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Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach
Chapter 5
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Renji awakened to the smell of lavender and the feel of a really warm and soft body pressing against him. When he opened his eyes, it was to the beautiful view of half of Orihime's body sprawled across him. He couldn't help but smile in delight, wishing this was always the way he could wake up from now on… He felt her shift her head under his chin and the heard the softness of her voice as she greeted him.
"Good morning Renji… She said sleepily, yawning in the process.
Renji chuckled lightly, playing with her hair as it lay sprawled on his chest. "Morning Hime…"
Renji decided to ask her something that he had been thinking about yesterday but didn't really get the chance to ask. "Hime… Why did you only ask to know what I look like yesterday, we've known each other for a while now."
"Well… I didn't want to seem too forward… And it really didn't matter to me what you looked like…" she replied with a smile gracing her lips.
Renji felt his heart warm at that, he knew what some people thought about his looks, he hoped they didn't describe him and scare her away, which wasn't the case.
"Hime, there's also something else I want to ask you if you don't mind…" Renji tried
"You can ask me anything! I really don't mind!" she replied with enthusiasm.
"Ok… Er… When did you lose your sight…?" Renji asked cautiously
She was quiet for a moment but then replied softly. "I don't know… I just know that I've always not been able to see Renji-kun…"
Renji felt sad, he couldn't understand how she could have lost her sight. If she says that she's always been blind, that means she would have entered Soul Society blind. Orihime wasn't blind in the real world!
Although he did remember her eyes when her soul had appeared. They had troubled him then, just like how they were now. That means she was blinded after she was hit by the car!
This was really odd… Why is she still blind… When she reached Rukongai, they would have restored her body to its previous state… The other odd thing was that if she had lost her sight in the accident, wasn't her body also crushed.
How come her body was fine and not her sight… He was really confused at the moment and figured he'd have to get to the bottom of it. He was pulled out of his thoughts when he heard her ask timidly,
"Why are you only asking now? Why not before when you met me…?"
"Well I didn't want to be rude…" Renji said with a sigh and a chuckle as he threw back her earlier answer at her, rubbing her hands softly.
"Hai…" She smiled and snuggled into him. "I'm so glad you stayed… It's so much warmer when you're around" She giggled, gripping onto him tighter.
"Oi, so you only want me around because I bring you warmth?" He said in mock hurt, looking down at her.
"Off course Renji… Why else would I want you around...?" She replied while trying to duck her head and stifle her giggles.
Renji was surprised at her teasing manner but he was thoroughly enjoying her playful nature. Well two could play that game, he thought as he suddenly moved, placing her flat on her back and him above her. He received a loud squeal for his actions as her giggles seized. He gripped her hands in one of his and moved them above her head.
"That wasn't very nice of you Hime…" He whispered against her neck. "Hmm… Now tell me what your punishment should be huh?" He nipped at her neck slowly.
"Renji! I was only playing…" She replied, trying to steady her breathing from all the attention her neck was getting, as well as trying to squirm out of his grip. He held her steady, not allowing her escape.
"Now, now Hime, I have to pay you back… And I think I know how…" he grinned as he watched her eyes widen and her mouth move to say something. She was cut short as Renji attacked her sides with his free hand, leaving no spot un-tickled. He laughed as he watched her squirm with all her might and laugh, on the verge of tears, as she pleaded with him to stop.
He slowed down and whispered in her ear, "So you promise not to say such things again?"
"H-Hai…" She said, out of breath.
"Good…" and with that he leaned down and kissed her softly on the lips, tasting her sweet innocence. He let go of her hands and held on to her neck to deepen the kiss as his other hand moved down to grab her waist, pulling her closer against him.
The kiss was quickly becoming heated as Orihime locked her hands behind his neck, playing with his hair at the base of his neck. He let out a small groan at that, vibrating through his chest, which was flush against Orihime's wondrous bosom.
Orihime couldn't believe all the wonderful sensations she was feeling, she didn't think she could feel any better. As he moved his mouth to her neck, she couldn't help but let her breathing out in pants. He was making her feel so hot, and once again she was feeling that throbbing between her legs.
She ran her hands through Renji's mane, moving down his back in small strokes. She was about to grab onto his head and pull him up for a scorching kiss but he pulled away slightly. She waited a few minutes and when he didn't continue, "Renji…? Is something wrong…?" She asked timidly.
"No Hime but I just received a hell butterfly, it's my Fukataicho, and I'm needed back at the squad…" He told her as he tried to steady his breathing from all the activity he was just involved in. He really didn't want to leave her now, but as they say, duty calls…
"Aw.. And here I was thinking I could make breakfast for you…" She pouted. "But it's ok! Maybe some other time! You have your duties to take care of" She said smiling.
