Bleach Fan Fiction ❯ Drawn to the Rhythm (The Easiest Thing ) ❯ Chapter 12 ( Chapter 12 )

Disclaimer

I don't own Bleach and I am not making any money off of it. Some other lucky bastard is!

 

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Author's Note(s)

It's really bad to tape up your Zanpakto to restrain it as punishment for bad behavior. I've heard they get pretty pissed off if you do that.

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Chapter Edit History

3/11/2008 Minor grammar and spelling corrections, nothing important

I'm working on getting some betas. Damn hard to find betas for long IshiHime original dramas.

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Chapter Summary

This is the morning after Orihime finally convinces Uryuu to `give it up.' Tatsuki and Shiori show up at the IshiHime household, unannounced, to drop off some food and get everything planned for the day of moving. Uryuu and Shiori come to an understanding, and Orihime helps Tatsuki figure a few things out.

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CHAPTER 12

 

Tatsuki yawned deeply while she banged her head lightly against the car window. “Mom, why do we have to do this so early? I'm too tired to move Orihime's stuff.”

 

 

A hidden grin crossed the girl's face as she fondly recalled just exactly who was responsible for her lack of sleep and why. `I'll have to find something else to fess-up about. Fess-up sex with Chizzy is incredible!' She closed her eyes and almost instantly the relaxing vibrations of the car lulled Tatsuki off to a light sleep.

 

 

Shiori ignored her cranky daughter who'd never really been much of a morning person. `She'll be fine once she starts moving around.' She looked over at the sleeping girl and smiled. `She still whines just like she did when she was a little girl. Some things never change,' pangs of sadness darkened her bright morning, `and some things I'll never know.'

 

 

Arisawa Shiori had never been able to look at Tatsuki without thinking of Uryuu. The only thing she knew about her son was what others told her and the little she learned after spending just one night with him. She had determined that he was remarkably like his father. Uryuu was just as thick-headed, up tight, and serious. She could tell he was the closeted good guy type, the kind that would give the clothes off his back to a stranger in need but then coldly scoff at any thanks that might be awarded. And just like his father, he seemed to perpetually sport a scowl except when he was with the girl he loved. `Yup, just like Ken-kun!'

 

 

She was proud of her children, they were all very honorable, kind-hearted, compassionate, and caring, though they showed it in different ways. The twins were young but already they had grown into the kind of people that made the world a better place for everyone just by being themselves.

 

 

The elder woman pulled into a space near her son's apartment and parked the car. A strong feeling of pride, familial nostalgia, and maternal longing flooded her chest. She reached out to pet her daughter's head like she used to when she was a little girl. She was disappointed but not the least bit surprised when Tatsuki swatted her hand away.

 

 

“Mom! I was sleeping. And, stop trying to pet me; I'm not a dog you know.”

 

 

“Hmph!” Shiori scoffed as she undid her seat belt and got out of the car. “You know, I carried you around for nine months and spent two hellish days in labor giving birth to you and your brother. I put up with a lot of crap Tatsuki-chan, I'll pet you if I want to!”

 

 

As Tatsuki got out of the car she could have sworn she heard her mother mumble something about “ungrateful children” and “payback's a bitch.” `Oh no here it comes.' Tatsuki rolled her eyes; she knew this passive-aggressive maternal guilt-trip of a lecture well. She knew what was going to come out of her mother's mouth next.

 

The girl silently and in perfect sync with the older woman mockingly mouthed her mother's words.

 

“Just you wait Tatsuki-chan, when you have kids of your own you'll understand!” Shiori walked over to the other side of the car to help her daughter carry up the food she made for the day. As soon as Tatsuki's hands were full she ruffled her daughter's hair and gave her a quick kiss. She was proud of her sneaky tactics. “I love you Tatsuki-chan.”

 

 

Tatsuki sighed in defeat. “I love you too Mom, just don't pull that crap when we're around other people ok.” She gave her mother a warm smile. “Come on; let's go wake those two up. If I don't get to sleep in they shouldn't get to sleep in either.”

 

 

Tatsuki felt impish evil course through her veins. She knew just what to do to get back at her mother for making her get up so early and for her sneaky tactics at motherly doting. With her hands full Tatsuki continued on her way and passively shouted back to her mother, “gee I sure hope Orihime didn't convince Uryuu to have sex with her last night.”

