A/N: Only a little longer than the first chapter but longer none the less.

Thank you for the follows, favourites and reviews, I hadn't expected this many so soon and considering I'm crap at uploading.

Also I'm sorry for updating after so long. One reason was because I had to completely rewrite this chapter as I didn't like it (multiple times), and second I'm a slow writer (no, duh!) I want to be able to enjoy this experience and take my sweet time. My apologies in advance:)

The front door opened and was gently shut. The slight rustle of shoes being discarded. Footsteps cautiously made their way to the room I was hiding in, trying to make as little sound as possible.

"Fey?" His voice barely a whisper, I try to wiggle further into the space between the sofa and the wall. Hoping that this time he doesn't find me, but he always finds me. The door creaks as he eases himself from the hall to the lounge, I close my eyes and cover my mouth with my chubby hands to prevent the giggles from escaping giving away my location.

I can hear his soft steps going to the centre of our modest lounge, followed by the ruffling of heavy fabric and then the plop of it being dropped back down to the floor once he realised I wasn't there. I stuff my face further into my hands to prevent the smug snigger fighting it's way out of me; I've learned that the kotatsu table isn't a suitable hiding area.

"Fey" he calls out in a singsong fashion, he's standing in front of the sofa and I refuse to give up my hiding place.

It's quiet, too quiet.

I tentatively open my eyes to see loving emerald orbs and fiery red hair similar to my own. His eyes crinkle with a smile that could charm the angels from the heavens. He's arms reach out for me as I launch myself at this great bear of a man.

"Fey."

"Fey!" Itori shrieked as she entered her bathroom disrupting my sleep, the water's now cold and there isn't a bubble in sight to protect my modesty. Not that either of us cared; being roommates with Itori requires a lack of inhibitions as she lacks the ability to knock.

I just lay there wide eyed and unsure of what to do or say, I hadn't thought this far ahead. After an awkward silence I pull the plug with my foot and grab my towel from the floor, as I rise and step out of the tub I wrap it around my body. Once completely out I find myself losing my balance from the slightly damp floor and the force of Itori's hug which I can't help but return just as fiercely, for years we had grown closer and closer, for me to just push away and abandon everyone. I'm the shittiest of friends and I find myself too ashamed to even attempt an apology or ask for forgiveness.

Itori never stays silent for long and the room's filled with Itori's hysterical and completely incoherent squealing of pure joy, as we reluctantly pull away from each other the sight of her watery eyes pulls at my heart.

She eventually calms and pulls a lock of my copper hair that's slightly darkened from the water. "So that's what the dye was hiding," She muses having never seen my natural colour before.

"Uh, yeah. I haven't used dye since I found out..." our eyes travel down to my not quite flat stomach the pale skin marred with baby pink scars and just I can't say it, my throat tightens up around the words stopping them from leaving and the tears come for both of us this time as we hold on to each other.

"I'm so sorry."

"You have nothing to apologise for I'm the one that ran away, I ignored you. It was wrong." We separate again and I make a move to collect my clothes, apart from my hair I'm completely dry now.

There's a light knock at the front door and I forget to breathe.

I finally take in the slight dampness of Itori's hair and clothes, realising that it must still be raining. Now that some of the steam has cleared from the room my nose brings the tote bag of human remains that was left by the door to my attention.

"It's okay, really." She gives me one last reassuring squeeze, she briefly turns to the bathrooms mirror, wipes at her slightly smudged mascara and leaves the room with her bag. I get dressed into my only clean clothes; comfy flannel shorts and a green baggy jumper, taking this time to calm down.

I wrap up my hair in the towel and go to wash my face in the sink. I've always been an ugly crier; red eyes, blotchy skin, snot and tears from just a few moments. I lean over the sink gripping hard taking care not to crack the porcelain, some more deep breathing.

I can hear Itori opening the door and a murmured exchange. Itori's animated chatter and another's voice; lower, male and only uttering a few words. I strain my hearing for a third voice, a softer voice which never came. It's now or never. Gathering my discarded clothes, bag and remaining courage I leave my sanctuary and tiptoe out into the living space.

Yomo Renji. Only slightly taller and broader than I remember only gives me and polite nod and a "You look well" before quietly going to the kitchenette and making a start on the coffee.

Oh quiet, simple, sturdy Renji, why couldn't I have fallen for you?

I take all of my belongings into the utility cupboard and dump everything on top of the washing machine for tomorrow. While doing this I sneak a few glances at Itori who was plating up body parts with a slight flush starting at her cheeks and continuing down her neck, and Renji filling two mugs and giving the task far too much concentration than necessary. The scene's cute and I can't help but feel like a third wheel.

I make myself comfortable on the floor by one of the coffee tables sides switching on the tv; it's that man again, the ghoul enthusiast. What half truth has he unraveled this time?

Itori's giggle caught my attention, it's the giggle for Renji only. She came over with the three plates one in each and and the other balanced precariously on her out stretched arm Renji following with a tray of drinks, two coffees and a glass of water with as many ice cubes wedged in as possible. Both sit on either side of me coincidentally opposite each other, we each collect our plates and beverages, looking down at my plate I know I'll have to eat again tomorrow. I clap my hands together in prayer Renji and Itori also "Thank you for the meal."