood what his father was getting at and was relieved that he wouldn't have to put up with his shit the entire time of Orihime's stay.
"Dad what are you thinking? You know what they do behind closed doors." Interrupted Karin
"Karin, dear. Daddy has thought this through. Let Ichigo and his girlfriend have their privacy."
Ichigo's ears were on fire. 'Privacy!' His Dad was going to give him privacy. This term was never used in the house. He was actually not be bothered by his family.
"Karin. Yuzu. Help Orihime with the boxes. She can't do it by herself." He commanded.
The twins and Orihime got their boxes and moved them as they were told. Ichigo moved towards the boxes to help.
"Ichigo wait. I need to speak with you." Said Isshin.
"What? I have to help to with these boxes."
"Son, I've been giving you crap for the few weeks you have been with Orihime. All my intolerant jokes, my sexual innuendo and un-fatherly behavior has added to your psyche. Ichigo thanks for that punch earlier. If it weren't for that punch, I probably wouldn't have come to this conclusion. I am sorry for giving you so much shit."
"It's fine Dad. Besides, you caught me at a bad time this morning. Thanks for letting Orihime stay with me. Today all I ask is for a truce. No arguments or anything. I just want Orihime to get settled in, then we can resume next week or something." Ichigo raised his hand.
His Dad grabbed and shook it firmly "Agreed."
The two stood there for a moment in awkward silence. "This is weird." Said Ichigo
"Yeah it is. Wanna make it tomorrow instead?" asked Isshin
"Sounds good. See yeah." Ichigo sad as he turned around and picked up a couple of boxes upstairs."
Karin and Yuzu ran down the stairs and Ichigo went up. Ichigo entered his room and saw Orihime sitting on his bed zoning off into space. Ichigo could tell because her mouth was open. Ichigo placed the box down and walked up to her and waved his hand in her face. 'Damn she really is into whatever she's dreaming about.'
He passionately kissed her and his tongue danced around her lifeless tongue. Orihime was surprised by his actions and started mumbling inaudible words. Those words soon became moans for more. Ichigo placed his hand on the back of her head, deepening the kiss. Orihime fell back, pulling Ichigo on top of her. Orihime's hands went behind is neck. She broke the kiss and lightly licked his collarbone. She felt the hair rise as Ichigo let out a small gasp. He was able to pivot to his side and turn her over. She stood high above him, towering him like a goddess. Her bangs escaped from her hairpins and lapped over her big eyes. Ichigo pushed away her bangs that were covering her big beautiful eyes. "I'm so glad I came home with you Ichigo. I never want to leave your side again." She whispered soft enough that only he could hear.
"I never want to leave you either, Orihime." He said in the same tone. He closed his eyes and went for another kiss but he felt something other than her lips. He opened his eyes to see her finger. She applied pressure and led his head back down. 'What is she doing?' He thought. Ichigo noticed that her hands were at the hem of her shirt. 'No way?!' he thought trying to control himself. She crossed her arms and slowly pulled up her shirt. Her smooth abdomen was exposed. Ichigo noticed how perfect her belly button was and how flat her stomach was. He wanted to reach out and touch but restrained himself. Her bra line was slowly creeping up. 'Yes.Yes.'
"Ichigo can you help us carry this last one upstairs." Yelled the twins from down stairs.
Ichigo's psyche snapped 'No! Fuck no! This did not just fucking happen! This fucking close! Come the fuck on!'
He looked up to see Orihime. Her shirt was down again and Ichigo couldn't be any angrier, but tried to hard to keep his composure as to not upset Orihime. She got off him and sat next to the bed. "Orihime? You alright?"
"Yeah. It's ok. It's just that it took me a lot of convincing to get that far."
"It's ok. Besides. I felt that the romance was sucked out of the room second my sisters yelled out to me." He smiled towards her. She smiled and kissed his nose.
"Ichigo! Get the hell down here. This is heavy!" yelled Karin.
"I'll take a rain check. Get dressed by the way we're going somewhere. I'll tell you along the way." Orihime dressed up again and Ichigo help his sisters with the box. "Girls. Orihime and me are going out. Tell Dad. We might not be home for dinner. I'll call later."
