I'm back! Finally, a new chapter! The reason this took so long was because my iPod, which is what I used to write everything, broke. And then my computer became infected by about a million viruses. So, I've been working on this for quite some time. But on the bright side, it gave me some time to plan out the next few chapters. And my iPod should be fixed in a few days! Enjoy the new chapter! :D

Renji and Hitomi set off from the small shop, the dirt crunching beneath their shoes. Urahara and Yoruichi stood in the doorway, watching them. Hitomi turned around and bowed briefly.

"Thank you for allowing me to use the uniform!" she called to them. As she rose, they shook their hands in unison, dismissing her gratitude. She smiled and waved to them. Renji chuckled quietly and continued to walk away, beginning to turn a corner. Hitomi quickly followed him, jogging so she could match his pace. As the shop disappeared from her vision, she turned her head forward and they continued. As they traveled down the streets of Karakura Town, with the sounds of young children heading to school and passing cars serving as their background, Renji fought with himself in his mind. Ever since the pair had left, neither had managed to say a word to each other. And with Hitomi going by the rule of "Don't speak unless spoken to.", Renji had to be the starter.

But goddammit, I can't even look at her!

Renji found himself glancing at her from the corner of his eye and quickly turned his head away. His brows furrowed in self-annoyance and he sighed quietly. Since this morning, shortly after breakfast had ended and Yoruichi had presented her to him, he hadn't been able to land a look on her. The events after she was called away replayed in his head.

Yoruichi called her name from another room, and she got up, going off to see the woman. Renji finished his drink and stood up. he went off to his room and closed the door. He shed his "Red Pineapple" shirt in exchange for the crisp, white one that made up the top of his uniform. The loose lounge pants were replaced with the gray slacks and Renji tied on his bandana. He slipped on a pair of socks and exited again.

"Hey, Renji! Look!"

Renji turned his gaze over to where Yoruichi's originated from and stopped short. Small, exasperated sounds was all he could utter at he found himself staring at Hitomi, who was now dressed in the Karakura girl's uniform. He couldn't help but look her over and noticed how the outfit had been tweaked by Yoruichi. The skirt was at least a few inched shorter than what he had seen on the other girls and the shirt had been taken in slightly to exaggerate her...upper areas.

"It's nice, right? She looks cute!" Yoruichi said happily. Renji began to nod, but stopped himself. Hitomi blushed.

"T-Thank you...Shihion-san..." she said quietly. As Renji struggled for words, Urahara entered.

"Abarai-san, Hitomi-san, you two should get going. You mustn't be late..." he said, pretending to scold them. Renji nodded and set off for the door, slipping on his shoes. Hitomi followed him and did the same. They then walked out of the shop and started on their way.

Renji sighed again.

Geez, why am I acting like this? I was fine earlier! Well, sort of. But they're only clothes! What's the big deal? I can do this! I CAN DO THIS!

"H-Hitomi!" Renji exclaimed, far louder than he anticipated. The birds stopped chirping and Hitomi jumped, then stared at him, her face filled with suprise.

"Y-Yes...A-Abarai-sama...?" she responded, her voice quiet and high-pitched. Renji stared at her, his breath coming out in small huffs.

"Ah..the, um..er..It's rather nice, this morning, isn't it?" he spluttered. The world seemed to come to a stand still after he asked his question. The wind blew threw her long, blue hair, the strands moving like currents. Even the birds seemed to stop chirping, expecting her reply. Hitomi stared at him, still quiet. Renji turned his head away.

"Yes...it is..."

Renji looked back up. Hitomi was smiling happily at him.

"I've never seen a morning so beautiful, actually."

Renji stared at her, then a grin broke out over his face.

"Yeah, me neither..."

Renji laughed with relief, and Hitomi stared at him for a short time, before laughing quietly with him. Renji smiled at her.

"C'mon. We'll be late if we don't hurry."

"There you are. What took you so long, Renji?" Rangiku questioned as he walked into Ichigo's classroom. Renji sighed.

"Back off. I'm here, aren't I?" he replied. Ikkaku looked past him.

"It's not only you who's here..." he said, his voice having a pinch of bitterness and suspicion. Renji turned his head slightly around to look at Hitomi. She stood behind him, her hands clasped behind her back and her shyness was more than obvious. Renji sighed again.

"What did you want me to do? Just leave her a-" he started to say before he was cut off.

"Enough. Ikkaku, this really isn't the place to argue. If you continue, I won't hesitate to tell Yachiru." Rangiku told him. He clicked his tongue and stayed quiet.

"What is the plan for today? What are we gonna be doing?" Renji asked Rangiku. She looked back at him.

"We've decided to spend a day at this school. If we're gonna be in the Human World, we might as well learn something about it." she replied. Renji nodded.

"I see."

Renji went over to the back of the classroom and sat down in a seat. He looked over to see Hitomi sitting in the desk next to him, quietly looking around the classroom as the teacher came in and class started. Renji stared out the window and sighed.

I have to find a way to show everyone that she'll help us. Even if they won't believe me, I'm certain of one thing. Saving her, will never be a mistake...