 

 

“Yes!” She knew she hit center target when she heard three glass jars drop out of her mother's hands and shatter against the ground. “Paybacks a bitch Mom” the girl shouted back. Tatsuki put as much distance between her and her mother as she could and hauled ass to the door laughing the whole way. She was definitely wide awake now.

 

 

Shiori reconsidered her earlier loving endearments. `Grr… damn mischevious little smart-ass! You're defiantly my kid! I swear Tatsuki, you brat, when you have kids I'm going to feed them a ton of candy before sending them home to you!'

 

 

Shiori bent down to clean up the mess her problem-child of a daughter instigated. She was lost in thought. The thought of Uryuu and Orihime having sex really did bother her. Aside from the maternal turmoil of being forced to accept the fact that her kids were growing up it was only the threat of pregnancy or disease that scared Shiori. She didn't want them getting into trouble or potentially damaging their futures.

 

 

She just didn't want them to repeat the same mistakes she and Ryuuken had made. She was only 15 when she found out she was pregnant with Ryuu. She was grateful to have the support of both her family and his, especially since her Ken-kun is 5 years older. Had their families been opposed to their relationship he could have been arrested.

 

 

Once her mother caught up to her, Tatsuki knocked on the apartment door and continued to snicker lightly at her mother's expense. She kept her eyes downcast to avoid the maternal and menacing glare that radiated like heat off the elder Arisawa.

 

 

Neither of the women expected an out of breath, sweaty, and wide awake Uryuu to answer the door with a bed sheet half hazardly wrapped around his waist.

 

 

Tatsuki stared with gapping and disbelieving eyes. `Wow! Maybe I shouldn't have picked on Mom about them sleeping together, and DAMN who the hell knew he looked -that- good under his school clothes!' An unpleasant shiver ran down her spine as she shook her head, `ewww, he's my brother!'

 

 

Tatsuki quickly set her armful of goodies on the ground and took the load out of her mother's arms before she dropped that too. She watched her mother's face turn white. The entire scenario was rather humorous.

 

 

“Who is it Ury-kun?” They all heard a jubilant Orihime shout from the bedroom. “If their selling cookies can we buy some?” They all heard her beast of a stomach growl too. “Pleeease Ury-kun. I'm really hungry!”

 

 

Uryuu clamped his eyes tightly shut. They were nicely framed by the deep crimson flush that exploded on his face. `This isn't happening!' Even an idiot strategist could recognize that there was no way to get around this one. He hung his head in defeat and with slouched shoulders he opened the front door wider and invited them in. Avidly avoiding any eye contact. “Give us 15 minutes we'll be out.”

 

 

Tatsuki never saw anyone disappear from a room so quickly. She carried all the food in and set it on the kitchen counters. Her poor mother just looked shocked. `Wow, I wonder what would happen if she knew I was having sex too. Heh, and with a girl no less!' Tatsuki decided she loved her mother and didn't see any reason for updating her on the sexual exploits of both of her kids at the same time. She didn't want to put the poor woman in a comma.

 

 

“Mom, I'm making some tea. It'll be ready soon just don't keel over and die before its ready, ok?” Tatsuki ducked her head back into the safety of the kitchen when her mother's eye twitched menacingly at her. `Yikes Mom!'

 

 

When Uryuu walked back into the bedroom Orihime was still jumping up and down on the bed wearing only her Transformer under-roos. She was right where he'd left her when he begrudgingly left her side to go and answer the door.

 

 

`She's perfect!' He fought the overwhelming urge to grab her by the ankles and drop her onto her back… again.

 

 

Between bounces and another unnaturally loud stomach growl Orihime had to know. “Did we get any cookies? What kind are they?”

 

 

`I love her!' He dropped the bed sheet to hold out both his arms, beckoning her to jump to him.

 

 

Orihime complied without a second thought as she leapt from the bed into his embrace latching her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck. She was a very-very happy girl.

 

 

The girl in his arms made him smile. That's just what she did best! “Shiori-san and Tatsuki are here. I don't know if they have any cookies but they brought more food.”

 

 

Orihime squealed in delight at the mention of Shiori-san home cooked and delivered food. Thanks to Mr. Unstoppable she was more starved than usual, and Shiori-san's cooking was the best! Orihime wanted to grow up to be just like the woman, she was beautiful, a great mother, and a well renowned executive chef for one of Japan's most exquisite Ryokan chains.

