Circumspection

by Snowy Ptarmigan

He's a single dad, she's the childcare worker. He shouldn't be staring at her like this. [Crackship! Slice of Life AU] [Kenpachi x Orihime]

3. Chapter 3

Title: Circumspection

Part C: XI- XVII

Summary: He's a single dad, she's the childcare worker. He shouldn't be staring at her like this. [AU]

Author's Notes: Warning for smut! This one gets spicy! If you're not into that stuff, stay away. Thank you everyone for being so patient with me. I ended up feeling quite unwell in the last month so the work came out slower. This chapter marks the end of the fanfic! But I plan to continue writing more Orihime centric stories and I do have another KenHime fanfiction up my sleeve for anyone interested. I might even do a sequel for this one, but that'd be purely on reception and a need to write PWP.

Big thanks to toyryla for making such beautiful fanart based on Chapter 2 of Circumspection. For anyone interested in taking a look, check out her work on Archive of Our Own! Link is on my profile.

Much love!

---

XI.

Kenpachi doesn't bother figuring out why he reflexively decides to drop Orihime off every other day. More often than not, he's zoned-out, grumpy and exhausted. But now that he's dropped her once, he can't seem to adjust to the idea of a woman like her traveling back alone so late at night. And so often. Not that he'd advertise himself as ever being a gentlemen. No touching that label with a ten-foot pole. He simply had a brain and recognized the type of messaging he'd be sending his daughter about traveling so late. It wouldn't be the greatest.

And no.

This wasn't about feeling better knowing that she was where she needed to be.

For some reason, Orihime always insisted that he drop her off a block away from her place. Kenpachi put two and two together. This Tatsuki roommate probably wasn't a big fan. And so, he didn't listen. Despite having to become 'more composed' as a single father, he never rejected his rebellious nature. No point in doing that—especially when something didn't make sense to him.

The tall man slogged to the entrance of his property, keys jangling. Today was an extremely rare occurrence where he actually made it back at a respectable time. Kenpachi observed the situation. There were still a good set of hours before sunset. And neither Ikakku's grimy truck nor Yumichika's spotless motorcycle appeared in sight. Nice.

Despite everything, he needed a breather from them.

Kenpachi opened the door of his home, immediately throwing his jacket over the upstairs rail. The loud thumps, an announcement of his presence. As expected, Yachiru ran right into him.

"Daddy!"

"Hey kiddo." He grabbed her into his arms, patting her head. "What have you been up to?"

"You're here early!" Yachiru completely ignored his question, giggling enthusiastically.

"Just a moment!"

In the distance, Kenpachi overheard Orihime's startled voice. She must have been preoccupied in the kitchen, not expecting his arrival so soon. A few minutes later, Orihime scampered over nervously to the pair. She donned a pink apron which was carelessly tied over a summer dress. Almond eyes fluttering prettily as ever. "Sorry about that! Yachiru and I just finished decorating some cupcakes. I was setting them aside to cool…"

"That's not a big deal." He regarded her. She seemed fidgety, her hair in a messy bun. Was she short-circuiting just from seeing him in broad daylight? Really? "Anyways, let's get ready to go."

"What? No way! We just finished the cupcakes. You still have to try them!" Orihime pouted, before adding more excuses. "And you're back early—this is the perfect time to catch a nap. I can keep Yachiru preoccupied."

Kenpachi squinted suspiciously. He'd admit, while it was nice to see Orihime in her element—what with all the needless domesticity—something seemed strange. Off. She never asked him to eat her desserts straight off the bat. Insistence wasn't her strongest suit.

"What's going on here?" No bullshit. He cut straight to the chase.

"N-nothing at all." Orihime blinked, fiddling with the string of the apron. "I'm just surprised you don't want to prioritize a nap. I'm sure you can drop me off in a couple of hours and be fine."

Lies.

Was she really that eager to stay?

Or did he really look that dinged up that he needed rest?

He continued to scrutinize her. Her tawny eyes wide and seemingly innocuous. She wasn't wrong, rest always sounded like a good idea. But he still sensed her withholding information. Maybe it was something of a private nature and she probably knew better than to divulge into that shit.

With such a rationale, he could let it slide.

Kenpachi placed Yachiru back on the ground, the little girl eager to have more playtime with Orihime as he went up the stairs.

"Fine. I'll be up in an hour and a half."

"A-actually, Kenpachi—"

So she still had something she needed to say, he knew it!

Kenpachi swerved harshly, glaring with deadly eyes. When he set his mind to sleep, he became single-minded and determined. Not to mention, she threw the carrot at him. "What?"

"Uh, well…" That's when Orihime really broke down, the woman fidgeting at a faster rate. "Oh how do I say this…"

It had to be a personal thing. Her professional self wouldn't act this stupid. He waited impatiently, giving his full attention. Better to just get the fiasco over with.

"W-well, do you remember when I told you about my studies?" Orihime asked, clearly she didn't sound very certain that he'd remember. And she was right. He knew she was in university but that was the limit of his knowledge.

He grunted.

"Well, I might have mentioned it before, but I finished my last semester already. And my convocation is in a month. I know Yachiru will be on summer break by then and I-I'd really like to see her—well the two of you there!"

Kenpachi's eyebrows furrowed. Surely, she had enough family and actual friends to bother. Why the fuck would she ask? As for the convocation itself, Kenpachi couldn't recall if he'd ever been to one in his life.

She seemed to have read his mind. Displeasure coursed through his body as Orihime rambled on.

"Well, the truth is that I don't have any family. At least, the ones who matter. And most of my friends have already graduated, doing other things. Most of them can't make it…"

Orhime looked back at him as if it wasn't a big deal. But her uncomfortable smile reeked of an honest truth.

"Can we go, Daddy?!" Yachiru jumped up and down. The toddler obviously had no idea what this event entailed, assuming an invitation automatically meant fun.

Kenpachi's frown didn't move an inch. He didn't ask for a sad sob story. And he wasn't about to be guilt-tripped into this. Yeah, sure. She had a great relationship with his daughter. But did it actually mean that much to her? The woman looked back at him with vulnerability and a mixture of shame, her face like an open book. Clearly, Orihime already regretted opening her mouth.

She should really stop biting her lip like that.

Kenpachi sighed, running his fingers through his hair, going back up the stairs. "I'll think about it."

He didn't bother to acknowledge the excitable light resurfacing in Orihime's eyes.

Beep. Beep. Beep.

Kenpachi groaned, an hour and a half passing faster than expected.

He turned off the alarm on his cellphone, leaving his bed and trudging back to the main floor. He tried his best to shrug off the sleep from his shoulders. Sure enough, Orihime and Yachiru were sitting on the floor, colouring and drawing on the living room coffee table. Pink and green frogs bouncing off pages. Orihime's back faced him.

Her body still looking as shapely as ever. If he so much as wanted to, he could trace the form of her.

Kenpachi coughed, raising his voice. "You guys get everything ready to go in ten minutes, I'm gonna freshen up."

The pair turned. Orihime nodded with ease, immediately collecting and putting away Yachiru's crayons. "Alright, Yachiru. Daddy's awake. It's a bit breezy today, let's get your jacket."

So she was back to being usual herself…doting as ever.

Whatever, he needed to piss.

Kenpachi went to the bathroom, grunting in annoyance at his still groggy state of mind. He stared into the mirror. The depth of his scar looking more pronounced each day. Fuckin' him and his old bones. Maybe he really should give himself a bit of a break. Kenpachi rinsed his face a couple of times, attempting to jolt a new energy. The cold splashes of water, did something. Albeit negligible.

He was just about to return to the foyer when he overheard Yachiru asking Orihime an unusual set of questions. He paused, an anger igniting. Why was his little girl prodding in such a way? The school. It had to be. They must have been focusing on the topic of family relationships and dynamics. Well, they were doing a shitty job of it.

The last question made him freeze.

"Weeeell—if that's the case, then Orihime. Are you my mommy?"

The little girl, who was already in her shoes, looked at Orihime with an innocent bubbliness. Meanwhile, Orihime kept buttoning up Yachiru's jacket, her emotions hidden beneath a blank smile.

"Oh sweetheart." The woman exhaled, ruffling Yachiru's pink wispy hair softly, before distracting the child by gathering her purse. "You think you can help me with something?"

"Okay!" Yachiru piped, clapping her hands in excitement.

"I need to put on my chapstick! Can you help me?" Orihime passed the girl an unscrewed tinted tube, kneeling and puckering her lips. "No, don't put it up all the way. You'll break it."

Yachiru stuck out her tongue, fiddling with product before pressing it onto Orihime's lips. Her chubby hands moved a bit too harshly, causing a fit of giggles between the pair.

Interesting that Orihime hadn't outright told her no, Kenpachi mulled. He'd have to have a word with her. Although, the image of the pair playing just now, made something twist in his stomach. Yeah, Orihime was maternal. But he wouldn't kid himself and think that she had some transcendental connection with his daughter.

Kenpachi dangled the keys from his belt. The sound, a sure enough way to get their attention without speaking. The pair continued to laugh good-naturedly in his presence, Orihime innocently enlightening him about the dull splash of pink on her chin. And there she was again, in his personal bubble. Her laughter, genuine and sweet-sounding. Orihime didn't seem to know that he overhead overheard them. The woman looking towards him with an altogether-contented face.

He felt conflicted by the ease he felt by it.

"Alright, out the door everyone." He rasped.

The drive was the usual: loud on their end, quiet on his part. Occasionally, he'd take a look at the two of them having fun, Orihime twisting in the shotgun seat to play with Yachiru. She never did stop working. Although, he knew she was just being herself. The scent of Orihime's perfume illuminated the air. Vanilla and flowers.

When they were nearly there, Kenpachi overrode Orihime's request of dropping her off farther away. If this Tatsuki person thought he was shady, it didn't really matter to him.

Orhime was just some chick he'd hired after all.

Nothing more, nothing less.

"Well, I guess there's my stop, Kenpachi!" Orihime beamed. She never truly appeared upset that he never listened to her, grateful for a ride regardless. "Thank you so much."

"Hn."

Orihime hopped out of the truck, the sunrays still high in the sky. Kenpachi expected her to bounce away to her home. But instead, she lingered, fingers still grasping the external door handle. Her voice, a soft and reflective. "I really appreciate all of this. Make sure to try the cupcakes, there's the regular double-chocolate ones. But I also made some spiced rum ones too."

The admission seemed to imply that they were just for him.

For whatever reason, she really must have been feeling sentimental today. He couldn't get why she would be.

He nodded stiffly.

"Well goodbye, Kenpachi! See you next time, Yachiru!"

"Bye-bye, Orihime!" Yachiru waved enthusiastically.

He grunted.

And then she departed. Her presence all too strong in his mind.

That night, Kenpachi's notifications on his phone bleeped loudly. Once. Twice. Thrice. All the way to a sixth intrusion. He'd forgotten to mute the damn thing. Restless, he pushed the pillow on top of his face aside, flinging the thing all the way across the edge of his empty king-sized bed. Fuck him. He was usually a deep sleeper. Maybe the pre-emptive nap wasn't such a good idea.

He skimmed his cellphone, double-checking what came in. Maybe it was work.

[Orihime: 12:30am—Hey Kenpachi! I hope things are well. Let me know when you need me next week.]

[Orihime: 12:30am—And I know you said you still needed some time to think on it. But I figured I'd send you the details about my convocation, just in case! Dress code is semi-formal. No worries, take all the time you need!]

[Orihime: 12:33am—And no worries, if not either!]

[Orihime: 12:35am—Attached file.]

[Orihime: 12:38am—Also, I hope you tried the rum cupcakes. They're pretty good, no? :) ]

Kenpachi groaned, muting and tossing the phone aside.

Yes, they were good.

Not that he had anything to say about it out loud.

---

XII.

Kenpachi was already regretting this.

First of all, he wasn't a morning person. No way was that going to change. Second, neither was he a formal wear kinda guy. He had to pull out the nearest suit in his closet and just hope the damn thing still fit. Otherwise, it was a simple red dress shirt and black tie. And because of this whole ordeal, he had to actually shop! Something nice for Yachiru. Whatever the hell the clerk said looked good was enough for him. He didn't have the energy to give it any thought. The result, a poofy white dress.