"Hai, I'll take you up on that offer." He grinned and kissed her on the lips, then stood pulling Orihime up with him and straightened out his Haori. He walked with her towards the door and then gave her a kiss goodbye, promising her he'd come by soon. Before he could leave he told her that she could find a package on the counter, a gift from him. She squealed in protest but he only laughed and then he vanished.
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Renji got back to the squad in a very irritated mood from being summoned away from Orihime. When he reached the office, Momo informed him that he had forgotten about the Captains meeting, so he attended diligently. When he got back to the office, he rushed through paper work which Momo had kindly left on his desk for him.
He was rushing through all his duties today, he desperately wanted to be back with Orihime and not only because their physical relationship had moved to another level but because he genuinely missed her terribly…
Once he was done, which was way into the afternoon, he sped out to get back to her. He went flying head first into Ikkaku who was on his way to see the red haired Taicho. They both barreled backwards, landing on their butts.
Both, holding their heads and butts at the same time, started yelling at each other.
"You fucking cue ball! Why the fuck can't you see where you're going?" Renji yelled
"You bastard! I wasn't the one running out of here like a bat outta hell! Where the fuck are you off to in a hurry anyway? To see your 'lady friend' eh?" Ikkaku grinned, moving his eyebrows in an up and down motion.
Renji got up quickly and grumbled, 'no' as he pushed Ikkaku outta the way and continued his journey, leaving Ikkaku staring at him with a smirk on his face. He had definitely noticed the blush on Renji's face. Ikkaku realised then that Renji was probably falling for this woman if his behavior recently was anything to go by.
They had all promised not to ask any questions but that was when they thought that it was just a fling. Recently Renji had been shirking his duties or forgetting important meetings. He also had been rushing through things rendering them incorrect.
The only good thing about it was that he was in a good mood majority of the time, smiling was becoming a common look on his face. Ikkaku was worried now, what if this was some money hungry woman who was only using him.
They all knew that Renji needed someone, especially after Rukia, but not like this. He just hoped that his friend wasn't beyond saving, but no matter how far he was gone, he'd find a way to get him out of his funk. He just needed to find out who the woman was and find out what her intentions were with him…
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After leaving Ikkaku lying on the floor, he made a mad dash to Orihime's house. He knocked and as she opened, he grabbed her by the waist and swung her around like a child with her laughing gleefully and him grinning like an idiot. He placed her back on her feet, watching her smile brightly at him.
"Renji! You're back so quick!" She giggled, lacing her fingers together at the base of his neck.
"Yep, I missed you too much Hime…" He said while he nuzzled her neck. He then moved up to kiss her softly, eventually pulling back to see her pretty face.
They were both so caught up in each other that they didn't notice the shocked figure at the door until it spoke up.
"O-Orihime-chan…"
Renji turned towards the door so fast, almost giving himself whiplash. His eyes widened into the size of saucers. "Madarame…" He looked at Ikkaku, who was standing frozen at the door, mouth wide open, staring at the figure in Renji's arms.
"Renji… Who is it?" Orihime said apprehensively, shying into Renji's hold.
"Abarai, you have a whole lot of explaining to do!" Ikkaku said plainly.
Renji shot him a pensive look adding a frown to his features as well. " Orihime, this is a colleague of mine, Madarame Ikkaku, 3rd seat of the 11th Squad." He said, all while not taking his eyes of Ikkaku's.
Orihime slipped away from Renji and held her hand out towards Ikkaku, brightly chirping, "Oh! It's so nice to finally meet you! I've heard a lot about you! My name is Inoue Orihime… But wait…" she dropped her smile, frowning a little. "When I first heard you, you had said my name… How did you know it…? You haven't seen me before…"
This broke Ikkaku out of his stupor, "E-Err… R-Renji always talks about you! That's how I know it! And he described you as well! So ya…" He said, wiping the sweat from his brow.
Renji gave him a look which said, 'nice going asshole…tch…'
"Oh! That explains it! Well now that you're here Ikkaku-san, you have to have tea with us! Plus I baked a really sweet cake and some cup cakes as well!" Orihime said, animatedly
Ikkaku, smiled and said ok. He wasn't about to refuse the wonderful delights that he had been getting a taste of from Renji, that's when he decided to share with them that is. He figured it would be coming from her.