 

 

She gave her undercover god a quick kiss and hopped off of him to head toward the food like a starved cow on its way out to pasture.

 

 

Uryuu watched in amusement as his sweet girl walked toward the bedroom door. He wondered if she was aware that she only had on little boy's underwear and that was hardly appropriate attire for eating with guests.

 

 

“Woah sexy Hime-chan.” He pulled her away from the door by the elastic of her under-roos. “We can't go out there looking like this. Let's take a quick shower and get dressed first ok? I told them to give us 15 minutes.”

 

 

Thirty minutes later a bubbly girl rode into the living room on the back of her noble stead. The freshly cleaned teenagers were ready to join their house guests.

 

 

Orihime jumped down from her stead and cheerfully wrapped her arms around Shiori and gave her a wonderful hug.

 

 

Shiori couldn't help but smile as she hugged her surrogate daughter back. `Go figure, the one that I didn't suffer the through the torments of pregnancy with is the one who lets me hug her.' “Good morning Orihime, how are you feeling this morning dear?”

 

 

“I feel wonderful Shiori-san! And guess what?” She was so excited she didn't wait for the woman to acknowledge her. “I get to be your daughter too Shiori-san.” Orihime smiled big and bright, her happiness and excitement were undeniable. “Ury-kun proposed to me last night!” The girl wrapped her arms back around her future mother-in-law's neck.

 

 

The piece of toast Tatsuki had been chewing fell from her mouth.

 

 

Shiori's eye twitch came back. Still locked in an exuberant Hime-hug she glared at her son over the girl's shoulder.

 

 

Uryuu ignored the other two women in the room. The only thing he saw was Orihime. He wasn't the least bit shy, bashful, or embarrassed. He was proud. `Yup…' he rocked slightly back and forth on his feet, `I'm going marry that girl someday!' He didn't care who the hell knew or what they thought. He was the luckiest boy in the world.

 

 

Orihime broke from the hug completely oblivious to the odd atmosphere she had created. The happy girl blushed when her stomach roared again. “Heh heh. I'm really hungry. Thank you for the yummy food Shiori-san.” Orihime bounced off toward the kitchen after stopping to give her Tatsuki-chan a quick hug. “Ury-kun and I have been playing all morning, he makes me hungry.”

 

 

Tatsuki choked and grabbed a napkin to catch the milk that began dripping out of her nose. `Guess I should thank Mom after all for getting me up this morning.' She watched her mother employ soothing breathing techniques. The elder woman was a perfect picture of false serenity.

 

 

This time Uryuu did blush. To save face he disappeared into the kitchen for both refuge and food. As it turned out his Hime-chan was full of energy. It was only through years of strenuous Quincy training that he could keep up with her. His sweet girl of his had him starved for food. `Hah!' He mused at the irony, `I guess that's what I get for literally falling in love with someone made from pure energy!'

 

 

He disappointedly surveyed the size of his refrigerator. `Oh no, that won't do!' He clicked his tongue and smiled deviously, `If we keep this up we'll need at least two maybe three refrigerators in this place and a lifetime supply of energy bars!'

 

 

`My children want to kill me. Why? Why, do they all want to kill me? I only want to love the little brats and give them good lives!' Then there was sign, a sign that Shiori interpreted as reassurance that her children didn't want to kill her, but rather they wanted her to live long and suffer over time for their own sadistic pleasures.

 

 

From behind she felt the arms of her wonderful daughter wrap her into a falsely consoling hug.

 

 

Shiori's constant retort was clear as bell in Tatsuki's head - just wait till you have kids of your own. Then you'll understand!

 

 

“Remember Mom, if you castrate your baby boy you won't get any grandchildren out of him later.” Tatsuki continued to mock her mother safely from behind. “And if he doesn't have kids of his own, he'll never understand how badly he's making you suffer right now.”

 

 

Tatsuki bolted away laughing her ass off and locked herself in the bathroom. She loved picking on her mother; it was just too easy sometimes.

 

 

“ARISAWA TATSUKI, you little devil child. Get back here!” Shiori felt the seeds of a budding headache begin to take root behind her eyes as she began massaging her temples to help relieve the pressure.

 

 

There would be no peace for the kind priestess this morning; she was taking shots from all angles. In her head she heard the familiar words and taunting self satisfied laughter of her own mother, `Shiori, you little devil child get back here this instant. I swear on The Heart I hope your own children are just like you! Just you wait young lady; you'll understand when you have kids of your own!'