The bouquet had been Yumichika's insistent idea. But the mere notion of a man like Kenpachi stepping foot into a flower shop was one of the most asinine ideas he'd heard in his life. The idea still made him guffaw. Instead, Kenpachi got them delivered to his home a day earlier, keeping them chilled in the fridge—as per Yumichika's overbearing pontificating.

And all this, for a damn woman.

One he wasn't even invested in.

Walking through the campus was a nightmare. For one, Yachiru wasn't used to such crowds, her excitability getting the best of her until it didn't. Her battery drained too fast. Kenpachi had to carry her around while rifling through the names of all the stupidly named buildings on an overly-complicated map.

And yes, he did get lost.

There were just too many fucking gymnasiums. Robed and fancy dressed peers and families overrunning the halls, chatting and celebrating in every direction. What a fucking maze.

The whole thing made Kenpachi swear that he'd put his daughter into trades and just be done with everything. And all this for a business degree? Kenpachi never saw Orihime as someone who wanted to climb the corporate ladder. And any Tom, Dick and Harry could make a business if they really wanted to. Heck, even though he was flying solo now, he still had his old construction company's bank account if he so chose to continue it again.

With the thought of his old business in mind, Kenpachi realized that revitalizing it didn't seem like such a bad idea. If he started again, he knew that Ikakku would drop everything and work with him in a heartbeat. Maybe that way Kenpachi could just stick to project management. He could collect and negotiate construction contracts, while not stretching himself out so thin.

When they finally reached the proper gymnasium, Kenpachi and Yachiru picked out some seats in the crowds. It took a whole forty-five minutes before the ceremony even started. And unfortunately, business graduates were not the first to receive their accolades. Kenpachi loosened his tie. Compacted with a bunch of mouth-breathers, the place was getting too hot for comfort. Maybe he really should have ditched the suit.

How much time had passed again?

He looked at his watch in boredom.

"Daddy! Let me hold the flowers!" Yachiru whined. She was getting restless from all the sitting, twisting and hopping back and forth out of her seat. "I wanna give them to Orihimeee."

"You will." Kenpachi grunted, unsure if passing the flowers to Yachiru just yet was the best idea. There was still a lot of time left. But with how disagreeable she was being, Kenpachi figured he'd give them to Yachiru just to shut her up. "Here, let me see those hands first."

Yachiru beamed, opening up her palms. He assessed them. Aside from one crust still healing by the back end of her palm and thumb, her hands felt pristine and soft. Back to how they should have always been. Aside from the one area, he didn't need to use the medical compound anymore. And all it took was roughly a year and a half to heal.

He pinched her cheek, jiggling the skin as she giggled. He passed her the flowers. "Here. Take care of them."

"Yes Daddy!"

Another hour passed uneventfully, Orihime's name finally called on. She received some extra honours, passing her degree with distinction. A touch of blue added to an otherwise standard black academic robe and hat. The moment passed in less than 50 seconds. That was it? Kenpachi cursed under his breath. How anti-climactic. He really should have just taken a nap. Better yet, decline.

When it was finally time to empty out the building, Yachiru—suddenly too lethargic from all the cacophony of hollering to want to walk around—clambered into his arms again. He didn't blame her. He needed to escape too. An incessant need to get some fresh air bothering him from since the beginning. He had enough of brushing shoulders with random strangers just to move.

"Alright, alright, girl. We're getting out of here."

"Can we see Orihime now?" Yachiru asked glumly, her cheek pressed against him.

Kenpachi paused, pulling out his phone with his unoccupied arm. "Right. I guess we should text her…"

"Okaaay." Yachiru sighed, accidentally snapping some sprigs and flowers in the bouquet from holding it haphazardly against some passerby's.

"Yachiru." He tutted in disapproval. So much for that. Well, whatever. Surely Orihime would be able to deduce what happened. He didn't feel particularly inclined to remove the pieces.

When the pair received Orihime's text, she notified them that she was outside. Closest to the nearest garden space and parking lot. Kenpachi sighed in relief. If he had to search for a whole other fucking green space out of the many in this stupid campus, he'd probably just cut his losses and go home. He already had a headache coming on.

Being outside didn't necessarily help with the heat. The pelt of the sun, streaking boundlessly over the excessively emerald grass, garden beds, and other shrubbery. A sparse amount of tall trees swayed against the warm drafts. Various groups broke off, people comingling and taking pictures amongst friends.

Orihime stood further afield, wearing a baby blue dress that reached down to her calves. Her white heels sinking into the lawn, while speaking animatedly to some people. Seeing her without her graduation robe made him stop in his tracks.

She was beautiful.

Delicate and supple.

What the fuck was he doing here again?

As if she sensed their presence, Orihime turned, waving to them. It was then that he noticed there was a decent crowd around her. For some reason, when she mentioned not having anyone come see her—clearly he had been mistaken. But what he didn't know was that even Orihime was blindsided by the turnout. Kenpachi dropped Yachiru unceremoniously, straightening the bouquet in her hands and ushering her to go to Orihime. The little girl excited at the prospect of hugging her caretaker, sped off arms wide.

Kenpachi took his time coming over, noting the suspicious stare from one particular woman. Ah, the roommate. She looked exactly how he expected her to look. Boney, muscular and cave-womany. As he glanced at the rest of the group, he figured he'd keep his distance anyways. They appeared young, bubbly, and very uninteresting like a gaggle of ingénue's. Clearly, not his kind of people. The stuff of sparkling water.

Besides, Orihime just wanted to see his daughter anyways.

"Yachiru!"

"Orihimeee!" The little girl giggled incessantly, before colliding into Orihime's arms. The velocity causing Orihime to scoop her in a hug and twirl. "I have your flowers!"

"Oh, those are so lovely, Yachiru! Thank you!" Orihime beamed, smelling the bouquet. For her, it was surreal see the father-daughter duo. "But also, you look so beautiful!"

"Hehe." Yachiru blushed, grinning cheekily, rubbing an index finger beneath her nose. "Thank you."

Orihime peered over to Kenpachi, as he nodded back to her. In truth, she hadn't expected him to respond to her invitation. The whole prospect, a welcome surprise the night before. She barely had enough time to process it all. He looked quite handsome in the combination of black and red. The maroon dress shoes an exceptional touch.

Who knew what would happen if he dressed like that more often…

Orihime mentally shook her head at the strange thought. Abruptly, she felt a series of taps on her shoulder, turning with a distracted smile. Tatsuki looked at her with a smug grin on her face. "Look whose here!"

With Yachiru still in her arms, Orihime looked through the crowd of Tatsuki, Chad, Keigo, Mizuiro, and Chizuru—and froze.

"Sorry for being late. Damn parking lot was a full on campus in itself. And holy hell, is it hot today." Ichigo entered the fray, shrugging apologetically. "Hey Orihime."

Flustered, Orihime could only stare back. There he was in a patterned navy and teal dress shirt—as if he hadn't just told her he'd be away on business for his translation agency weeks earlier.

Ichigo had come to see her.

Orihime's thoughts crashed one after the next. In truth, she only expected Chad and Tatsuki to make it. The pair were an immediate confirmation, three times over. Even though it was easier because they were a couple, she really did remain great friends with both peers individually. Somehow, Orihime knew Tatsuki compelled everyone else to come. Her best friend's talent of will and brute force never fading.

Orihime fumbled. If she couldn't convince them herself, what was the point? It felt equally parts elating, equal parts shitty to see everyone. At least Uryu and Rukia were honest to their word, saying that they couldn't make it. She knew everyone had lives. They hadn't been in high-school in eons. That was like a lifetime ago.

Other than Riruka, who was currently on a fashion internship in Montreal, Orihime hadn't made any friends since then. Maybe highschool was when she blossomed at her peak. Who knew? Now, she wouldn't blame anyone for being adults and just continuing on with their lives. Or at least being honest that they were preoccupied.

But there he was—as if nothing ever changed. Ichigo, the same as ever.

Orihime felt her heart tumble.

For Kenpachi's part, even though he was a good distance away (preoccupying himself with a one off cigarette), he could clearly see Orihime's reaction. The blush on her face evident.

Ah, so this was the dolt…

"You dumbass!" Tatsuki wacked Ichigo overtop of the head. "You don't just say 'Hey Orihime,' like a buffoon! She just completed her business degree with flying colours!"

Ichigo rubbed his head, glaring at Tatsuki. "Geez, I was just going to get to that. I see you're impatient as usual Tatsuki. Bet you run Chad in circles with that attitude."

"Not really actually." Chad answered smoothly, chill as ever.

"Hey man, you're supposed to be on my side." Ichigo grunted, the slight smile on his face undeniable. The two were still close. "Anyways, congratulations Orihime. I know it was a lot of work for you to get here. You've earned it."

Orihime blinked, she'd say more if she wasn't so taken aback. "Oh…thank you."

"You have really, really orange hair, mister!" Yachiru blurted. The comment momentarily distracted Ichigo, as if he just realized that Orihime was carrying someone. Oh right, she'd forgotten to introduce Kenpachi and Yachiru to everyone! Ichigo looked at Yachiru, the little girl's blunt personality obvious despite the harmless comment.

"Who's this?" Ichigo asked with a curious frankness.

"Oh! This is Yachiru, I've been babysitting her for the last couple of years." Orihime knew that he hadn't meant to sound so abrasive. Yet for some reason, she felt her grip around Yachiru tighten. A comfortable weight around her arms. "And that's Kenpachi, her dad."

Ichigo looked at the brutish man in with a critical eye and bemusement. Almost like he didn't believe it. Not to mention, the fact that she had no problems associating with a shady character like that. "That guy?"

"Yes. We're friends…"

Orihime bit the inside of her cheek. She already sensed Tatsuki's disapproval from since the moment the pair arrived. She felt a sliver of unhappiness at having to justify her choices. Besides, with the exception of Tatsuki, Kenpachi and Yachiru were actually the ones she saw the most.

Although in any other circumstance, she'd probably use a more accurate label to describe Kenpachi than friend.

"Ichigooo! It's good to see ya, man!" Keigo erupted joyfully, an arm around his shoulders. The rest of the group surrounded Ichigo, encouraged by his appearance. The interruption was enough to distract the orange-haired man.

"Hey guys!"

Of course, everyone missed him.

He just had that mark, that gravitational pull.

That's who Ichigo always was. The flame to their rag-tag group. He had a presence that made everyone want to gather and be around him. Everyone feeling stronger by it. And she was just like the rest of them, she thought awkwardly.

Orihime smiled weakly. More and more, her celebration started to feel like a high-school reunion. Not that she minded.

Not really…

Yachiru wiggled around, wanting to leave Orihime's grasp. For some reason even Yachiru was intrigued by Ichigo. The little girl sprinted into her friend group, immediately asking him and everyone else if they liked the flowers she had brought for Orihime. She really was getting more and more extroverted as the months went on. She was proud of her.

"Hey Orihime." Chad ambled over. "Ichigo and the rest of us were thinking of grabbing a bite. We're treating you to The Keg."

"Oh, that's great, Chad!" Orihime responded, looking over sheepishly to Kenpachi. She recognized that he and Yachiru would probably dip out soon. And she still hadn't gotten a chance to speak with them. It'd be rude to just leave now. "Actually, why don't you guys go on ahead? Get the reservation, and I'll be there in a bit."

"Okay, how long are you going to take?"

"Uh, probably half an hour?" The others seemed to be talking about heading out amongst themselves.

"You sure about that, Orihime?"

She put on a smile. "Yeah don't worry about me! Just text me when you're there."

With that the group dispersed, leaving only Tatsuki and Orihime. Meanwhile Yachiru bounded off to show Kenpachi something she found in the grass, still holding onto Orihime's bouquet. From Tatsuki's energy alone, she sensed an incoming pep talk.

Once again, her best-friend put a hand on Orihime's shoulder, speaking in a hushed tone. "Did you really have to invite them, Orihime?"

"I'm not sure what you mean." The orange-haired woman answered truthfully. "They're my friends. And I really wanted Yachiru to be here."

"Stop it, Orihime. I know you spend a lot of time with him."

With the way Tatsuki spoke, she was clearly referring to the amount of times she'd seen Kenpachi drop Orihime off in the middle of the night.