The two left the house and headed to Urahara's shop. On the way Ichigo informed Orihime of the situation. Orihime exploded with glee as she found out that Rukia would be back. She couldn't thank her enough for the help she gave her before she departed to Las Noches and the attempted rescue. She was regretful that she never told her, how much she truly meant to her. She was more than her friend, she was her nakama. Before they knew it, they made it to the shop where Tessai greeted them and took them into the back room. Ichigo saw a white curtain, much like the medical ones he sees at the clinic, and Kisuke and Yoruichi's shadows were playing behind it.
"Ahh, Ichigo, Orihime. So glad you could make it. Now if you don't mind please come behind here, but I do warn you, it's not pretty back here." Announced Kisuke.
The two walked behind the curtain, Orihime shut her eyes and buried her head into Ichigo's chest, unable to look. Ichigo glanced over to see Renji, who was lying next to the body, which was wrapped up into many lines of bandages.
"We thought it would be better this way. Ichigo, Renji please follow me. Let Orihime do her thing in peace." Said Kisuke.
"If it's alright with you, Mr. Urahara, I would like to stay right here. I would like to see her wake up." Renji muttered.
"That's fine. This conversation is really for Ichigo anyways. Follow me to the other side."
Ichigo went with Kisuke to the other side of the room. He saw a similar motif to what Rukia was behind. Kisuke pulled the curtains back to reveal a mammoth figure. Ichigo's eyes widened. He couldn't be actually seeing what was in front of him.
"Ichigo I would like you too meet an old friend." Kisuke said while removing the sheet to reveal the face of a familiar person.
"Ch-Chad?" Ichigo whispered.
'How the-What the-How is this fucking possible?' he thought.
"Chad is it really you?" he reached out to touch the hair of his forgotten friend. He was ridiculously cold.
'This is real. This is a tangible person. My fingers are touching him meaning he is right here. Chad's body is also here along with Rukia's'
"Kisuke, when did you find him?" he questioned.
"About a couple weeks ago."
"What? Why didn't you call me sooner?"
"Like you said earlier. I think that I'm funny. I mean look at your face. This is priceless."
Ichigo wanted to reach out and beat him across the head, but he resisted because he went to go find Chad in the first place. He couldn't be more grateful.
"So when Orihime's done with Rukia, she can come over here and bring Chad back."
"That's what I wanted to talk to you about. As you know, Chad was a human when he died. Unlike Rukia's soul Chad's wandered around the Earth and I'm sure was already sent to the Soul Society. He will become a soul reaper Ichigo. He has the potential to be an incredible force and useful member of the society. Not only that, but he might be reunited with his abuelo. Now you have to make a decision. Will you bring him back to this world and make him suffer and restart from the beginning or leave him be and see him in the next life."
Ichigo's heart skipped a beat. Kisuke was right. Every detail was flawless. What if Chad did find happiness in the next life? Unlike Rukia, Chad still existed in some form and in that form he was at peace. How could Ichigo tear him away from that? He would be a douche bag to tear him away from his abuelo. The guilt riding on him was unbearable. He wanted to see his friend again, but without Chad's consent how could he?
"Ichigo"
Ichigo snapped out of his thoughts.
"So what will it be?"
"What do you think, Kisuke?"
"Well. I would bring him back. Even if he has passed on, that doesn't mean he's found peace. I mean look at Rukia and Renji for example. Those two had the hardest time growing up and living in the Rukongai. I know Chad is no child, but isn't to say that he isn't experiencing some hardships along the way. Bring him back Ichigo, Life and the after-life is no fun adventure without some friends by your side."
'What is with this dick and being right about everything?' Ichigo thought
"Fine. When Orihime is done with Rukia we will come over here and get Chad."
Sniffling sounds could be heard behind Ichigo. He turned around to see Kisuke bellowing out fake tears. "It hurts so much to see you kids grow up. Soon you'll be off to college and what will I do when you're not around."
"I hope get laid. For your sake." Said Ichigo tauntingly
"At least I know what it feels like. Hey-o zing bitch"
Ichigo flushed red. "Sh-shut up" Ichigo muttered so only the both of them could hear. He walked over to the scene. Orihime's rejection barrier was at work and Ichigo could see Rukia's face. He could see her actual form. Rukia was slow returning, but the gaping hole that was her abdomen.
"I don't know how long this will take, because of the amount of reiatsu in that wound. It's making it hard to close." Orihime said to Ichigo.