 

 

`Tatsuki you little brat, you're just like me, right down to the wild hairs on your rotten little head.' It was true, even as an adult Shiori's hair would be just as unruly as her daughter's if she decided to cut it short again.

 

 

Shiori sighed in defeat. `Damn you mother! How did you keep from killing me?'

 

 

Uryuu and Orihime paused from piling food onto their plates and stuffing what wouldn't fit on their plates into their mouths to stick their heads out from inside the kitchen to see what all the commotion was about.

 

 

Tatsuki stuck her head out of the bathroom door and beckoned her best friend over to her. She glared at Uryuu when he followed behind Orihime like a yo-yo on a short string. “Not you Sex Pistol! Go away. I meant Orihime!” She glared at her brother whose only retaliation was to scowl because his mouth was so stuffed with food he couldn't take up a verbal front. Then Tatsuki sported a wonderfully malicious grin, “besides, I think Mom wants to talk to you.” She pulled Orihime into the bathroom and locked the door.

 

 

Uryuu turned his fully stuffed chipmunk cheeks in Shiori's direction. He was met by her stern glare. “What?” He said with shrugged shoulders as some rice escaped his overly stuffed mouth.

 

 

Shiori patted the seat next to her. “Come sit, let's talk.”

 

 

`Uh oh… that's never good.' He continued to pop food into his mouth. `She looks kind of scary.' There weren't really any other options. Uryuu complied.

 

 

Shiori didn't waste any time. “I thought you and Orihime weren't having sex.”

 

 

Uryuu choked on his food. “What?... And I recall telling you that our relationship wasn't any of your business.”

 

 

He could tell his cold bastard attitude hurt her. He knew that the woman sitting across the table from him loved his Hime-chan and had quite literally devoted her entire life and sacrificed her whole family to ensure Orihime's welfare. And as alien and slightly disturbing as it felt, he could also tell that she loved him. Uryuu had to remind himself that not all adults, not all parents were like his father.

 

 

“I'm sorry Shiori-san. I didn't mean to sound so cold. I know you love Orihime…” he was cut off.

 

 

“I love you too Uryuu.” Shiori wanted to make him understand that she was not his enemy.

 

 

The boy shifted in his seat. Aside from Sensei and Orihime, he wasn't used to people caring for him. He chose to ignore her statement. “And I know you want what's best for her…” again, he was cut off.

 

 

“I want what's best for you too Uryuu.” She wanted her family back.

 

 

Again, as a result of his personal discomfort, he ignored her. “But, I do honestly believe that our relationship is no one else's business Shiori-san. Orihime loves you and she loves me. If we fight over this it will only hurt her.” He took a deep breath. “If we fight over this Shiori-san, Orihime will choose me.”

 

 

He gauged closely the reactions and posture of the woman who gave him life, “if that happens then we all loose each other again. Orihime doesn't want that and neither do I.” He watched her sadden at the thought of loosing her children once again.

 

 

“I am not sure how to be a son. I've never really been one. And even though you seem to be a wonderful mother, I do not know you as my mother. Right now learning to be a son it is not a priority of mine. Orihime's welfare is all that matters to me. So if you want me back in your life, if you want to keep Orihime in your life, it will only be on Orihime's terms which are the same as my own. Orihime and I and our private relationship are a package deal.”

 

 

In an unsuspecting moment of compassion for the woman who sat across from him, partially fueled by his own resurrected memories of a little boy who used to cry himself to sleep because his mother was never there to tuck him in at night, Uryuu reached out and took his mother's hand in his own.

 

 

“Look, Shiori-san, you are a kind woman who has already sacrificed too much. I do not say any of this to be cruel, I do this protect Orihime from pointless and hurtful drama. I do this so you can once again make the choice to keep your children or let them go. Please, you must accept us as we are or you will get nothing at all.”

 

 

Uryuu felt bad. He didn't want to hurt the kind woman, but in the interest of sparing Orihime any heartache by being thrown in the middle and being forced to choose, the cards had to be clearly laid out before anything got out of hand.

 

 

“Shiori-san, what is it about Orihime and mine's relationship that bothers you so much?” He could tell that the tears in her eyes would begin to fall any moment. “I know nothing about any of this is normal, but I don't see why we can't all have what it is we truly want.”