The image of Kenpachi resting an arm on the open window while he drove came to mind. His tight-lipped expression—broody, yet paradoxically comforting. His hair moving in unison with the mild moonlight breeze.

His actions were totally harmless.

Seeing Orihime's furrowed expression, Tatsuki tried to begrudgingly soften the blow.

"I mean I get it. Totally, not my type. But I guess, one could say he's hot by virtue of the fact that he's good to his daughter. But that's such a low bar, girl—and a weird psychological trick if you really think about it."

Orihime's cheeks reddened, glancing at Kenpachi. There was nothing intimate about their relationship! Tatsuki was reading way too much into things.

"Either way, you're totally young. There's no reason for you to be dating an older guy. Let alone someone who has a daughter. That's way too much baggage."

"I'll be fine, Tatsuki."

Orihime knew her friend was only looking out for her. But she also felt tired of hearing her anxieties day in and day out. "You head out with everyone first, I'll be there soon."

"Okay, girl." Tatsuki gave Orihime a hug. She didn't look too convinced but didn't push her case any further. "I'll see you soon!"

With that, Orihime was finally left alone. Funny how she felt a sudden relief, as if she could be breathe again. Sometimes the burden of everyone's expectations were bothersome. Sure she was sweet, but that didn't mean she couldn't take care of herself. And she wasn't naïve either.

As Orihime gathered her bearings, Kenpachi registered that something was amiss—but kept that observation to himself. He wasn't particularly interested in the whole crew that dispersed. No need to pay attention more than necessary. When Orihime eventually came over, the pair watched Yachiru chase a pair of butterflies around a tree. The sounds of crickets chirping and singing in the air.

"I see they've gone off."

"Yeah, they're going to wait for me at The Keg." Orihime responded with a small smile. Clearly, trying not to make a big deal of what was bothering her earlier. "I just needed a bit of breather. And also needed to check in with you guys—sorry for making you wait."

"It's nothing." Kenpachi grunted. A long paused ensued before he added. "Congrats. For the degree by the way."

For some reason, hearing that admission from him was enough to lighten her spirits. The man not one to easily dish out praise. She beamed merrily, looking up with a quirked eyebrow. "You know, I had no idea if you'd come or not."

"Neither did I."

"You look good in that suit by the way. I'm surprised you had that in your repertoire." Orihime teased softly. She knew the man could take a joke or two.

Kenpachi paused—her light humor, a delicate trickle in his ears. Her form, closer to him than he realized.

With just one arm, he could reach for her and keep her against him. He'd be able to take her in: her smell and how luscious her skin would feel. Obviously, it was all nonsense. But with the way Orihime interacted with him—when compared to most women—he had to push down his instincts.

The kind that wanted to make his mark and split her legs apart.

Fuckin' hell.

How could a woman like her get him so bottled up in such a passionless setting?

Maybe it was because he knew that she'd rather hang out with him than her ragtag friends. He could sense it. And he wasn't exactly sure how that made him feel. Aside from his current but not uncommon bodily predicament, of course.

"Wrong choice." He snorted, straightening his suit. Suddenly, feeling the sweat all around him. "It's way too fucking hot here."

"You're probably right." Orihime nodded apologetically. "For what it's worth, I really appreciate you both coming. I know it must have been a hassle."

He wouldn't disagree with that.

Orihime wondered about what to talk about next. Aside from Yachiru and his work, they didn't really talk about much. Not to mention, she didn't feel particularly inclined to discuss her future plans with him today. The topic would just dampen a day of celebration.

Either way, it wouldn't due to keep them any longer—especially when she had to leave so soon. "Where are you parked?"

"Opposite side."

Her eyes twinkled in recognition. "That's perfect! I have to drop off the robe I rented. It's in the same direction!"

Kenpachi watched Orihime prance to her black robe, graduation hat, and degree frame she'd left unattended on the grass, before remembering something.

"Oh my goodness! How could I forget?" She exclaimed, smacking her forehead with her forehand. "I wanted to take a picture with Yachiru!"

Before he could respond, Orihime interrupted Yachiru's mini-adventure, pontificating wildly before enveloping the girl into her arms all over again. The large tree behind them made for a nice backdrop. She placed her graduation hat on top of Yachiru's head. The tassel sloping humorously.

"Yes! Pictures, pictures!" Yachiru giggled excitedly. The rest of the bouquet seemingly still intact. Orihime immediately looked at Kenpachi, asserting the need for his involvement.

Kenpachi blinked. Well, alright then. If that's what she wanted.

The tall man awkwardly pulled out his phone. He was no cameraman—though that didn't stop them from posing. The first shot, Orihime pulling Yachiru close. Nearly, cheek to cheek while his daughter held the hat in an attempt to stop it from slipping off. The second, Orihime positioning Yachiru in front of her, while the little girl looked up at her. Small hands holding the bouquet of flowers. Graduation hat still intact. The third, Orihime attempting to carry Yachiru with one hand the best she could, while holding her bouquet in the other. Yachiru clasping onto Orihime's degree plaque. Very candid. Big smiles.

"Alright, that's enough." Kenpachi announced. They'd take forever if he didn't cut the fun. Unexpectedly, Orihime automatically disagreed with him much to his annoyance.

"No. We still need to take photos of you two." She countered seriously, sauntering over to take his phone. It was nearly funny how quickly her tone changed. "Yachiru, go to your dad."

Yachiru nodded empathically, only too happy to oblige.

"Fine. Only one." He glared.

"Oh c'mon." Orihime pouted, but didn't push her luck.

With one arm, Kenpachi held Yachiru close—wearing his same indecipherably blank face. But no picture came, Orihime clearly unhappy with something.

"Just one moment here." She moved, making short work of whatever observations she wanted to finesse. The fluffing of Yachiru's dress with a couple of pulls and pats, the positioning of his suit past his pocketed hand, and twisting the face of his watch. Her touch as light as a feather, barely felt.

"If I'm only going to get one picture of you it has to be good."

And at that they were done.

"Alright, let's get out of here." Orihime beamed, gathering her things and immediately giving the man his phone back. "Make sure to send those to me."

Kenpachi followed the pair, while Orihime and Yachiru held hands as she led them to the opposite side of the campus. Between the loud crowds, he couldn't really gather what they were talking about. Though the words—reading, spaceships, and books passed his ears. The usual drivel. From a safe distance, he couldn't help but watch Orihime. She appeared so animated, her mood increasing with each joke Yachiru sent her way. At one point, he felt the flutter of her gaze on him. He wasn't sure who directed their eyes back to Yachiru first.

Eventually, they stopped by the rental robe drop-off and purse pickup—before finally making their way to the designated parking lot.

"Well, this is it." Orihime smiled contentedly across the pavement. "You guys made my day. Thank you—."

"Where are you headed?" He interjected. His truck was here, might as well.

"Oh, you don't have to worry about that. I just have to take transit to get to downtown. The train stations' right there."

"Nonsense. I'll drop you."

Orihime faltered, waving her hands apologetically. "You really don't have to. I've already inconvenienced you enough as is."

"Did you suddenly forget that we chose to come?" Kenpachi scowled. He made a choice. One she should acknowledge at the very least. Sure, he had second and third thoughts on it—but what was new? Really, the woman could be difficult in such a stupid way.

Orihime looked at the rugged man, who was already seating Yachiru into the truck. She really didn't mean to trouble them.

Oh what the hell, it was her day wasn't it?

Without responding back, Orihime immediately sat in the shotgun seat. The heat of the day reaching its highest point. From across the window of the driver's seat, she watched as Kenpachi shrugged off his suit and tie. Undoing a couple of buttons, before pulling the cuffs of his dress shirt to his forearms. His hands making quick work of everything.

He looked good.

More than good, she thought wistfully.

Oh gosh! Was she actually agreeing with Tatsuki's assumption that she found Kenpachi attractive? A sudden flush rushed to her cheeks, Orihime immediately looking at her suddenly very interesting hem on her dress to calm herself down.

But as Kenpachi started to drive, Orihime couldn't help but stare. A series of prolonged yet curious and inquisitive glances. She observed: the sharpness of his jaw, the traces of a thin scar only just peeking through his collar bone, his long lean fingers over the steering wheel. Lunulae perfect against the colour of his bronzed skin.

His fingers were clean.

But she knew what those fingers could get soaked in. If given the chance.

Orihime inhaled sharply before turning her head away at such thoughts. Goodness! This was all Tatsuki's fault!

Better to fill the air with babble than to think of such things. "So what are you guys up to after this?"

"It's pretty hot today…" The man mulled uncharacteristically, before grunting. "Yachiru, you want to get some ice cream?"

"Yes! Yes! Yes!" Yachiru squealed in her car seat. "Ice cream, that's so exciting!"

Orihime's mouth dropped. "You guys are going to get ice cream without me? That's so unfair!"

"That's too bad." Kenpachi barked in laughter, retorting reflexively. "You could always ditch."

This time, she flushed in embarrassed, he knew she couldn't do that. But that didn't mean, it wasn't what she preferred, Orihime realized. What was awaiting her at The Keg? A couple of glances at a lost infatuation and a dozen awkward conversations. She'd even take Kenpachi's silence over her dinner conundrums if it wasn't for the lack of propriety.

The admission flustered her.

Yes, she preferred his company.

"My friends are waiting."

"Of course."

For the rest of the ride, Orihime distracted herself with Yachiru. Reverting into her bubbly self, though a small part of her kept looking back at the man beside her. As per his usual, Kenpachi remained oblivious, indifferent and uninvolved until they reached her destination.

Unceremoniously, he parked the car near the closest spot available. A plethora of cars driving past during the busy hours of downtown traffic.

"Well, enjoy your dinner."

"I will." Orihime replied back, a bit too loudly. "I'll miss you, Yachiru!"

"—Love you, Orihime!" The little girl randomly interjected, giggling to herself. Orihime couldn't help but break into a bright smile.

"I love you too, Yachiru!" The woman passed Yachiru some blow kisses.

With that Orihime looked around, making sure she accounted for all her things. It was only then she noticed Kenpachi's tense shoulders. Curt eyes sent her way. Yachiru's interjection must have thrown him off. Even though she was sure he must have disapproved or simply felt unsettled—his look didn't quite bother or scare her. It was normal for Kenpachi to regard her like that every so often.

As she looked back at him, Orihime hesitantly pulled a lock of hair behind her ear. She was still unable to put a finger on how exactly she felt for the man.

Orihime thought back on what she said to Tatsuki. They certainly weren't friends. But he'd always been decent and kind to her. And sure, she didn't have the greatest luck with men but she certainly knew a good person from the bad.

So yeah, Kenpachi was a good guy.

One of the better guys she'd met in a long time.

Before she lost her nerve, Orihime leaned over, giving Kenpachi a swift hug and an appreciative smile. Her arms wrapping around his broad shoulders for the briefest of seconds. The scent of spiced cologne and sweat pressed onto her dress. "Thanks, Kenpachi."

And with that, Orihime grabbed her bouquet and the rest of her items, hopping out of the truck as quickly as she could. She waved to them until they were out of sight—not thinking too much on her own impulsive decisions, though she could feel heat rush to her face.

Yes, she was a little late. But that was more than fine. And by the time she sat down beside Tatsuki, she realized she'd forgotten her graduation hat on Kenpachi's front seat.

---

XIII.

So they were putting him on a test run…

Kenpachi hung up his cellphone. He'd just secured some important work outside of the city in a smaller neighbouring town. The stuff of rednecks and industrial bravado. Since he didn't know how long the work would take or how long it'd take for him to get back home, he needed to make plans. Quick. Kenpachi wasn't the type to consider working on Saturdays—but it was great money with a lot of potential for securing more contracts with said company. He'd be fucked in the head not to take the bait.

When he contacted Orihime—her to take care of Yachiru on a Friday, he was predictably met with enthusiasm. The flutter of her voice was feminine and effervescent, a distrustfully familiar feeling coursing through him, while conversing over the phone. Naturally, he quickly noted the possibility of her needing to stay overnight should he not return sooner. But stressed that it shouldn't be the case. And he meant that. The less she was needed the better.

"Can you do that for me?"

"Yes, of course! I'll be there bright and early!"