"It's alright. I doesn't matter how long it takes eventually it will get done." Renji said quickly.
Ichigo looked down to see him. His eyes were dark with black circles and the white of his eyes were stricken with fanatical streaks of red lines. The more Ichigo studied him, the faster he wanted Rukia to return. You could hardly call Renji a person right now. It's almost like seeing right through him, as if he wasn't really connected with this world anymore.
"I'm sorry Ichigo."
Ichigo snapped out of his thoughts and directed his attention to Renji.
"I'm sorry for attacking you this morning. I don't know what came over me. I'd also like to say I'm sorry for saying all those horrible things about you. Neither of you deserved any of that so again, I'm sorry."
"That was at least an honest effort at it. It's fine now." Said Ichigo
"It's ok Renji we know your reasons. How much longer Shuno? Ayame?" asked Orihime
"Don't worry the cuts are deep, but for the most part it's almost over." The little fairy answered. "We do warn you. Her dressings are starting to wear off and most will soon deteriorate so is it ok for these men to be here Orihime?"
"Of course not." A sharp voice came from behind the boys. They looked back to see Yoruichi. She grabbed them by the collars and flash stepped out of the room and down to the underground facility.
"Ouch freaking whiplash. You can't play with my body like that when I'm still a human Yoruichi."
"Stop being a baby, Ichigo. Besides couldn't just leave you there to stare and some girls' naked unconscious body. That's about as safe as leaving a porn magazine with a thirteen year old. Besides you could hardly control yourself when you saw me naked."
"Stop bringing that up. You know damn well that you scared me with your sudden lack of clothing." Ichigo pleaded with his cheeks glowing.
"Aww. Ichigo." She reached out and pinched his left cheek "You are so cute when you blush. Still the little virgin I remember."
"Get off me. Besides, Orihime likes it when I blush so…"
Ichigo was stopped by a massive bear hug from Yoruichi. "Ichigo. That's even more adorable doing it for her."
"P-Please stop. I-It's hard to B-B-Breath." Ichigo struggled, trying to tap out of her surprising grip.
"Sorry Ichigo. Well I'll be going now. Renji I'll come back down before she wakes up. Don't worry I promise."
"Thanks." They announced in unison. Ichigo and Renji sat on the hard ground and talked for a while. Few Hours passed by and their conversation has so far led to this.
"So, are you going to say to her when she wakes up?"
"I don't know. Is there supposed to be something to say when a person comes out of a coma?"
"No. I meant are you going to tell her your feelings dood."
"I really don't' know dood. It's really hard to just have a straight out answer for it. I want to do it, but there's something there inside me to stop me. I most likely won't tell her only to help her out and get her a position in the squads again. I don't want it to be awkward then so I'll just wait a little longer."
"K whatever dood. It's your life not mine. Hell when I first said it to Orihime, I couldn't have been happier. Just looking out for you dood."
"Thanks, but the last thing I need is your assistance." Renji chuckled.
The two kept laughing and sensed a recognizable spiritual pressure. "Renji, Ichigo. It's almost time. Let's get going."
They got up and slowly made their way to the room. Ichigo was asked to stay a distance. He wasn't going to question this answer. All it would do was to give them more ammo to sling perverted jokes his way. Renji kneeled next to Rukia and gently grabbed her hand. Ichigo wasn't to far away from the crime scene, but was still curious to why Renji was able to be that close. Yoruichi flash stepped back bringing blankets, mostly to hide Rukia's surprising show of skin. The shield lowered and Orihime came next to Ichigo.
"K. I did my best. She looks much better than before. If my power is worth anything she will be fine."
"Excellent. We can end this day on a good note, but I have one more job for you. Come with me."
Ichigo took Orihime to the other side of the room, where Chad was residing. Orihime's expression quickly changed when she realized that their lost nakama were found. Probably what she liked the most is that she was the sole person who could do this, no help from anyone.
Enthralled to help once more, Orihime went back to work as Ichigo sat next to her and gave her some company. Although he was silent, Orihime loved the fact that he was still there. As he stared at Orihime, he noticed she was tense. 'All this concentration, must be making her stressed. Can't hurt if I relief some of it.' He got up and started massaging her shoulder blades. His movements caused her to melt and the shield fluctuate rapidly.
"Sorry. Orihime. I didn't know you were so sensitive around there."
