Chapter 5: Schemes Out Back

Orihime giggled as she walked into Renji's office after the 4th Division members who lived elsewhere were allowed to go home. Renji was grumbling over paperwork and muttering about how Saru and Hebi were complete idiots. Orihime leaned over, her arms ghosting over Renji's shoulder as she moved to hug him from behind.

"You know, that'd be done faster if you weren't yelling at a certain zanpakuto," Orihime crooned, kissing Renji's temple and leaning her head on his and rubbing his chest.

Renji sighed. "Or a certain pair of vice captains?"

"Or a certain pair of vice captains," Orihime repeated, nodding and giggling, nuzzling Renji's neck. Her own zanpakuto was hanging out with the others on a group shopping spree. Well, the girls shopped and the guys clowned around and hit on the girls…They were so immature sometimes… But then again, when one looked at their masters, it was easy to understand how…

"I figured," Renji growled, snapping yet another calligraphy brush. By no means was he as graceful as Kuchiki Taicho…Orihime would have to go get him some actual mechanical pens; they wouldn't break as easily.

"How about I help you finish this and then we go out to dinner?" Orihime proposed, giggling, throwing away the broken calligraphy brush. "It would be a welcome distraction, don't you think? And I know you're not a fan of my cooking, so you'll have some food you actually enjoy. Maybe a Western style steakhouse, hmmm? Ooh, I heard that as an act of goodwill towards Sasakibe Fukutaicho's memory, Shunsui Soutaicho somehow managed to set up this place called Outback in the 1st Division. How about we go there? I think it'll be fun! I wonder what kind of food they have. I've never tried Western styled cuisine before, but Rangiku said that it's really, really good. So do Rukia and Ichigo. Just thinking about all the yummy possibilities is making me hungry!"

Renji laughed. "Okay, okay. It's a deal." He got up, pulling Orihime up a chair. Pecking Renji's cheek, the sunset haired fairy sat beside her fiery baboon.

He really is a baboon when you think about it. So aggressive and outspoken. I can't decide who's got a bigger mouth; him or Ichigo… But I love that about Renji. His energy and sense of humor and even his temper. Under all the gruff wildness, Renji really is a sweet man; he just doesn't let it show because of his manly pride. I wonder why I didn't realize my affection for him sooner… Was I that caught up in my crush on Ichigo? I wonder if Renji had the same problem with his crush on Rukia… I also have to wonder if Renji still loves Rukia… I know he loves me, but I don't doubt that he still has feelings for Rukia, because he's loved her for so long; for centuries whereas I've loved Ichigo for…Well, did I really love Ichigo? Already, that fire is fading, and Renji and I have only been together for a few months, now. Was it really love for Ichigo or just a major crush? Sure, I'd have died for him, but I'd die for anyone…

Even as Orihime mulled this new question over, she worked diligently and ultimately did more paperwork than Renji, even though she said she'd only help. Oh well. Even as a captain, he hates his paperwork…It's actually kind of funny when you think about it…

"Okay! We're done!" Renji hopped up. "So let's go! I'm starved from all that paperwork."

Orihime snickered innocently and followed him out of the door. She didn't mind doing most of the paperwork; it gave her a reason to get lost in her thoughts without anyone interrupting or disturbing them. She knew that Renji wouldn't have interrupted her thinking because he was sound asleep through most of it and drooling on his hand. That fact made Orihime silently question how many times had he done that with Kuchiki Taicho.

"Silly Renji, how can you be starving when you haven't even done anything?" Orihime pushed him playfully, kissing his cheek and playing with his hair.

Renji pouted; not looking very captainly, but certainly looking adorable. She giggled, pecking his lips. "Turn that frown upside down, Ji-kun! I'm only playing."

Renji grinned, chuckling and wrapping his arm around her waist. "I know. Come on before my stomach eats itself."

o0o

As Orihime and Renji wait for their food, they chat about the times while Orihime was still alive, laughing and carrying on about old memories. "Remember that time when Kurosaki-kun thought you were an imposter and tackled you in the hall?" Orihime giggled and Renji winced.

"Don't even remind me…" He muttered. "I thought he was gonna rape me…"

"There's no way he could've raped you, even if he wanted to," Orihime scoffed sweetly, smiling her signature dopey smile and taking Renji's hand in hers. He chuckled, kissing her forehead.

"I know. I'm way too awesome."

Orihime laughed once more, shaking her head and thanking the waiter as he brought their steaks before he bowed and left.

"Man, these smell amazing!" Renji exclaimed as he dug in, eating furiously. Orihime ate just as hungrily, but she was a bit neater in doing so. Renji had his steak medium rare and Orihime winced as it bled slightly when he cut it open. "Try a bite, Hime-chan."

"Oh no, that's okay…"

"Oh come on, all the weird foods you eat and ya' can't try a bit of meat?" Renji smirked, waving the fork in her face. "You know ya' waaaaaannnaaaaaaaa!" He coaxed teasingly, bringing the slightly bleeding meat closer to Orihime's lips.

"Renji_" The steak was in her mouth before she could even completely finish his name. She hesitantly chewed; it was extremely chewy and hard to break into smaller parts. It wasn't bad, and in fact, it had a rather bold flavor; more than her own well done steak had.

"Well?" Renji prompted as Orihime swallowed.

"It really is good!" She conceded happily, eyes closed in appreciation.

"Good. Next time we come here, you know what to get," Renji grinned, continuing to eat his steak as Orihime went back to eating her own sweet potato fries.

"Yeah," Orihime mused, smiling. "Which means you need to be more open by my food, since I tried yours."

"I try your food…" Renji grumbled awkwardly.

"No you don't. Don't think I can't see you sneaking it to Hebi when you assume I'm not paying attention," Orihime smirked slyly. Renji's guilty expression caused a giggle to free itself from her plump lips. "I also hear you raiding the fridge at night."

"Damn…" Renji chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his head. "Yeah…okay."

Orihime beamed in triumph, kissing Renji's cheek. "Great! I'll cook breakfast in the morning, then!"

"Sweeeet…"

"Awwe, Ji-kun…"

"I'm only messin' Hime-chan. I'll gladly try your food, 'kay? I won't even complain."

"Promise?"

"Swear to the Soul King."

"Yay!"

o0o

"The affection is sickening." Spit landed vehemently on the ground as heavy footsteps sounded stalking away from the Seeing orb. "My brother should have killed her when he had the chance."

"But then we wouldn't have the opportunity to use her power, my lord."

"I am well aware. Leave me to my venting or the pent up rage will be on your shoulders."

"Of course, sir. My apologies."

"Save your sniveling for someone who gives a damn. You aren't sorry yet. That mishap in the showers will not happen again, am I understood, you little fool?"

"Crystal clear, my lord."

"Good. We strike tonight. Leave none who oppose us alive."

"As you wish."

Dark eyes turned towards the window, which only betrayed the new moon. What a perfect opportunity to strike. Not a star in the sky; they were all hidden by the clouds. Every evil plan thrives in darkness, and he will soon send said darkness to the Seiretei.

A/N: Sorry again about chapter 4 being so short, but hopefully this one is better. The plot's gettin' it on, folks! I hope I can update sooner, but it's my senior year, so I'm probably going to be very busy. My senior project is writing a novella/novel that's a fantasy twist on the story of Ester, and I have to self-publish it by the end of the semester, so wish me luck! CX Ta~