By the time Friday came around and he completed said work, sunset already passed twofold. The slivers of any brightness, completely extinguished from the workday. Unenthused at the idea of a motel room for the night—especially after everything that needed to be done was accomplished—Kenpachi planned his escape. Why sleep on a bed most likely a size too small? Completely unnecessary. He took a little over an hour and half to make his way back, before finally jumping out of his truck, spent and at home. The night surrounded him with a lack of stars and over-exposed lampshades. The tell-tale signs of a dull city.

Kenpachi sauntered into his house, the audible sounds of the television echoing from the living room. The intonation of the dialogue exuded something springy, vivacious, and light. A family action spectacle, some Hallmark drivel, or a romantic comedy perhaps. He preferred that it'd be the former.

Orihime was the first to sit straighter upon his arrival, her fingers dancing around a bowl of popcorn. He sank into the other sofa, unlacing his steel toe boots.

"Daddy! Daddy! You're home!" His little girl slipped away from Orihime to jump right by his side. He ruffled Yachiru's busy hair. She seemed a bit chilled out, but it didn't stop her eagerness.

"Had a good day today, Yachiru?" Kenpachi pulled a lazy smirk. It was the best he could manage while shucking off his tool belt and jean jacket at the same time.

"Yeah! Orihime was here with me all day!"

Kenpachi nodded, obviously that was the case. Yachiru was still enjoying her summer break.

"Hey Kenpachi. I hope you don't mind, I got a little comfortable. I didn't expect you to come tonight to be honest." Orihime stood up smiling pleasantly, setting aside the bowl of popcorn. "I have some extra dinner still—let me go heat it up for you."

He noted her attire, a silken sleep robe wrapped tightly around her body. It was light pink, exposing her long legs.

"Sure."

With that, Orihime scampered into the kitchen, talking overhead. "Have some popcorn! We just put on the movie about 12 minutes ago! I made some lasagna."

Kenpachi said nothing. He couldn't exactly blame her for making dinner, his daughter had to eat after all. But her ease with giving him food was disconcerting. He couldn't exactly put it to words. It wasn't altogether unpleasant. But he knew he'd be better off left to his own devices.

"Yeah daddy! Watch the movie with us! It has mummies in it!"

So a generic early-2000's schlocky action flick. Thank goodness. Fortunately or unfortunately for him, now that he finally settled his bones into the couch, he couldn't quite deny his daughter her request either way. Come to think it, Yachiru was also decked out in a robe. A fuzzy purple one. The woman always liked to go the extra mile for no reason.

When Orihime returned, he could see that she even garnished the pasta, bringing a can of beer alongside his meal. She clamoured for Yachiru to sit beside her, who was stubbornly sitting in his lap. "Yachiru, come sit beside me. Your daddy needs to eat."

"Fiiine." Yachiru stuck her tongue out before going over to the other sofa. Suddenly, deciding to grab the bowl of popcorn into her little hands.

"I've heated up a few more pieces if you want some seconds." Orihime added, before zoning into the movie. An arm wrapped around Yachiru, while she pecked at the kernels as well.

In truth, it was quite late to start up a movie. His little girl must have been too stubborn about not wanting to fall asleep, ironically knowing that she was getting a sleepover with Orihime. And it turned out that the movie wasn't so bad. Orihime throwing a bit of commentary here and there to his occasional snorts. Even more surprising, the one piece of lasagna was generous and more than enough.

With the lights off, the blue light of the television screen glimmered, enveloping them. Film grains playing images as the lateness of the night put everyone on autopilot. And then, sleep for some.

By the time the credits rolled, Kenpachi remained as the sole watcher. He had noticed his girl fall asleep half-way through the film, but was surprised to see Orihime out for the count. The woman slept, a lazy arm dangling over Yachiru, who rested a bit lower on the couch. The pair snuggled close to the extra sofa cushions.

Kenpachi flicked on the lights, hoping to put away the dishes and wrap up for the night. But a deep moan from Orihime made him look her way, feeling his own throat catch.

He swallowed.

She had moved, her body turning wide. Her robe unknotted, revealing an extremely low-neck tank top and the shortest of shorts. And not only did the movement expose her midriff, but with the way the thin lace sat on her wide hips, he could see she was wearing a white thong or g-string.

Orihime exhaled. Her full lips shimmering, puffed and wet. Her luscious hips subtly moving in unison.

Kenpachi felt himself go hard.

Fuckin' hell, if he could grab those hips like no tomorrow!

Kenpachi booked it to the kitchen. In an attempt to distract himself, he set about packing the rest of the lasagna into the fridge, putting the dirty dishes into the sink and washing them. This went on for a while as Kenpachi forced himself to think through his arousal. But the inevitable reality was that he hadn't felt this sexually frustrated in eons. And he could do fuck all about it.

He must have been setting the dishes aside too loudly, when the silhouette of a still drowsy Orihime entered his peripheral vision. He pretended not to notice as she yawned, leaning with a lethargic smile. As per her incessant need to be helpful, she slowly tidied up around the kitchen, collecting stray pieces of trash.

She still had left her robe wide open.

Did her pretty self not notice her nipples etching through?

"So Kenpachi—"

"Why didn't you say no?" He bit out.

Orihime blinked, obviously uncertain as to what he was speaking about. He had to reassert their relationship. The one he was paying her to do. The one prior to all this…inconvenience.

"Earlier, I heard you talking to Yachiru. She asked if you were her mother. Why didn't you say no?" Kenpachi turned, wiping his hands with the dish towel. He was giving her his full attention now, crossing his arms. His body language detached and scrutinizing.

Orihime raised her brows, an epiphany sweeping across her face, before carefully speaking. She comprehended something, tracing the countertops.

"Growing up, I came from a pretty abusive household. Father was an alcoholic. Mother—well, she wasn't around much. They used to always argue. Beat us. My brother, Sora…he was my world. He's the one that took me far away from that place." She continued, replaying memories in her mind. "At different points in my life, he was everything to me. He was my big brother. My protector. My father. My mother. A first love."

Then Orihime smiled, making eye contact with him once more. Her amber eyes like a honeyed warmth. Soothing. "If your daughter is yearning or searching for a mother in any sort of way, I don't want to squash any interest she has in that. I'd never say anything outright, of course. But sometimes, when we're young, it's okay to live in comforting illusions and associations. We grow out of them—like kids with Santa."

The woman leaned softly against the marble opposite of Kenpachi. Her somehow pensive yet cheerful expression never quite leaving her face. "That's why, when I have kids—well, whether by my own or through the daycare business I hope to start-up—I want to do right by them."

The stillness between them then felt like a strong undercurrent.

Kenpachi chided himself.

What was he doing?

This woman was too good to be anywhere near him. Her sweetness, nearly painful to be around. He meant to push her back into formality. Not this.

"So a daycare business…end goal?" He spoke gruffly.

Her eyes lit up passionately. "Oh yes, completely! And that reminds me, I wanted to let you know earlier, but now that I have more time on my hands—I'm going to go back to working at another daycare centre. I need to save up some more money before I can start scouting for a building and start the process for starting up my business. I have most of my licences already. It's going to be a big task, so I foresee that I may need to cut down on my hours here. But not anytime soon—"

"Makes sense."

Kenpachi and Orihime stared at each other under the kitchen lights. The shadows of the night creating an illuminating contrast and glow. Her presence felt near. Intimate. Touched with the aroma of her signature scent. His eyes trailed to her lips, down her neck and collarbone. Then a little lower and back again. Her lashes, full and long...

Kenpachi frowned.

She was too young, a whole life ahead of her. And he was projecting.

He was the first to pull away. "It's late. There are two guest rooms on the main-floor. Go use whichever. You know where the bathroom is."

"Oh right. Of course." Orihime blinked nervously at the sudden change, the callousness in his tone. "Thanks, Kenpachi."

Without a word, Kenpachi went back into the living room, picking up a snoring Yachiru. Orihime silently came along, taking her stuffed tote bag against the couch. He could feel her eyes on him, trying to grab his attention.

"Well, goodnight Kenpachi…"

"'Night." He scowled.

He hated the way she said his name. All breathy and irritating. He wouldn't kid himself that there was some expectation behind it.

With the main floor lights off, Kenpachi tucked-in his daughter upstairs and promptly headed into his bedroom. But minutes which felt even longer passed and he couldn't sleep. Not with the way his mind pulled back and forth. He turned. Left. Then right. The left again. And to think that there from below, the woman was—a perfect temptation sleeping just beneath his roof.

His bed somehow feeling emptier…

No.

He wouldn't think about it.

No, thinking about Orihime beneath his covers.

Kenpachi grimaced even further. Bloody hell was he filthy! He hadn't taken a shower since coming back. His arms still mucked with wall putty.

He growled as he headed into the bathroom. He was no neat-freak, but Kenpachi had a pet-peeve of sleeping all grimed up in his bed. Worse still was his terrible mood. He slammed the bathroom door, Kenpachi stripping and turning on the faucets, letting the water run over his long black mane and rigid back. The heat of his thoughts never quite leaving him.

Fuck it.

Maybe there was something he could do.

Kenpachi closed his eyes. Succumbing and taking himself in hand, his large palm tightening around the length of his wide and hardening cock.

He fantasized.

The two of them alone, making out on the couch. In the lounge room or living room, it didn't really matter. Pictured her lips already swollen, wet from his saliva. Rough kisses nearly consuming her completely. His hands all over her body.

He imagined her wearing the same silky robe from tonight. Open and luscious. Enough to see the expanse of her milky skin and nearly-bursting breasts captured in white lingerie, her hand rubbing hurriedly over the firm erection in his pants. With a readiness, she'd open up his fly, tightening her lovely hands around his released cock. Her touch lubricated from the spit of her mouth. Or her sensual tongue that licked up and down his shaft, while she kneeled in front of him. Her hungry eyes looking up at him.

His breath hitched, continuing to stroke harder.

And then, she'd take him into her mouth. Those juicy lips just over his head, before taking him in completely. The pleased moans of her adjusting to his massive size and her wet tongue enough to set him off. Her head dipping in and out as she sucked onto him. A delicious gag and choking each time, his hand entangling into her orange hair. Keeping her right where she needed to be.

She'd look so fucking pretty, eagerly trying to eat up his cock like that, lips bobbing in and out. Spit dribbling onto the floor. His body convulsing until he took more control, forcefully pushing into her mouth further, her chocked-gagging and surprise even louder. He'd ram himself until he hit the back of her throat. One, two, three, four, five times before spilling his seed into her.

---

XIV.

The dreams only got worse.

Everything about her body was amazing and unfair. Why couldn't it have been just any other random woman? He'd rather that than this torture.

Kenpachi's eyes flickered blearily, awakening from another harsh dream.

She'd been on top, straddling him, cow-girl. Hands on his shoulders while she took in his length with reckless abandon. Her sweet moans, melodious and feminine—just like she always was. Naked and sweaty, her breasts moved up and down with each thrust. Nipples perked and dancing.

The way she'd repeated his name and told him not to stop with such desperation, made him push deeper and deeper against her own labouring movements. The spike in her yelps renewed once more as he pushed into her wide hips.

The pleasure of her slick sex felt too good.

"You like that?"

"Oh Kenpachi—Yes, yes, yes!—"

And then she shook, beautifully tilting and unfurling in front of him. An orgasm, before harshly crashing into his chest. When Orihime finally managed to catch her breath, she looked up at him with an all too pleased and keen expression. Her arm comfortably wrapped around his chest, skin to skin. A dainty finger gently tracing him.

Bright. Bright.

It was too bright.

Kenpachi groaned, finally snapping out of his senses. The sharp streaks of the sun in the morning nearly blinding. God damn, he didn't even know how to close curtains properly anymore.

What was going on with him and all these dirty dreams? It was like he was an uncontrollable teenager all over again. It was nearly laughable.

More like—sad, pathetic and ridiculous.

It had been a couple of months since the last time he'd asked Orihime to help with Yachiru. A couple of month since he'd seen her. The choice hadn't necessarily been intentional.

Her absence, just sort of happened.

That night when she stayed over—something had changed. He needed to amend that with a natural distance. The way she started to say his name too comfortably was too much.

Besides, she had admitted that she needed to focus on her upcoming goals. Why put more on her plate?

No.

He wasn't empathetic like that.

Kenpachi jumped out of his bed, realizing he was going to be late. He cursed. He'd slept through his alarm!