 

 

Shiori sat up straight and tried to compose herself. She was prepared to fight the average teenage boy who couldn't control his hormones, the average teenage boy who swore he was in love, the average teenage boy who would get fed up and accuse her of not understanding how special and unique his relationship was. She expected two children who thought it would be fun to play house. She wasn't prepared for this. `You're too much of a man Uryuu. What happened to you? You should still just be a boy.'

 

 

“I will not loose my children again.” She wiped a few renegade tears from her eyes. “I miss my baby boy. I miss you. Ishida Uryuu, I want to know my own son. And Tatsuki should have her brother. Family should never separate, especially twins.” She covered his hand with hers. “Can I at least ask you a few questions about your relationship with Orihime? She is like a daughter to me.”

 

 

Uryuu nodded, “but without knowing the questions I can't guarantee an answer.”

 

 

Again, she cut right to the chase. She was just like her son,. She hated procrastination and she hated beating around the bush. “Did you use condoms, and what about protection against STDs?”

 

 

Uryuu choked again. “Wow, uh ok. You cut right to the chase don't you!” For a moment he thought about not answering the question, but even though it was personal he felt that he could meet her half way on the demands. If she would accept his relationship with Orihime as it was, he would at least try and give her peace of mind.

 

 

“No, turns out condoms aren't necessary.” He watched her shocked face. “I know… I probably looked the same way you do now when Orihime told me that we didn't need them. But she figured out during her time in Las Noches that she can control rather or not she gets pregnant.” He shrugged, “so we won't be having any kids until we decide we want them.”

 

 

“As for the STD thing, neither of us plan on ever being with anyone else, but even if that weren't the case Orihime's healing abilities can counteract anything the human body could become exposed to.”

 

 

Shiori was relieved that her two greatest concerns didn't seem to be an issue. “Las Noches, isn't that where the Hollows live? And how did Orihime realize that she could control her ability to conceive when she was there?”

 

 

“You're kidding me right?” It was Uryuu's turn to be shocked!

 

 

“Kidding? Kidding about what?” She couldn't understand why her son was looking at her as if she had sprouted a horn and wings.

 

 

“Shiori-san, what exactly do you think has been going on with Orihime for the past month and a half?” He thought for sure Tatsuki or Urahara or maybe even Yoruichi had been keeping the woman up to date. Apparently he was wrong.

 

 

“Everyone said she hit her head pretty badly and she's been in the hospital. Why?” She was starting to catch on. “That's not what's been going on has it?” Shiori felt a nagging fear grip her. “Uryuu, tell me what happened to Orihime?”

 

 

“Shiori-san, you aren't going to like what I'm about to tell you, but I think you should know and I'm certain Orihime would agree. What I'm about to tell you only a very few people know, specifically the people who were at the Urahara shop the night Orihime was rescued from Las Noches.” Uryuu watch the color begin to fade from the woman's face.

 

`Rescued?' The nagging fear she felt grew stronger.

 

“And yes, Tatsuki knows, she was at the Urahara Shop that night. And she's been there everyday for at least three hours a day watching over Orihime ever since.” He took a slow drink of tea to gather his thoughts. As if the instabilities of The Heart weren't enough, he began to tell her the horrid tale of Orihime's other burden.

 

 

Meanwhile, in the bathroom…

 

Tatsuki and Orihime sat against the wall next to one another on the tiled floor. Even though Orihime wondered why they were hiding in the bathroom her greater focus lay in devouring the food on her plate. Between helpings Orihime managed to mumble out, “why are we in her Tatsuki-chan?”

 

“Oh that, uh I'm hiding from Mom. I've been giving her a hard time all morning and I think I'm one wise crack away from a coffin.” Tatsuki watched the girl inhale her food. Even after so many years she still couldn't help but wonder where the hell she put all of those calories. To date, her best guess was that they were stored in her ample chest so they'd be on hand when needed - a reservoir, like a camels hump. “So, you and Ishida huh?”

 

Orihime took another bite of her rice ball before she smiled big and shook her head emphatically.

 

“So were you serious when you said he proposed? You're really going to marry him?” Tatsuki already knew the answer, but she needed to hear it from the girl's own mouth that they could never be together. Orihime had just been such a big part of her heart for so long. But the plain and simple truth was that Tatsuki had recently experienced enough to know that Orihime and Uryuu really did belong together.

 

“Yes, yes Tatsuki-chan. See, we finally get to be sisters!” Orihime set her food down and gave her best friend a hug. “We'll always be together now. I get to be with all of you now, you, Ury-kun, and Shiori-san!”