"It's all right. You just caught me by surprise is all. Please to go on. It's been a while since my back muscles have been relaxed as so. I'm sure I can multi task." A big inviting smile stretched across her face and Ichigo began again. Like she promised, she was able to produce the shield, while Ichigo was kneading her back. "Thank you Ichigo. All the times I've done this, I've never been this relaxed."
"Not a problem Orihime. Besides, you've gone through a lot today. Let me make it easier to deal with. K."
Time flew by and Orihime finished with Chad. Kisuke came over and wheeled him closer to the rest of the group. Rukia was still unconscious. Renji was holding her hand and mumbling inaudible words to himself. 'Soon Renji, you will be out of this hellish period. Just a little longer.' He thought to himself.
"Mm-ehhh."
All attention was directed towards Rukia as her body started twitched and sounds emitted from her. Her eyelids were opening slowly and her vision slowly came through. Her eyes were fully opened and adjusting to her new surroundings. "Wh-wh-where am I?"
"Rukia. You're here back in the real world. We brought you back from where ever you were and your alive and well again. You have Orihime to thank over here for reviving you and Kisuke and Yoruichi for finding your remains." Renji started. "Don't worry everything's ok now. I-I'm so glad your back." He gave her a deep hug. Rukia was surprised by Renji's intimacy. Not knowing what to do, put her arms around him, as to not feel as if she didn't want it in the first place.
"Thank you, Renji. And thank you everybody else." Rukia noticed that Ichigo had his arm around Orihime's race. Although she has been dead for over a year, it didn't take her long to put 2 and 2 together. Her eyes widened as she asked "Orihime? Are you and Ichigo you know?"
"I don't know you tell me." She twirled around from his arms and retracted back and kissed him and her leg lifted up like most girls do. Rukia was aghast by this sight. "I can't believe I missed when you two went out. I can't believe you two kissed."
"Yeah, wow that's a nice sight to wake up to." Said a rough low voice behind them
Ichigo looked back to see his longhaired nakama alive and well. Chad was able to produce a small smile. Ichigo broke away. "Chad! How's it feel to be alive again?"
"Hey. Stop with the questions." Said Kisuke. "Let's retire to the front of the store at least it has food and sake. We can continue with our conversations to catch up with our revived comrades."
As they made their way to the front, Ichigo and Orihime couldn't help but over hear Renji's chat with Rukia. "So back there. What was with that? That was so unlike you, being all sensitive and stuff."
"What?! Please I wasn't like that and even if I was I don't care. I missed you a lot when you were gone. In your absence, I was in a really dark place. A place that I hope to never return again."
"Wow Renji from the way you put it, it almost sounds like you love me."
Renji got defensive and denied any such feeling for her. On that note, they looked away from each other flushed slightly. Orihime watched the disaster into front of her and wanted to make Renji tell her how he really felt.
"Orihime, what are you doing?" Ichigo had his hand on her shoulder to prevent her from attacking Renji.
In a tone that only could be heard between the two "Renji needs to tell her. Why is he always starting a fight with her when he gets an opening."
"That's Renji. Let him do it at his own pace. He probably doesn't want to be crushed. He doesn't know if Rukia likes him, so he is buying time so he doesn't feel hurt. Think of it this way. What if I denied you my love in return?" Orihime went into deep thought and knew the answer. It was obvious. "See. Leave Renji alone. He can find a way all we have to do is believe."
"K Ichigo. Let's reunite with some familiar faces."
The group drank and ate with their friends. Rukia still couldn't believe that Ichigo finally confessed to Orihime and he got to ask how the poorer part of the Soul Society was. Chad didn't accomplish much while he was there and couldn't find his abuelo yet. At least now he had a second chance. Kisuke invited everybody to stay the night if they wished, but Orihime and Ichigo headed home earlier. They crashed on his bed, already half-asleep.
RandomHeroX: Sorry to all you Rukia haters out there. I had to bring her back. Don't worry I don't like her myself, but I like Renji a lot more than I hate her, which is why she is back. Chad's back because I have nothing against him, so I was like what the hell. I most likely will not have another chapter up before Christmas so Merry Christmas and for the Jews celebrating Hanukah Happy Chanukah. For all the other holidays I missed Happy (insert holiday here). That about wraps it up. Leave a review doods. It's the holidays bring some cheer : )