As he looked at her now, he had an unsettling feeling in the pit of his stomach at the way she looked towards him. It was as if she wasn't looking at him at all, as if she was looking through him…
He then noticed as she turned and made her way towards the kitchen slowly, feeling the things around her. His eyes widened at this and he looked at Renji who knew what he was asking and nodded. Ikkaku mouthed the words, 'how' to him but he shrugged his shoulders and gave him a look that told him they would talk about this later.
They had tea together, enjoying one another's company as Ikkaku filled Orihime's ears with outrageous stories of Renji. The both bickered numerous times as Orihime giggled all the while. She was so happy to meet one of Renji's friends, although they were always arguing, she knew that they were really close and good friends.
She was happy for him and couldn't stop smiling the entire time. However, throughout Ikkaku's stay, she couldn't help that weird feeling as if she knew him, which was strange because she never met him before today. She shoved the feeling aside and enjoyed their company.
It was time for them to leave, which disheartened her a little. She pleaded with Ikkaku to come visit again, to Renji's dismay. Ikkaku said he would and made his way out, letting Renji know he'd see him back at base and then he left. Renji stayed a little longer, enjoying Orihime's company and sweet kisses, until he too had to leave.
He knew Madarame would be waiting for him at his office, he figured now was the best time to get all this outta the way. He said goodbye to a pouting Orihime and made his way back to his office, thinking about how he was going to explain all of this.
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Just as he had thought, when he got back, there was Madarame waiting in his office. They looked at each other as Renji took his seat across from Ikkaku.
"Fine, what you wanna know?" Renji asked tiredly, suppressing a yawn.
"Everything! You baka! How the hell did you find her? I thought she didn't want to be found! And not only that but you're banging her too!" Ikkaku exclaimed
Renji threw a pen at Ikkaku, "Bastard! Don't speak of her like that! First things first, I did not sleep with her! We're just enjoying each others company, next, I wasn't looking for her, as you know I always go to Inuzuri and that's were she was placed, I just happened to stumble across her, literally! And lastly, it's not that she didn't want to be found, she just didn't want anyone looking for her, and she didn't want any preferential treatment." Renji concluded
"Well then when you found her the first time, why didn't you just back off after that coz it seems to me that you're more than acquaintances now… tch…" Ikkaku said, looking away
"I tried… But every time I went there I'd see her and then I just… Couldn't stay away…" Renji replied quietly, looking at the floor.
"I don't understand Renji, you knew her in the living world, why now…?"
"I don't know, maybe it's coz my head was to full of Rukia then or maybe its because I saw her die right in front of my eyes, and I know all the pain she went through, we shared the same feelings Madarame, even though she can't recall them now. Maybe that's what attracted me to her now…"
"So how you planning to go about all this? You can't hide her forever and there's one person I know who would love to know she's around… Don't be selfish Renji…" Ikkaku got up and walked to the door.
"I know you have strong feelings for her, I can see it in your eyes and I can tell she feels the same way about you, even more than what you feel for her with the way that girl loves" He snickered. "So do the right thing…" and he left.
Renji knew what he had to do now, the first stop would have to be the bar, he knew he'd find Matsumoto there, he'd just gather the whole gang and meet them there. It was now or never. He really wanted to see more of Orihime, he couldn't stay away from her and to admit, it was taking a toll on his work.
So by telling them he would be killing two birds with one stone. By letting them know that she was around he could bring her here, take her to all the fancy places in the Seireitei. This got him excited, so he sent out a hell butterfly and made his way to the bar in search of a very busty strawberry blond…
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Once Renji made his way into the bar, he searched the area, and there she was, her head and arms sprawled on the bar counter, trying to negotiate with the bartender to give her another drink while Kira and Momo tried pulling her away into one of the seats of a near by table. He made his way towards them, greeted them all and took a seat.
"Renji~ be a good friend and buy me another round won't you…~" Rangiku said merrily
"Oi, Rangiku, pull yourself together, there's something I need to tell you, all of you in fact…" Renji said seriously
They all looked at him curiously.
"Oh Renji, sssstop being a sssstuck in the mud and loosssen up! Have a drink with me!~" Rangiku exclaimed
Renji momentarily ignored her and looked at Kira and Momo, "Where's the rest?"
"They should be here soon. What's this about Abarai-san?" Kira asked
"I'll explain when everyone's here"
"Gosh… Thisss must be ssserious then eh Renji?~" Rangiku slurred
"Get her some water Hinamori, please" Renji said
They tried to sober up Matsumoto while they waited, she protested at first but then realised Renji was really serious so she complied. A long while later, Hisagi, Ikkaku and Yumichika entered. They all sat around the table and Renji proceeded to explain why they were there, Ikkaku mainly observing.