At least, he wasn't exactly on contract business today.

In the last week, he'd been setting up the relaunch of his construction company. As expected, Ikakku was more than willing to drop everything to work with him again. Meanwhile, Yumichika still had his roofer gig, agreeing to minimal part-time hours, while recommending a few more guys. Kenpachi had to speak to and most likely hire them today. Shuhei, Kensei and Izuru. Five on the team would be more than enough. Especially now that he secured more work from the company out of town. He couldn't be a one man army anymore.

Kenpachi cursed, shuffling his pants on. More than likely, Yachiru was already awake, probably waiting for her school bus. She never seemed to question why Orihime wasn't around anymore. Though he knew, she obviously grumbled and thought about it.

Fortunately, now that he'd have multiple people on his team, he could delegate work. Easing up time for himself, or for Ikkaku or Yumichika to take care of Yachiru while he was on business.

Kenpachi heard the thud of the door, but not before his little girl yelled a resonating goodbye by the stairs. Gosh, did her very responsible response make him feel even worse.

Apparently, this Shuhei wanted to meet bright and early as he had other shit going on. Kenpachi wished he'd told the guy to fuck right off until another day. But oh well, what was done was done. And he more than needed to get out of his house.

Admittedly, meeting for coffee at a Tim Hortons didn't exactly sound like a long meet-up. That was the most blue-collar, in and out, watering hole to speak off. At least he could appreciate the guy for that. No frills. Just an order of coffee that tasted more like unfiltered tap water than roasted coffee grind.

Kenpachi sped off, trying to think what the rest of his day would entail. Interviews and a visit to the bank most likely. His paired cellphone beeped in the truck. Yumichika had just sent him a message about staying with Yachiru after school.

Funny enough, even Yumichika didn't seem too pushy on the subject of Orihime, much to Kenpachi's surprise. Maybe the man sensed something that even he couldn't put a finger on. Or maybe Yumichika surmised that he and the woman had finally clashed, reaching a fundamental disagreement. That tended to be the way of things when it came to Kenpachi and the other sex. Most rarely kept interest in him for too long. Usually after he opened his mouth.

To be fair, he liked it that way as he barely understood their species.

But somehow with Orihime, it had been different. There was some semblance of equilibrium. Whatever their interactions amounted to.

With her gone, Kenpachi thought that for sure what he was doing was for the sake of his daughter. That Yachiru would toughen up and be a little bit more independent after being accustomed to excessive attention (which granted she definitely deserved). But yet, somehow—she seemed to be doing just fine and he was the one adversely affected.

Her sudden disappearance from his life felt like he had opened a twisted Pandora's Box. The dreams for one, kept assaulting him at an alarming rate.

Some of them he knew were straight-up fantasies. Like the one when he'd still been up North. He'd just completed a hilarious beat-down of some rig-pig—only to be taken by surprise by the presence of Orihime in nothing but black 8-inch heels in his cramped quarters. A high-adrenaline prize no doubt.

Another fantasy had been similarly enticing, if not thoughtful. He'd been in the middle of working at a jobsite when she came to visit. All a surprise, a pretty dress and a small gift in hand. The gift, a scarf for the chilly autumn. As to how she found him, who knew? Clearly, it had been her idea. A timid gesture with the way she bit her lip and looked at him uncertainly.

Their stiff exchange somehow divulged into them making out and then going at it. Kenpachi holding her in place, while fucking her. It seemed like something they both wanted with the way her legs were wound around his hips, his dusty hands around her ass as she held onto the wooden frames of the unfinished walls and plywood. His jeans just below his knees. Her clothes, sans her panties still on. That'd been something.

But other's had a surreal-like quality. As if it were any other day and he was just coming back home afterhours. Except she'd be there. Alone. And all too willing to touch him in a warm embrace. A welcome home gesture that became nothing but scattered images. Of her delicate smile. Her hands. Scattered clothes. His boots tossed aside.

And worse was the way she looked at him in every single dream, each time they fucked. Affection behind her lashes. Romantic eyes that always made him second guess. Was her affect the way it was because his subconscious mirrored an internal desire of his own? Or was he just subconsciously assuming what it would be like to lay with her?

Upon entering his home, he often times found himself with a lack—expecting a presence. Perhaps a trickle of laughter in the backyard. The fragrant smell of baking in the kitchen. Or a simple hello to greet him. Instead, he came to an empty home, where he'd wait for Yumichika or Ikkaku to drop Yachiru off from one of their post-school escapades. His mood, agitated and snarky.

Either way, it didn't matter.

She was out of his life now.

---

XV.

Tatsuki was right. She needed to focus on herself for once.

To think that three months had passed since she'd last seen Kenpachi and Yachiru.

At first, Orihime hadn't assumed anything was wrong. But when she noticed that the last couple of texts she'd sent to Kenpachi—days after the night she'd slept over—had been even more terse than usual (and he was already pretty terse), she started to wonder if perhaps she'd said something wrong that night.

Orihime bit her lip, replaying everything that had taken place. Had he disliked her response to his question with regards to Yachiru? Did she screw up that badly? This was hundredth time she'd mulled over the possibility. She must have done something really bad for him to not to want to have anything to do with her…

Had she spoken too much about her personal life? About her past?

If so, that one stung a lot.

Granted, not everyone knew how to respond to her past.

Over the weeks, when the situation finally started to sink in, it took everything in Orihime not to feel defeated. Her routine seemingly destroyed in an instant. Of course, that wasn't completely Kenpachi's fault. She graduated after all.

Maybe what set him off was the delivery in which she spoke about being busier in the future? Did she come across as too selfish? Or too callous about it?

Either way, Tatsuki had given her a steady pep-talk then.

Orihime never actually gave her the details regarding her mood—so as not to validate her best friend's feelings about the man. But Orihime also couldn't deny that she walked around their apartment with a huge cloud over her head. That was when Tatsuki imposed a new solution: Orihime needed to go back into the dating market.

The thought in itself was nerve-wracking. She didn't even know where to start.

At first, Tatsuki insisted for the millionth time that Ichigo had some sort of feelings for her—given the way he reacted to Orihime coming by so late to join them at The Keg. But that didn't resonate with Orihime. Literally a week after, the man was already on a flight to England on business. It had long been useless to hold that candle anymore.

Then Tatsuki recommended that she partake in a communal hobby to widen her pool. Supposedly, an organic way of meeting a man. But that seemed like a waste of money and a time drain. Orihime also disliked the idea of throwing herself into a something for the sake of happenstance potential. Sounded like extra hoops and posturing with no resolution.

Heck, it'd been a long time since she'd even gone on an actual date.

In the end—as per the usual ways of modern day courting—she downloaded a bunch of dating apps to try out. Tinder was just as she remembered it. A cesspool of depravity and idiots. She met two guys she'd rather forget. Plenty of Fish was an okay experience with little success. She went on three dates that weren't necessarily bad. But nothing clicked. And Bumble just had a weird gimmick on its end with equally unusual people. Unfortunately, the only person who bothered to respond back to her was as stale as cardboard. Ulquiorra was his name. Not exactly a conversationalist. Although the café he'd taken her to was a great find.

And so it was back to the drawing board. And inevitably back to Tinder.

In a blaze of monotony and a last hurrah, Orihime accepted this one guy's request to go out on a date. At this point, all the dates she'd been on started to conglomerate and feel the same. But she figured that if she just kept pushing, maybe something unexpected would take hold. Despite her love for planning, Orihime always heard from others about good things happening when least expected.

He was as attractive as they came (which should have been a red flag enough). But the blunt way he texted her felt familiar somehow—so she figured she'd give it a shot.

Orihime looked across to the man, who clearly seemed bored out of his mind, though he also appeared like he wasn't fazed by the fact. An odd combination. What was his name again? Grimm? Grimmlok?

No, Grimmjow.

Right, right.

The date hadn't started too bad. He recommended a pizza pub she'd actually been to before. And he seemed impressed that she ordered a Meat Lover's Special for herself. At least, he approved of her healthy carnivorous appetite.

On any other occasion, Orihime would have tried to enjoy herself. Yet one way or another, she felt her interest slipping, too absorbed in her own thoughts. Self-deprecating, reflective and otherwise.

Tonight, she wasn't good at answering any of his questions. Not that they were particularly complex. Hardly. If anything, they were too basic—as if he was still gauging whether to throw in the good bait or not. She tried her best to nibble, but somehow she kept daydreaming of a more familiar man. Kenpachi's presence like an etching in the back of her mind. She'd gotten used to his presence. His height. His candor. The smell of his cologne.

What would it be like to go on a date with him?

Orihime flushed.

This pub would be his kind of style too. He'd fit right in with his leather jacket against the dim lights and slick neon-noir signage. And although, he wasn't a stranger. He wasn't wholly transparent either. He encouraged a level of curiosity that others just didn't provide during her actual dates. An allure. After knowing him for some time now, he was grounding. And yet, he remained shrouded in mystery. Never overindulging any information, no matter how curious it made her. She imagined she could ask all the questions she'd wanted to and he'd be made to answer. All under the social auspices of going out on a date.

A personal, intimate, one-on-one.

Her eye's flickered to her date's hands.

They looked rough, but not as lean and precise as his…

Gosh, what was she doing? It was clear Kenpachi didn't want to have anything to do with her—why did her mind always go back to him?

"Hey."

Orihime blinked, glancing back at azure eyes.

"You going to finish that?" Grimmjow pointed to her last three slices of pizza.

"O-oh, of course! I'll take another slice. But you can finish the rest."

The woman sighed internally. She flunked this one. Big time.

By the time the end of the meal rolled around, her date took one last shot in the dark. His eyes were on her, roving across her body. "You should come by to my place."

Orihime didn't know whether to laugh bitterly or be relieved. He'd shown his true colours. Albeit she willfully ignored the signs.

"Uh, no thanks." Orihime smiled weakly. "But thanks for this. I enjoyed my time."

Her stiff response received an indifferent shrug.

"Suit yourself. "The blue-haired man pulled out a wad of cash. "Let's go Dutch then."

To be fair, she always felt that instinct. The one to think better of others.

"Sure."

As she walked to the nearest bus stop, Orihime sighed. The gust of autumn making her pull her coat tighter. Being alone and in the near dark added to her withdrawn mood.

She really was unlucky in love.

It wasn't her fault that she never had access to examples of healthy relationships growing up. Yes, she knew she was blessed with a beautiful body that most women envied. And sure, she wasn't a virgin anymore. But the fact didn't make her feel better.

If anything, the typically sublimated memories plagued her with a touch of melancholy and regret. She'd given up her virginity to some guy that in reality wasn't looking for a relationship. She'd been duped. And she hadn't had much experience under her belt since then.

Maybe she was terrible at seeing the signs. Or maybe she was too weak to truly fight for what she wanted.

Orihime sat alone by the bus stop bench, playing with the frays of her purse. Even after all these years, she knew that Uryu would jump at the chance to go out with her. But it wouldn't be right. She knew what she liked. No matter how much she tried, the overly-manicured types just didn't do it for her.

She bit her lip. Unfortunately, it didn't seem the kind she liked held any interest in her. The ones with the right touch of brashness and protectiveness in them.

Orihime's eyes widened.

Did this actually mean she liked Kenpachi in that way? This whole time?

She played with her hair slowly. Obviously, she gained some sort of a crush on the man. He was rugged and assured, a raw strength made obvious. And yet—while she wouldn't exactly describe him as sentimental—he had an emotionality that resonated. To-the-point and palpable. He was hard-working and cared about his daughter and his tightknit group. Not wanting of much else.

That in its own way was quite attractive to Orihime.

She didn't want of much either.

Although, Orihime was used to rejection—somehow, this one felt worse. A wholesale rejection of herself. It wasn't like she did anything to show her interest. She probably never would have. She'd simply been doing her job—and what she thought was making friends in the process.

Perhaps she'd come to enjoy their one on ones too much. Guiltily, Orihime did find some satisfaction with being the only women he frequently spoke to. And even she couldn't deny the stray thoughts that started to enter her mind after her convocation ceremony. The man was a specimen to look at. A chiseled jaw and bronzed skin. His deep chuckle or occasional smirk, somehow sending a shiver in her spine. The whiff of musk in the air. His presence made her realize how much she ached to be touched—in the way a woman desired. Sexually. Shamefully, even the thought of his hands excited her.