 

Orihime watched her melancholy friend carefully. “What's the matter? Why do you look so sad?”

 

“It's nothing I won't get over Orihime.” Tatsuki fidgeted her fingers. “I mean for so long it was just us all the time, you know? But so much has changed. It'll just take some getting used to.”

 

Tatsuki smiled sincerely and gently squeezed her friend's hand, “but I am happy for you Orihime. He loves you, he respects you, and he'd do anything to make you happy. You're a lucky girl. And I know for a fact that he knows just how lucky he is to have you.” Tatsuki watched the look on her Orihime's face morph to confusion.

 

“From last night Orihime.” She held up her left wrist to let her Quincy cross hang. “When I put this on. Don't you remember? It was when he let some of his reiatsu flow to me.” She watched Orihime nod in remembrance. “What he shared with me was how he felt about you Orihime. It was amazing really.”

 

Tatsuki dropped her eyes and let her chin fall against her chest. “And actually, I'm kind of jealous.”

 

Orihime couldn't remember he last time the two of them just sat and talked as friends about the things that really mattered. She was happy to have her friend back, and she was very happy to know that her relationship with Uryuu would guarantee that the two of them would always be a part of one another's lives. But Orihime could tell that Tatsuki wasn't happy. Despite her sincere and reassuring words something was bothering her friend. “Why jealous Tatsuki-chan?”

 

The dark haired girl sat quietly and thought for awhile. She just felt a sense of personal and general overall loss from Orihime's new life even though it served the greater good. Still, Tatsuki hadn't bothered to dissect it yet. After several moments she stared at the tiled floor and spoke quietly. “It's not my job to protect you anymore Orihime. It's his. He'll walk you home, he'll be the one who you'll do your homework with and go to the movies with. He'll be the one that always has you around to cheer him up when he feels down… And that's how it should be, you've found something better. I guess I'm just jealous that you have someone who loves you just as you are, flaws and all, and still wants to be with you by your side through everything and share everything with you.”

 

Tatsuki took a deep breath to try and keep her emotions in check. “Since you won't be around as much I'll have more time to think about everything, like what I want and don't have.” Tatsuki looked into her friend's eyes and forced out a strained laugh, “and you know how much I hate to think!”

 

`Only Chizzy makes thinking fun.' It was a passive and barely noticed thought that ran through Tatsuki's head.

 

Orihime decided her food could wait. If it were anyone other than her favorite boy or her favorite girl, the food would certainly not be put on hold. “Wow, I guess you're kind of right. I never thought about all of that before. I mean Ury-kun and I just came together so fast and there's been so much to deal with lately. I think if it had all been reversed, and you found someone you wanted to be with I'd probably feel the same way - you know happy but a little lost.”

 

Orihime wrapped her arms around Tatsuki's neck and gave her a heartfelt but short hug. “But I love you Tatsuki-chan, it would hurt me if I ever thought I was loosing you. But you shouldn't worry or be jealous because if anything, I know we'll always be together now that we'll be family someday. We're much more than just best friends now.” Orihime's voiced perked up exuberantly, “we're best friends with benefits.”

 

Orihime frowned when Tatsuki nearly rolled over to lean against the tub in full fit of laughter. “Umm Orihime you know that's not really what `friends with benefits' means, don't you? I mean I have a friend with benefits.” `Crap that just slipped out. I hope Orihime missed it.' “And you are -definitely- not one of those!”

 

Orihime was confused, “Then what are friends with benefits?”

 

Tatsuki blushed a little, “they're uh, friends you have sex with but not a relationship.”

 

“YOU HAVE ONE OF THOSE?!?” Orihime couldn't contain herself.

 

`Holy shit, I guess she didn't miss it.' Tatsuki quickly jumped into the empty tub to put some distance between herself and the overly excited and unrelenting princess.

 

Orihime was dying to know who her best friend was sleeping with. “Who is it Tatsuki-chan who is it? Tell me tell me tell me, pleeeeease.” Orihime begged sweetly and batted her eyelashes. “Besides you know who I'm sleeping with, it's only fair.” Orihime stuck out her tongue, “I think that's in the best friend code of ethics book, somewhere. Now you have to tell me!”