When he was done, he could only observe the wide eyes and open mouths around him. He knew they would be shocked. Before he could say another word he received a heavy punch to his right jaw as he went flying off his chair and onto the ground.
He sat up to see Hisagi and Ikkaku holding Matsumoto by her forearms as she tried to leap at him again. He looked into her shimmering eyes and all he could see was hurt and betrayal.
"H-How could you Renji… How could you hide her away from us, from me! You kept her all to yourself when you hardly ever said two words to her when she was alive!" Rangiku spat at him, tears flowing freely across her cheeks
"You knew how much I missed her, how hard it was for me to move on. You knew how much I wanted to find her! You bastard…" She cried, putting her head down and pulling her arms out of the men's grasps and falling back into her chair, sobbing. Momo came around to hug her and sooth her.
Renji just looked dumfounded as the men gave him scathing looks. He got up, placed his chair on its legs and spoke to Rangiku. "I-I-I'm sorry Rangiku-san… I should have told you in the beginning, I just wasn't sure what to do… And then when I… when I… s-started having feelings for her, I just wasn't ready to let everyone know that I found her… I'm sorry… It was selfish of me…" he said with a sad look on his face, keeping his eyes on the ground.
Rangiku looked at the solemn look he had. He truly looked as if he were sorry. She was extremely angry with him. How could he not of told her! She was so close to Orihime and he knew that! He was there when she would go on and n about the girl.
He had been there when she had grieved at Orihime's decision to not be given preferential treatment. He was always there throughout it all and he had betrayed her. He kept the fact that he found Orihime away from her.
She knew she shouldn't forgive him, but looking at him, his head lowered to the ground, shoulders hunched, she couldn't help but feel sorry for him. She knew Abarai Renji, and she knew he wasn't the type of person to do something like that with the intent to deceive everyone.
She knew it must have been playing on his heart for a while. However, she was shocked that he was now involved with Orihime. She had always thought that he would love Rukia till the end of his days. She had noticed some slight changes over the last few years, when he wouldn't stiffen every time he heard the petite shinigami's name.
Did this mean that he was just using Orihime as an escape? If so, he was gonna get a hell of a beating from her. But then again, Renji wasn't that type of person.
If he was, he would have found someone ages ago, and with the way the woman fawned over him, it wouldn't have been hard. She would have to find out. She wiped the tears off her cheeks and glared at him.
"What are your intentions with Orihime Renji? Because if it's just some easy lay, you are sadly mistaken." She said plainly, while folding her arms across her chest.
He looked up at her with wide eyes, "Nani? Rangiku-san I would never do that! You know I wouldn't!"
"Yeah, I also thought that you weren't one to keep things from your friends but I guess I was wrong." She raised an eyebrow at him.
"Rangiku-san I promise you that this is not like that. I truly feel something more than infatuation for Orihime." He looked at the ground, "And I'm truly sorry that I kept this from all of you, I should have told you…"
"Yes, you should have." She replied curtly but watched him lower his head even more, she knew he was beyond doubt sorry.
"I'm sorry…" He whispered once more
"Well you are not forgiven yet! First thing tomorrow morning you are taking me to see her? Do you understand? And then I will decide your fate" Rangiku shot at him, eyes blazing.
"Hai…" Renji replied, looking at her, a weight being lifted off his shoulders.
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The next day, Rangiku was banging on Renji's door. As promised, he took her to Orihime's house. When Rangiku first saw her, she was shocked, that she was really there, in front of her. After overcoming the shock, she grabbed Orihime in a bear hug, suffocating her within her bosom.
She had to hold back with certain things because she knew Orihime didn't have her memories, it was as if she was meeting her for the first time. Rangiku made Renji leave so she could enjoy her time with her friend alone. He was reluctant but Orihime assured him that she was okay.
They continued to have a joyful conversation, especially the over the weird food they loved which Orihime was overjoyed by seeing as Rangiku shared her tastes. Once again Orihime got the feeling as if she knew Rangiku and she voiced her thoughts. "Rangiku-san, have we not met before? It feels like I know you from somewhere…"
"Er… No Orihime.. Heh, heh, I always get that. I think its maybe coz I'm so friendly~" Rangiku said, trying to steer the conversation away.
Thankfully for Rangiku, Orihime decided to drop the issue and went on to jabber away animatedly. Matsumoto had enjoyed her day so much with Orihime that when Renji showed up, she felt like releasing Haineko on him.
She glowered at him as he entered, watching Orihime slowly make her way toward him with the biggest smile she saw on the girls face since she arrived there.
Rangiku still felt unsettled every time she looked into Orihime's eyes. They had always been warm and shinning and she could read her emotions through them. Now, to see her dear friend without her sight placed a heavy feeling on her heart.