Orihime sighed once more, pulling out her cellphone to scroll down to her messages with Kenpachi. The last one had been so many months ago. What could she say that wouldn't be too out of bounds or out of the blue?

Nothing.

She still had no idea what she'd done wrong. And if she attempted anything, she'd only sound needy.

He probably never looked at her as a woman in that way.

---

XVI.

Everyone has a tipping point.

Another crack in the tiles from Tatsuki's was hers.

For the past week and after much reflection, Orihime had come to a conclusion. Kenpachi had done her wrong. A flip had switched and she'd been so riled up about the fact: she deserved to have an explanation. She did do a great job didn't she? She was owed details if there was something wrong regarding her services.—especially if this was going to be her field of business in the long run.

Orihime needed constructive criticism. Even if it was bad, she'd rather have the feedback. That'd make her satisfied enough.

The fallen tiles in the tub had sparked an idea.

"I can fix your showerhead sometime. It's probably an easy fix."

Well, not an idea. More like a memory.

They still hadn't fixed the showerhead and Kenpachi had offered to repair it. She knew him to be a man of his word. The ask would be the perfect way to text him again without sounding too personal. Stuff like this was his domain, his line of business.

He'd come here. And then she'd tell him what was on her mind.

For a couple of hours, Orihime mulled before mustering the courage to click away on her cell. It'd taken her 20 minutes just to edit and reread the message over and over before sending.

[Orihime: 1:15pm—Hey Kenpachi. How are you? Anyways—sorry to be a bother—but remember when I mentioned the whole situation about our showerhead needing to be fixed? The problem has gotten a bit bigger with some broken tiles. I wasn't sure who else to call. Would it be possible for you to come take a look at it? Saturday, next week works best as I'll be home. If not, we can figure out another date. Thanks. ]

Hours had passed. Orihime unsure if she should feel dismay at the lack of reply. Obviously, she knew to give it a couple of days, but the waiting was making her feel obsessive. Maybe he wouldn't respond at all.

Gosh, did she really subject herself to feeling even worse than she already did?

When it was nearly time for Orihime to go to bed, her phone jolted. She yelped at the loud vibration, rushing through her nightly routine of toner and night cream, before checking her notifications.

[Kenpachi Zaraki: 11:43pm—Hey. Saturday works fine. What time? ]

Orihime chided herself, her heart fluttering. Of course, he didn't respond sooner—he must have been swamped with work. It was still early in the workweek after all. And obviously in her frantic drafting she'd forgotten to stipulate the time!

[Orihime: 11:45pm—3pm works, if that's okay? ]

She redacted saying that she'd really appreciate it.

[Kenpachi Zaraki: 11:47pm—Works. See you then. ]

Orihime exhaled.

It actually worked.

As the days passed, the more anxious Orihime started to feel. Her heart beating non-stop at the prospect of Kenpachi entering and being in her home for the first time. Let alone the fact, it'd been so long since she'd seen him, period. She cleaned excessively, while also hiding Tatsuki's stray gym equipment from all the corners of their apartment. Her friend, ever the clutter-bug.

She didn't tell Tatsuki about Kenpachi coming over—as she already knew she'd make a big stink out of it. It was why Orihime picked out the Saturday to begin with. Not only did Tatsuki have her gym session and some coaching lessons, but as a mentor for a gaggle of teenagers into MMA, they were about to enter their first tournament of the year. Tatsuki would likely be gone for the whole day.

After cleaning the place five times over. Orihime mulled over what to wear. It was the stupidest of ideas to entertain, but she didn't want to look like a terrible hostess in her own home. Or so she lamely insisted. In her bedroom, the woman fussed over her potential choice of earrings and hairstyles, selecting something that'd suit her form-fitting wrap dress. Of course, without looking like she was trying too hard.

But after going over which tube of lip-gloss to use for the upcoming weekend, it was foolish not to admit it. She wanted to look good to him. Something attractive…

Her heart quivered, thinking about what it would be like for him to be here. Just the two of them. Alone. She shook her head. It wasn't like anything was going to happen. She'd just get her answers.

She played with the bracelet in her jewelry box.

This was just for answers and a fixed bathroom.

Right?

---

XVII.

He'd seen the text the moment his phone chimed.

The whole thing set his entire mood off. The conundrum making him work slower than usual, referring back to his cell every couple of hours. No one really knew what put on his disgruntled attitude.

That woman.

Kenpachi had half a mind to leave her on read forever. But even he knew that Orihime didn't deserve that. Not after everything she'd done for him. She'd always been solid.

With enough men working for him, he could easily send someone to check on this obviously small job. But that didn't sit right. The weird flash of irritation he felt from even thinking of the idea, set him off.

No, it had to be him.

He'd be quick. In and out. Either way, he was the one who offered.

Maybe seeing her in person once more would destroy any weird romanticization he had of her in his mind. Although, Kenpachi doubted it. There was something tactile about the woman. Seeing her again would be a test of restraint. Not that he foresaw anything but a simple fixer-upper, but who knew. She was a talkative one after all.

So by the end of the day, he responded back. And now it was just the waiting game.

Fortunately or unfortunately, he kept himself occupied. Too busy to really process the upcoming endeavour. Let alone the fact that it'd be on a Saturday.

With the new changes to his company, he typically had more time on his hands. Kenpachi liked to use the extra time to sleep and spend quality time with Yachiru. But this particular week had been very grueling. Between driving out of town to check on his subcontractors and their progress, and heading back into the city to work on other assignments (while buying new materials), he lacked in the free-time department. At one point, Yumichika took residence in his place for a couple of days, just to make sure an adult was home before Yachiru headed out. Kenpachi fuckin' hated having to be an early-early bird. Of all the things.

In some ways, Saturday couldn't have come sooner.

That was, until he remembered what he signed himself up for. He'd forgotten to tell Yumichika he needed someone to look after Yachiru later today. And so Kenpachi dialed him.

"Hey Kenpachi." Just from Yumichika's tone, the man sounded as if he knew what Kenpachi wanted to ask right off the bat. "What's up?"

"Hey. You got time to spend with Yachiru? Around 2:30pm? Some work just came up."

"Ooo, Kenpachi workin' on a Saturday. Money must be good." Yumichika teased, before souring his voice. "But for the record, no. Got a roofing gig while the weather's still good. Can't believe winters already around the corner, I still have so many new outfits in my closet."

"Don't jinx it." Kenpachi huffed, autumn was barely an autumn so he'd rather saviour it. "Anyways, I'll call Ikakku."

"He should be around."

It turned out Ikkaku did have some time. The man, more than willing to come over for a couple of hours. Kenpachi didn't know how long he'd be, figured it wouldn't be long. He mostly had to assess the damage first anyways.

With everything settled, Kenpachi picked up one of his tool boxes and a few other stray items that he figured he might use. Plumbing wasn't exactly his usual, but he was a jack of all trades. Once in his Chevy, Kenpachi sped off. He recalled the directions to Orihime's home, eliciting an image of the woman in the shotgun of his car. Now it remained empty. The leather nearly missing the imprint of her body and the scent of her.

No.

Kenpachi would deal with this like it was any other job. He had no curiosity to see how Orihime was holding up or how she was doing. Of course not.

Heck, if this so called roommate of hers was around then maybe their discomfort would be payment enough for him. He smirked to himself.

When he reached, Kenpachi skimmed the numbers, pressing the buzzer at the front of the building. He never liked apartments. They weren't designed for strays like him. Soon a tentative, breathy voice came through the intercom static. It'd been a long time since he'd heard it.

"Hello?"

"Hey." The baritone of his was enough of an introduction.

"Kenpachi, thanks for coming. Please come in."

He ignored the way she said his name.

In her apartment, Orihime fussed. After patiently waiting around, she hadn't known what to do with herself—deciding to cook a late lunch (or was it early dinner), to pass the time. The light notes of baked chicken and oregano rice providing a pleasant aroma from the kitchen.

When the knock resonated, Orihime quickly opened the door. The bold figure she'd come to think about much too often standing tall at the front of her apartment. Even though the cool of autumn was starting to seep through, he hadn't even bothered to wear a jacket. Just a simple plain white T-shirt and blue jeans.

"Hey Kenpachi! It's been a long time! Come in. Sorry, if this was an inconvenience."

Her voice trailed off.

As usual, she couldn't read the emotions on his face. His eyes in their dull yet ironically intense directness, acknowledging hers. Her throat hitched, stepping aside for him. Even though she had looming questions, she hoped he didn't begrudge her for bringing him around. She smiled apprehensively while Kenpachi scanned the apartment.

Huh, so this was where she lived.

The living room felt cramped yet neatly designed by a lady's hand. Between the lime green, the yellows, and accents of teal, the pops of colour brightened the ambiance. Had it not been so dynamic, the space would have felt oppressive. The windows were clearly lacking.

"Nice place."

Clearly, that was the most banal thing to have said. Orihime knew him better, knew it was just a nothing-sandwich of a comment. Not that it seemed to bother her.

With the way Orihime looked up at him, Kenpachi felt a wave of déjà vu. Her presence like a salve and a tearing. She looked the same as ever. Fucking gorgeous. Her hair like the warm sun. Her lips glossy and full. Orihime shifted with a polite smile. The chime of her earrings—which suddenly peeked through her hair—clinking. "Thanks. The bathroom's this way. You can take off your shoes."

Right, straight to business.

Kenpachi shuffled his shoes off, following Orihime while bringing his tool box. The trail of her back fluttered like a powdery butterfly. He snuck another glance. The dress suited her.

Orihime flicked the light, giving him a wide berth to enter the bathroom. She stood just outside its entrance while he assessed the damage. Some new dust and chips laid themselves at the floor of the tub. Kenpachi stepped into shower, inspecting the tiled wall and broken showerhead.

"Neither of you have turned on the showerhead since it's been damaged?"

"No. We've just been bathing."

"And yet still your roommate still manages to break off the tiles all the way up here." He grunted sarcastically. "Strong high kicks for a bather."

Orihime couldn't help but chuckle apologetically. "You know athletes. They always have their morning rituals and funny superstitions."

"Excuses." He shook his head. "Well, the good news is—if you've only been using the lower faucet—then you don't have to worry about possible water damage."

"Wouldn't have been a problem with just the broken shower, but now that we need to replace the tiles, the wall is exposed. Be extra careful with water." He added. "In the meantime, I'll disassemble the fixture."

Orihime nodded intently. The first step made sense. "Right. And what's next after that?"

"I'll have to remove the broken tiles and grout." He replied, a quick diagnosis. "Then I'll have to come another time to reset the new tiles. I brought some commercial tiles with me, but just looking at the dimensions now, they won't work. Bit too big. I'll grab some smaller ones at Home Depot and get them ready for trimmings. Installing a new showerhead would be the last part. "

So he'd have to come back either way.

Her heart fluttered.

"Well if there's anything you need from me, let me know." Orihime said, watching him as he went straight to work unscrewing the pipes. Here they were alone. It'd been so long. His rugged back arched between collecting the pieces and placing them near the bathroom counter. His bronzed hands, expansive and precise. What had he been up to these days? Still working hard with the way his brows slouched.

As she watched him, Orihime realized that springing her questions now would feel too forced. She missed this, the times when they'd actually share in each other's presence. Only now it wasn't exactly after a hard day's work.

"Tatsuki's not here by the way." Orihime blurted before she could stop herself. What was the point of saying that? So awkward! She felt embarrassed, reproving herself. There was no need to tell him that they were alone. That was obvious enough.

Seconds passed before he commented.

"Probably a good thing. She'd be a nuisance. Kicking and screaming."

Orihime couldn't help but laugh. "She's not that bad! She's got a great taste in kung-fu films, you know."

"That won't win any brownie points with me."

She pouted before shrugging. His loss.

When Kenpachi finally disassembled the shower, he went to open his tool box, pulling out a drill, a hammer, and a chisel. From the corner of his eye, he could see Orihime's figure hovering just beyond the bathroom. Her feminine presence, keen to watch him.

None of what he was doing was particularly interesting by any means. Not that Kenpachi minded really. But he hated the guilt assuaging his conscious for essentially leaving her high and dry. She must have missed Yachiru and wondered about how she was doing. How she was doing with school in her new grade.