 

`Wow, Orihime's on crack!' Tatsuki couldn't help but laugh at the other girl's enthusiasm and energy. “Oh really now, I'd like to see a copy of that book.” It felt great to have the old Orihime back though. She missed talking to her best friend but, “I don't know Orihime. It's kind of an odd situation.”

 

“Pshaw, spit it out Tatsuki-chan, nothing about either of our lives right now is anything less than odd.” She began to tickle the girl, “Tell me and this will stop! Who are you sleeping with? Tell me… tell me… tell me.”

 

“Alright alright alright already, I forgot how pushy and persistent you can get sometimes. Geez… back away you scary little fru-fru! You know how much I hate to be tickled!” Tatsuki sighed in relief when Orihime ceased her cruel and relentless tickle torture.

 

The dark haired girl growled at her fried. “I really hate when you do that Orihime, but if I tell you it has to stay a secret.”

 

Orihime nodded emphatically. “Right, you got it. A secret just you, me, and Ury-kun.”

 

“Noooooo, just you and me. No to your Ury-kun, Mr. Sex Pistol doesn't need to know.” Tatsuki proclaimed.

 

Orihime cocked her eyes at Tatsuki's latest nickname for her Ury-kun, she decided that it was entirely too accurate to debate and let it go. “But I tell him everything Tatsuki-chan. He won't tell, I promise.”

 

“Nope, it doesn't work that way.” Tatsuki said sternly.

 

The look on Orihime's face dulled. She looked her friend straight in the eye and spoke in a dead serious tone that just didn't fit the current mood or playful. “It does for me Tatsuki-chan. I'll never hide anything from Ury-kun. And he doesn't hide anything from me. So if it's something I can't share with him then it's something I shouldn't know. I'm sorry Tatsuki-chan, I love you too much to lie to you. Anything you tell me is fair game for him too.”

 

Tatsuki remembered how good it felt to share herself with Chizuru last night. Part of the reason she envied Orihime's relationship with Uryuu was because she knew they just clicked naturally like that, they shared everything and it was unfathomable to consider holding back. “Ok, fine, but if he gives me shit about this Orihime I'm going to be pissed off!”

 

“He won't. I promise. Mr. Sex Pistol is a good boy.” They both laughed. “Ury-kun will know I won't like it if he picks on you about something he found out through me.”

 

`Now or never I guess.' In a barely audible voice Tatsuki spilled her secret, “Chizuru.”

 

Orihime could barely hear her friend, `huh? Chizuru what?” She leaned in closer to make sure she heard right this time.

 

“Chizuru,” Tatsuki felt her backbone start to re-emerge. “That's who I've been sleeping with for the past two years.”

 

“TWO YEARS?!? “ Orihime wondered if they'd really grown that far apart from one another that she hadn't noticed this.

 

`That's what she's surprised about, that it's been going on for two years?' Tatsuki was shocked to say the least that the fact that she'd been sleeping with a girl didn't surprise or even seem to bother Orihime. She was even further beside herself that she didn't seem to mind that it was Chizuru, the girl who attempted to shamelessly grope her on a daily basis.

 

Orihime mulled the thought of Tatsuki and Chizuru through her head. Her curiosity had peaked, and she inquired coolly... “Soooo, Tatsuki-chan,” Orihime sat straight up on her knees eager for a detailed answer, “is she any good?”

 

“WHAT?!?” Tatsuki's mouth hung gapping. “Oh my god Orihime, you're a pervert too!” Tatsuki felt like some coveted part of the world had just been destroyed. `Orihime's not supposed to be a perv like the rest of us!'

 

Orihime was so happy her Tatsuki-chan wasn't alone, but still she couldn't wait for the juicy details. “Spill it! You're too far gone now. You have to tell me everything. And you know you want to. You've been holding this in for two years. That's a really long time to not say anything at all.”

 

Tatsuki found it difficult to talk about Chizuru to anyone, let alone Orihime. She thought it might help to relax as she rested her head against the wall and closed her eyes to pretend she wall all alone. Softly she began. “Unbelievable! She's phenomenal, even after two years.”

 

Tatsuki found herself getting lost in thoughts of her Pervy-chan, once she started she just couldn't will herself to stop. “She's good, she'd definitely a god at sex. Not that I have anything to compare her too, but aside from sex she's so soft and curvy and despite how obnoxious she is in public when she sees hot girls, she really is the sweetest thing. For the life of me I can' figure out why she's so patient and understanding when I'm such a distant and secretive moody bastard most of the time.”