She watched them as they embraced each other and Renji placed a light kiss on Orihime's forehead.
They spoke about mundane things until she pulled him to the table and offered him tea. Rangiku glared at him. "Renji-kun~," she sang, "Why'd you come back so early?~" she said, all while still glaring at him making him get the picture that she wasn't happy.
Renji, not one to be deterred, glowered back, "I wanted to see Orihime, just like you Matsumoto"
"Hmph… Well…" Rangiku had a twinkle in her eye as she contemplated what she was going to say. "I was thinking… Why don't you bring Orihime to the Festival!~" Rangiku said excitedly.
Renji looked at her stunned at a loss for words. "W-What are you talking about Matsumoto?" A vein pulsing at his temples as he stared at her.
"The festival that the Woman's Association is hosting Renji-kun! It will be fun and Orihime will enjoy it! Ne, Orihime~?" Rangiku asked Orihime.
Orihime smiled brightly, "Oh that would be fun! But… I don't want to burden anyone and I might be in the way… Are people from Rukongai even allowed to attend?" She asked in wonder.
Renji didn't like where this was going. He didn't mind her meeting the people she knew well when she was alive, in private, it avoided unnecessary questions. However, if she were to attend this festival, she would be in plain sight to everyone and undoubtedly there would be stupid questions and awkward moments.
Most of the people within the Sereitei knew of her and he really didn't feel like explaining her situation to them. Another reason, even though he didn't want to admit it, would be that she'd end up spending more time with everyone else. Meaning less time with him! He gritted his teeth and gave Matsumoto a deathly glare.
"Oh no Orihime! You wouldn't be a burden at all! You will be a guest of ours and you are most certainly welcome! Ne, Renji-kun?~" Rangiku turned to look at Renji with a smirk.
"Well if it's okay with Renji-kun… I wouldn't mind going…" Orihime said timidly, while wringing her hands on the table top.
Renji sighed, he smiled and took her hand in his. "It's fine Orihime, I'll take you"
Orihime squealed at this and shuffled to Renji's side, giving him a quick kiss, staining her cheeks with a light blush. Rangiku smiled at this. The two really did look like they were happy together. On Orihime's part she knew it was true, but on Renji's part, she just hoped it wasn't a rebound…
She decided it was her time to leave so she said her farewells and left, promising Orihime a splendid time at the festival.
Afterwards Renji and Orihime spent some quality time together, mostly Renji enquiring about how her day went and if Matsumoto hadn't taught her any of her weird tricks. One moment came into mind, the day most of the Shinigami's decided to go to the beach…
As they sat out on the porch, enjoying the fresh air and each other, Renji realised something as he played with her hair. She still had her hair pins on either side of her head. He wondered if she still had her powers, or maybe she had lost them…
He didn't want to ask her outright so he tried another way. "Hime… Those hairpins, have you always had them with you?"
She was cradled on his lap as he sat on the chair, stroking her hair and one arm wrapped around her small frame. "Hai Renji. I don't know where I got them but I have this strange feeling that they keep me safe when I wear them. It's just a silly feeling I get. I don't like to take them off. Why Renji, do they bother you?"
"No Hime, they're pretty" and he kissed her temple. It seemed as if her powers weren't showing through but she still had that sense of safety when she wore them. Maybe they were lying dormant due to the loss of her memories. He wasn't really sure but he would like to know, but not right now. Right now, he'd just like to bask in her scent and warmth.
"Renji.. I wanted to tell you this before… I really like your friends. They're really nice and fun." She said enthusiastically.
"Hai, they can be a handful though" He replied chuckling
"It's so strange though… I feel like I know them… Like I've met them before. At first I thought it was just a coincidence but then I felt it with both Ikkaku-san and Rangiku-san… Even you Renji… And it's only been this way with the three of you…" She said quietly, lifting her face towards him.
At this Renji looked surprised. That was odd… Is it possible for someone to gain their memories once they were in Soul Society…? He looked at her face, searchingly. This was odd.
She said that it was only around them that she felt this way, which means it was probably because she had known them when she was living. Could her soul really still have that connection to her past life...?
He really didn't know how to explain it and right now he felt really terrible for lying to her, "I-I don't know why that is Hime… Maybe it's because we just get along with you really well…"
She snuggled up to him once again and sighed, "Hmm… Maybe…"
It really was strange that she was feeling this way but maybe it really was just her soul tying to the connections she had in the past. Renji let it lie for now thinking of other dreading thoughts such as the Festival Rangiku insisted on bringing her to…
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R&R :)