"Yachiru's doing well. Can't do her maths for shit, but loves P.E. and art. Whatever she can do to get her hands messy."

That seemed to revitalize her, Orihime's shoulders lifting in relief. "That's so good to hear. Grade One is a big transition from indergarten. Hopefully, she hasn't gotten into any trouble just yet."

Heh, she made it sound like a given.

She added. "She's a great girl. You must be so proud."

Kenpachi could only nod. He wasn't about to get into his own sentimentalism. At least, no open admissions on his part. What he thought was obvious enough. His girl was with him. He diverted. "Ikakku and Yumichika are the same as ever. They work for me now."

"Wow." Through that one word, her voice seemed to insinuate that a lot had changed in the span of time since he'd seen her. "I think I remember you saying that they used to work for you in the past."

"Briefly. It was good money. We worked like a well-oiled machine. Still do."

"I can imagine. You've known them for a long time."

Kenpachi turned to her, taking in her attachment to them. The figures in his life. "Yachiru misses you, you know."

"Oh." There was a pause before Orihime's admission as if she wasn't sure of what she'd just heard, but rejoicing nonetheless. "I'm glad. I miss her too…"

Despite her heartfelt remark, he could see it. Beyond the veneer of respectability and care that Orihime had, something she wanted to say lurked behind her thoughts. But she had enough foresight to refrain.

A tense caesura rippled through the air.

Kenpachi lifted the drill, changing the bit. "It's going to get a bit noisy here. Not sure if you have anything else to do..."

Orihime nodded hurriedly, taking her cue. Obviously, they wouldn't be able to talk through the loud cuts of an electrical tool. "Of course! Let me know when you're done."

With that note, Orihime went into the kitchen looking over the meal she had rested over the stove. She only had a couple of last touches before everything would be done. A thick slice of butter carefully stirred into the lightly-spiced rice.

Minutes passed while she busied herself. The sounds of whizzing metal in her ears. And after, a series of bangs. Must have been the hammer and chisel.

By the time, Kenpachi finished, she could already hear his footfalls in the living room. She darted over to him, noticing he held a plastic bag in one hand. He passed it over to her, running his fingers through his hair.

"Just the tiles. Throw them out when you can."

Orihime tentatively put the bag aside, the odd atmosphere between them still present. She wanted to say something, anything to ease them into more conversation. For some reason, she thought their encounter would be so much better in her mind. But before she could get a word out, Kenpachi spoke.

"I'll be back next week. Any particular day works for you?"

She fumbled, watching the man casually go back into the bathroom to pick up his things and making his exit. It wasn't supposed to be like this.

"No, you can't head out just yet." Orihime interjected dubiously, her voice becoming stronger as she went on. "I just finished making some food. Have some."

Kenpachi stared back at her. This was an odd time of day to be making food so early. He'd smelt the aroma when he first came in, but he hadn't thought much of it at the time. She was probably cooking for herself and her roommate.

"It's already been an hour. You can have early dinner, I'm sure. Tatsuki isn't going to be back for a while. It's a bit of a shame to make such nice food and have to set it into the fridge right away. Everything tastes better when it's fresh."

One thing, Kenpachi could admit was that—notwithstanding grilling ribs and steaks on the barbeque—he was no chef. Aside from Yumichika, who used the kitchen whenever he had the chance (it really was a top-notch kitchen for house standards), Kenpachi's skills were close to null. Everything he threw onto the table, were either microwavables, take-out, or straight from the can after a spritz of pepper and heat on the stove. Chances were Ikkaku would already be ordering something for Yachiru, and begrudgingly a pit inside of him knew that Orihime's food would be succulent. Just from the smells alone.

It was also somewhat amusing to see Orihime fret to have him stay. Ever the host.

"It's 4pm. Tatsuki is coaching for an MMA competition, so she's probably not coming back until midnight."

So Orihime must have been bored and cooked to pass the time, huh?

"Fine." He wouldn't tell her that he was a bit sick of take-out at the moment.

She beamed into a hasty smile. "Sorry, the place is a bit small. The dining room's right in the kitchen area. I'll just set up for the two of us."

He grunted, thankful that she at least had to sense to pass him a bottle of Heineken as he sat down. Kenpachi accidentally reached for the drink too quickly, a swift brush against her soft skin. He pretended not to notice. The moment gone and instantaneous.

With his back now to her, Orihime pulled out two plates and matching cutlery, rambling again. She watched as Kenpachi took a quick drag, his masculine presence so much more poignant now that he agreed to stay. "So how's work been? Must be a lot nicer working with Ikkaku and Yumi."

He answered in a shrug. "Things have been fine. Busier. Hired a few more guys to do subcontracting with me."

Orihime frowned. Busier didn't seem better given how much she knew he already worked himself to the bone. But telling him to work less wasn't constructive. Not for a man like Kenpachi. She scooped the oregano rice filled with sautéed onions, carrots and peas onto the plates.

She glanced at him again, the man taking another swig. His wide shoulders and joints looked stiff and rough, hardened knots in-between defined yet over-wrought muscle. Sympathetically, she wondered if anyone had ever given him relief from the discomfort in the last few years since he started working back in the city. He must have been caked with them.

Before she could stop herself, Orihime tentatively walked behind him. She brushed his full locks to one side, pinching the sides of his strong neck with the soft yet focused ministrations of her fingertips. She knew that a firm hand was best when giving proper respite. Her right hand moving in calm circular motions, the other resting on his shoulder.

In an instant, Kenpachi turned, grabbing her wrist with a force. He glared, his eyes piercing, words edged. "What are you doing?"

Orihime squeaked with reddened cheeks, realizing at how stupid she was being. She transgressed his boundaries without even asking if he liked to be touched. "I-I saw you had some pretty bad knots. I was trying to release them."

Kenpachi continued to stare at her. Her touch had been unexpected. The hug she had given him that one time was one thing. But this was another…

She was bold to do what she'd done.

Kenpachi scrutinized her for a moment. Orihime wasn't being dishonest, her fluttering lashes going from his face to his hand which gripped at her. Her bright eyes and full lips hung open, hesitant with an inhale.

He could easily puncture her skin if he so chose.

Yes.

Her soft, womanly skin.

"Fine." He bit out with harshly. But he didn't turn.

If Kenpachi had any strength left in him to be restrained, he tried. And yet, there she was. Suddenly close. Nearer and more intimate than she should have been. From this angle, the locks of her hair cascaded with the pleasant smell of coconut and argan shampoo. The form-fitting nature of her dress and the appeal of her womanly body, more seductive than anything else. All the thoughts he'd had of her until this point came crashing down. The dreams, the sleepless nights, the expectation and dismay that came with her no longer welcoming him home.

The craving.

He pulled her in, a hair's breadth closer. His chair turning wider.

"Kenpachi?" She breathed shakily.

At this rate, Orihime would lose her balance unless if she sat on his lap. Heat flushed across her face, as she tottered uncertainly. Her heart beating as her legs instinctively wrapped around on either side of him. To her, it was a graceless thump. But that didn't register compared to the shock of Kenpachi's swift hand pulling her into a harsh kiss, while the other grasped her back. Lean fingers through her velvety-silk hair.

Once she realized what was happening, Orihime nearly gasped in disbelief, her delicate hands wrapping around his neck. Soon she succumbed, returning his kiss with vigor. With such a sensory overload, she couldn't help but close her eyes. To feel everything. From the herculean firmness of his chest against hers, to her hips around his pelvis, the way his sturdy hand sat just above her buttocks. And of course, the pillowing of his rough lips. It took everything in her not to let out a moan, a proclamation of catharsis, her mind ablaze with so many thoughts. How long had it been since a man held her this, to feel wanted sexually, and to be touched. She wondered, how it would feel to finally shed away her clothes with abandon.

Orihime sighed into Kenpachi, leaning into him and swiping her tongue against his own maw. Suddenly, he ripped away from her. The movement, jarring. Had she done something wrong? His dark eyes furrowed into hers before looking away. His hand in her hair now fisted. She could see his teeth grinding with the way his jaw inset against itself.

"We shouldn't be doing this."

In an uncharacteristic moment of clarity, Kenpachi fought against himself. This woman was everything he wasn't. She was too good. Too pure. Much too young for an old dog like him. She certainly deserved better. Or at least, an equal partner. One who'd take her out, treat her well, and at least be a man about it.

He was meant for marginality. Not a woman who had too much at stake for herself.

"I shouldn't be doing this." He let out roughly.

Orihime gulped, trying her best not to feel wilted. She stared back at him to judge his veracity. There in the corner, she could see. He was withholding. A hidden cloud of want, desire, anger and conflict storming beneath the surface. On occasion, she'd thought she'd seen the flicker of it during their past encounters before shelving the impossibility away. But now, the barely-restrained yet wild look in his eyes confirmed it. She hesitantly played with the fringe of his T-shirts' collar.

"But there's something between us isn't there? I can see it." Orihime breathed out, keeping eye contact. Even though she was a traditional woman, she knew that if they continued, they would pass another threshold. It would be inevitable. And deep-down she loved the sound of it. "I want you inside of me."

Kenpachi's grip tightened painfully. Ideally, that admission was everything he wanted to hear. What the fuck was wrong with him?

"Orihime."

She perked at the sound of her name. It was odd and illuminating, hearing it from his lips.

"Are you sure?"

Orihime traced the indent of his clavicle, breaking into a smile. "Of course."

He could see, her amber eyes were certain. And thus, ferociously tempting.

With a gluttonous grin, he kicked away another chair, placing the beer bottle on its surface haphazardly, and crashing her onto the table. His mouth and body upon her in seconds. She gasped as he pried her mouth open, searching through her sweet cavern, finding her wet tongue. She moaned loudly into his mouth. The sound as delicious as he had imagined. Orihime felt the pull of his coarse hands on her bare milky thick thighs, pushing her dress higher. The feel of his touch and their tongues battling against each other, burning sensuous and electric.

One kiss meshed into another and another, her touch causing him to shiver in torturous agitation. Her hands were all over him, running down his neck, chest and upper back. Their height difference was a bit of cumbrance, though it didn't stop her from accidentally pushing her hips into him.

He growled, a harsh hand squeezing her breast. "Fuck, woman."

Orihime was being a tease.

Kenpachi grabbed a handful of her ass, pulling her knees and mouth-watering body into his. He grinded his hips against her as she gasped, her arms leaning on the tables surface for stability. He was already hard. Orihime bit her bruised and rosy lips. From the silhouette of his jeans, she could tell he was well-endowed.

Very, very well-endowed.

"You haven't seen anything yet." He chuckled, her flushed face becoming even redder if that were possible.

Her lips careened into a large 'o' as he moved quickly, kissing her neck, his tongue lapping and sucking onto her sweet skin. While he wasn't a man of foreplay, he wouldn't take her just yet. It'd been too long and he wanted to see all of her—the flesh he craved to conquer and make his own. He'd seen the way other men gawked at her, looked at her with lustful desire. Kenpachi wanted to make his mark, engrave her with his scent. Fuck it if he was possessive and territorial. He could act on it now.

And he'd make sure she'd fucking feel it.

"Clothes off." Kenpachi rasped. "Let me see."

Reflexively, Orihime pulled her shoulder straps closer. He wouldn't lie, even though Kenpachi didn't expect it of himself and knowing is usual type, it was appealing how innocent she still was. For a moment, he grumbled at the thought of who else she'd slept with before tossing the non-issue aside.

For her part, it'd been such a long time that Orihime couldn't help herself—her repressed desires often conflicting with her own experience. Though, as she looked at the mass of the man that was Kenpachi, she wondered about the rest of him. Of his bronzed skin and the scars she'd seen peeking through his clothes.

If he wanted to see her, than she equally wanted to. She licked her lips. "Not until you take that shirt off."

That was enough for him, Kenpachi nearly ripping the fabric off. Orihime thirstily observed the man as he leaned into her. His muscular body was impressive. He was more fit than some of the guys her age. He stood rugged, yet sculpted. And as she thought, his skin was a canvas filled with scars, grooves she could touch. A particularly long one from his collarbone through his chest. Another deep gash on his stomach. It looked nearly indented.

As promised, Orihime swallowed, taking off her dress, unclipping her bra as Kenpachi eagerly drank her in. Her white panties, the only thing she left behind. With the way she couldn't keep eye contact, he could tell she felt exposed, if not a bit insecure.

Which was crazy because she was a goddess.

"Fuckin' hell woman." He breathed. She was a sight. Her curvaceous thighs, pleasing. Thick enough to grab at and have some more. Her creamy skin and the color of her pink nipples stood delicious and enticing. Eagerly, he gripped a handful of her large breasts, kneading them as she trembled.

He chuckled, coyly playing with her. So soft to the touch. "These fit perfectly in my hands."

Orihime shivered, knowing that she uncovered this side of Kenpachi. It was exhilarating. "I often thought that they would."

"So you've pictured us like this, huh?"

It was less of a question and more of a self-satisfied ego stroke.

She gasped as Kenpachi pinched her nipples, while consuming the other morsel into his mouth. Between his wet tongue circling each, the playful flicks that made her shiver from the suddenly cool air and his teasing bites, it was hard for Orihime to keep steady. She moaned, wanting to lean into his mouth, her fingers latching around his head.

"Yes." She nearly whimpered, saddled with a bleary ache that was hard for her to process. Even Kenpachi could see the state she was in. Her panties, already soaked and wanting.

Suddenly, Kenpachi stood, abruptly carrying her in his arms.

"Your room. I want to taste you."

Tingles of pleasure rocked Orihime at the sound of it, her lower regions pulsating just at the thought.

"Right across from the bathroom." She whispered, trailing her hands across his shoulders, placing indulgent kisses on his skin. He made a beeline towards his goal, kicking open her door and setting her onto the bed. Determined, Kenpachi made short work of pulling her knees wide open. Her sex, clearly aroused. He pushed his finger across the surface of her panties as she jolted. She hadn't been touched there in so long, it was nearly shocking. The sight of his fingers near her entrance thrilled her. Shamelessly Orihime remembered some of her other dirty thoughts.

"You know…"

Her soft curves molded against his jagged body, a gloss of perspiration like dew shimmering over her. He seemed to like it when she opened up the first time. She whimpered with each teasing trace of his fingers against the covered folds of her. "I've always thought your hands were perfect for fingering me…"

With that, Orihime pulled her panties down, opening her lips apart for him to see just how wet she was. She could let go now. Indulge in the way she'd wanted to for so long. To be as a woman. Kenpachi wouldn't be disgusted with her. It was liberating.

He grinned. This woman was more than he could have asked for, her sex brimming with a desire for pleasure and for him. "We can do something about that."

Unfortunately, her bed was a shade too small compared to Kenpachi's behemoth frame, Orihime yelping as he pulled her legs down before going down on her. His grin disappearing into the crevice in-between her juicy thighs. Greedily, he lapped at her juices, savouring the delectable taste of her. She tasted sweet, briny and so good, he could go on forever. A long digit and then another roughly sliding inside of her. That alone caused Orihime to let out a tangled moan, rocking her hips in response. Her fingers in-between his tousled hair, held him down. Encouraged by her excitement, he pushed and curled his fingers along with her motions. His tongue eventually flicking the sensitive bud of her clit, causing her to let out a high-pitched moan while grinding against his face. He kept going at a faster pace, fingers in and out, in and out, before pushing his body above hers with a forceful kiss. His chest slamming into her own flesh.

Orihime responded to him immediately, eagerly tasting herself on his tongue. She yelped in surprise, realizing that he was sticking in a third finger inside of her, before moaning again as he kept going. She looked at him in a hurried daze, desperately holding onto the sheets.

His fingers kept plunging into her. At this rate, she'd cum. "Kenpachi, I—"

And then as he thumbed her clit, Orihime shook, her legs trembling uncontrollably as she released. Orihime moaned loudly, tilting into the pillows, euphoria and bliss washing over her. Her orgasm went on. She could barely think. It felt so good.

It took her minutes, which at the same time felt like seconds as Orihime came to, her hair damply caressing over her skin. Through deep breathes, she looked back at Kenpachi. A lost yet passionate daze in her eyes. She'd just had the best orgasm of her life.

Kenpachi smirked, tasting her against his fingers before leaning upwards to unbutton his jeans. The torturous pressure was too much and he had to have her now.

"I'm not done with you."

In her bleary state, Orihime's eyes trailed over Kenpachi undressing, another deep scar on his thigh before seeing the massive shape of his cock and swallowed. She wondered if he could fit inside of her. His manhood stood proud, throbbing and so large.

Not only did it have length. But it had girth.

Orihime gasped as he rubbed the thick head of him against her entrance. She'd only just received pleasure and now she was to have something else. An anticipating gleam shone in his eyes as Kenpachi entered her slowly, Orihime struggling to wrap her arms around him, as shoved the rest of cock inside of her. She let out a pained whine as he gritted his teeth.

God damn, was she tight.

And did it ever feel good.

He paused for a second to let her adjust, but not for long. He couldn't resist. Kenpachi bucked his hips into her. Her juicy core, delicious and unbelievably tight as she was forced to swallow him whole. There was something so hot about the mangled sounds Orihime made, the sore cries transforming into pleasurable screams. He gripped her hips in place as he thrusted in and out, her arms desperately clawing his back.

"Fuck, you're so tight." He groaned bluntly. He twisted her hips at a higher angle before shoving himself inside of her again, ploughing her. Orihime let out high-pitched sounds, the pleasure mounting again as she unintentionally scratched his shoulders. She could barely think. She could barely breathe. Who knew sex could feel this good. From this new angle, she could see the white creamy swaths of their juices against the contrasting colour of his large, dark manhood. She wanted more.

Orihime pulled him into another kiss as he went on pounding into her. He enjoyed watching her enjoy herself, her breasts moving in tune with his movements. The friction wonderful.

"Tell me. Does it feel, Orihime?" He growled.

Breathless and needy, Orihime could only respond in desperate agreements between shoves. Her body soaking in sweat. "Oh—it feels so good—You're so big—You feel so good."

"You want more?"

"Yes. More. More, please."

And as if he could surprise her anymore, Kenpachi pulled her legs up over his shoulders, penetrating her deeper. Orihime got lost in the change of rhythm, his immense size, and the dizzying feeling of ecstasy. She lost her ability to speak as he pumped into her, her eyes nearly rolling back. Her cries echoed louder and louder with each delightful shove. It turned her on even more to know that he was clearly enjoying himself using her body, her pussy wrapping tighter and tighter around his cock. She wanted him to cum inside of her. She screamed and begged him to. He had groaned loud, nearly in a roar.

As if on cue, Orihime climaxed. The pleasure so blinding, she gathered that he must have done the same, his body collapsing over hers. She clasped onto him, taking deep breaths in unison, staying in place. Eventually, she allowed him to roll over beside her. The creamy excess of his cum dribbling out of her. Orihime still felt like she was in a dream. Who knew that sex could feel this amazing? And she came twice!

Orihime turned, nuzzling into Kenpachi's chest, feeling the air slowly rise out of each other, smelling the sharp spice and dominant smell of him on his skin. With his arm wrapped around her, her eyelids fluttered, a finger tracing the haggard scar on his chest, just above his nipples. Whatever her ministrations were doing, Kenpachi pulled her in for another hungry kiss, which she returned in kind lovingly. Their kiss was wet and wanting. A magnet that just couldn't have enough. What came next stopped them both in their tracks.

"Stay with me."

Kenpachi instantly froze, Orihime doing much the same. Clearly, she was questioning what she'd heard. He would have himself, if it wasn't so obvious that he had unconsciously spilled it out. Kenpachi huffed. There must have been a reason why he said it. No use in crying over spilt milk.

He elaborated. "No need for you to waste any more money here. I've got a couple of extra rooms. Stay. That way you can actually save up for your business."

Orihime blinked uncertainly. While it was true—and a part of her was ecstatic at the thought and what he was getting at—she had a lot ahead of her. This felt like doing everything backwards.

"I still have my lease until June of next year. I'll stay here until then." She answered slowly, watching her words. "In the meantime, I'd like for us to setup some times on the weekends."

He looked back at her blankly as she licked her lips, shyly looking down to clarify. "For dates. Just the two of us…"

Somehow, she found herself blushing again. As if they hadn't just done what they just did! And yes, it was true. This was great and all—more than great really. But she wanted time with him. She knew for a man like him with so many obligations, this was the best way to phrase it. Sure, not only did she want to be a part of his life, but moreover she wanted to get to know him. Kenpachi, the man underneath all the toil and standoff detachment.

Kenpachi raised an eyebrow, before breaking out into a pleased smirk. That sounded like a perfect proposition. Letting her stay right away was way too fast anyways. Not to mention, when it would eventually happen, he'd want her in his room either way. In passing he thought, it felt suitable and good to have another piece of his life in a somewhat predictable fashion. He gripped her ass playfully. "Sounds perfectly fine to me."

Orihime yelped, jokingly swatting his hand away as they continued to rest against one another. It occurred to Orihime that the underlying tension between them must have been the reason for Kenpachi's distancing himself and the silence in-between. He must have felt conflicted, being attracted to his daughter's care worker after all. It was good that everything happened the way it did. This way she didn't need to worry about working for him. No need to have a weird, imbalanced relationship. She traced the contours of him fleetingly.

"What's this from?" She breathed out.

"What?" Kenpachi grunted, leaning slightly to see which scar she was pointing at. The gouge right above his abdomen. The darkened spot felt smooth yet thick beneath her touch. Almost rubbery. "Oh that. Something I got into up North. Got a broken beer bottle pushed in there. Took a chunk right out."

Orihime could tell even with the details, he was being deliberately obtuse. Her hand hovered to another, the long one on his chest. Parts of the mark were more faded on either points. "And this?"

"…Just some fight with the gang I was in."

Orihime withdrew to simply rest her arms around him. That was enough for now. Even when she first saw Kenpachi walk into the daycare where she worked—those couple of years ago—she knew there was a lot more to him than just his rough veneer. Other memories hardened by pain and experience. She didn't need to transgress those limits now. Not when she was enjoying her time with him. Not to mention, enjoying the pleasure she had just received from more experienced hands.

"Care to eat?"

At this Kenpachi perked, a toothy grin. "Food's always the right choice after some good sex. With an equally sexy woman."

Orihime blushed. With the way he was looking at her, she could tell he'd want seconds of her soon. She flittered out of the room. "I'll get everything set up then."

And she was right. By the time they had their meal, sunset was already upon them. They talked, Kenpachi quick to keep touching her whenever he had the chance, and eventually having sex once. Then twice more. Doggy-style. And then spooning side sex. By some miracle, he even made her squirt. Orihime had no idea her body could do that! She mulled. Starting from now she'd have to figure out the best way not to get sheets so messy.

Regardless, when it was time for Kenpachi to leave, Orihime almost wished he could stay. She gravitated towards him. The pair now equally dressed. Though her hair shone brightly and was wildly dishevelled.

He turned to her after grabbing his keys. It sounded more like a question. "I'll see you soon then."

Orihime's eyes glimmered. "Yes."

"I'll text you."

Truthfully, Orihime wanted to see him before the weekend. Maybe she could set aside some time to see him after her shift from work. Or maybe they could have a quick meet-up during lunch break. Either way, they'd figure it out.

"Huh. What's this?" Kenpachi commented, holding a ripped piece of paper from the entryway table. He paused before bursting out in laughter. "Oh, you're going to like this."

"What?" Orihime asked, taking the note from of out his hands. She blushed, mortified with a debilitating squeak. "Tatsuki was here?!"

On the paper, a quickly scribbled sharpie wrote: "Hey Orihime, My, did I walk in on something! Glad to know that the apps have been working! Second base, wooh! You're going to have to tell me all about this guy, I'm sure he's great. PS – Don't worry, I'm off to Chad's. Enjoy your night. ;)"

"Oh, she's going to hate me even more." Kenpachi chortled.

---

The End.

A/N: Thanks for reading everyone! This was a lot of fun to write! I'd love to write more KenHime or just Orihime-centred fics when I have the chance. Lol, I just imagine Ikkaku finding out that Kenpachi and Orihime have hooked up and starts mistakeningly thinking that Kenpachi was the dude Orihime was talking about this whole time when she said that there's someone else. Like shit, I almost hit on my bro's gal. XD