 

Orihime watched a bright smile play across Tatsuki's relaxed face. “And no matter what's going on, Chizzy always makes me feel better.”

 

`Oh wow, I wasn't expecting all of that. Tatsuki-chan really likes Chizuru.' But in her voice there was something more. “Tatsuki-chan's in love!”

 

Tatsuki's eyes shot wide open, she didn't mean to say so much it just spilled out. `No point in denying it now I guess.' “Hai, I do love Chizuru, but I can't tell her.”

 

“Why not?” Orihime just didn't understand. “How could you not tell someone you want to be with them after already having two years of history?”

 

Tatsuki felt kind of like an asshole under Orihime's scrutinous gaze. “Orihime, Chizuru is really good to me. I can't hurt her anymore than I already have. It's not right to tell her I can commit to her if I can't give her everything,” Tatsuki hung her head and sighed, “like you and Mr. Sex Pist… uh, my brother.”

 

After a few moments pause, Orihime heard, “Look Orihime, there's someone else that matters too. I won't tell Chizzy how I feel unless I'm certain she's the one for me. Until I know my heart belongs to only to her. She deserves at least that much.”

 

`I never knew Tatsuki-chan kept all this stuff bottled up in her. I really haven't been a very good best friend to her either.' “Who else Tatsuki-chan? Is it another girl? Is this other person more important than Chizuru-chan?”

 

“Hai, it's a girl. And, both of them are silly and sweet fru-fru girls. In some ways yes the other girl is more important, and in some ways no.” Tatsuki felt trashy for admitting to such a thing.

 

Orihime was determined to help her best friend figure this out. She figured it was the least she could for not being there for her for so long. “Okayyy, so how about if you were drowning in a pit of boiling lava that was infested with mean man-eating lava dwelling goldfish and you only had one chance of rescue. Who would you call? Who would push aside everything else in their lives to come to your rescue?”

 

“Oh no contest, Chizuru!” It surprised Tatsuki how quickly that came out.

 

“Now you choose where you'd go Tatsuki-chan, same scenario.” Orihime was having a blast with this. It felt great to help someone. To feel useful rather than feel like the people-phobic, universe eating ticking time-bomb that she really was.

 

“I can't choose Orihime, that's my problem. There are too many variables on that side of the equation.” `Really Orihime, I know there's a line somewhere that tells me which side to be on. I just can't seem to find it on my own. How do I choose between you two, you both matter so much, just in different ways.'

 

“Don't fear love Tatsuki-chan. Trust me, there's nothing more powerful. Take me for instance, I don't know what's wrong with me, but I know love will fix it. Love will save everyone.” Orihime's eyes glassed over briefly, “Ury-kun will save everyone.”

 

`Ury-kun will save everyone, what the hell is she talking about?' “Orihime are you ok?” Tatsuki snapped her fingers in front of Orihime's face to lure her back into the present.

 

“Yeah sure, fine why?” Orihime didn't wait for an answer. “So let's get back to your head shrinking Tatsuki-chan. It's fun.”

 

Tatsuki was a bit concerned. `She has no idea what she just said does she?'

 

“Ok fine then, make it all even, everything except the parts that are really special between two people; the parts that make a relationship. Make both girls look exactly the same, have the same jobs, the same cars, same grades, same everything except how much they personally matter to you when the day is over - how they relate to you Tatsuki-chan, like no one else can… who do you pick then?” Orihime rested her head on her Tatsuki-chan's shoulder and sat patiently waiting for her friends answer.

 

In the end Tatsuki wasn't sure if she had just been holding onto the old nostalgic baggage of her first love or if the situations and miraculous circumstances of late just made her feel particularly obligated to Orihime, but unless the fate of the world was at stake it really was Chizuru's face she wanted to see staring at her from the bleachers at her tournaments, not Orihime's.

 

Tatsuki's personal epiphany had her face shining in relief and heart bursting with love for both the girls in her life. “I love you Orihime! I really do. You really are just my best friend and it shouldn't be any other way!” She locked the girl in a chokingly strong hug. “Thank you.”

 

`just my best friend - shouldn't be any other way.' An unusual thought popped into Orihime's head. `Am I the other girl? If I am does it really matter?' The inner pervert in that lurked deep inside couldn't help but crack a crooked smile. `Ohhhh, if I wanted too I could have had sexy Quincy twins in my bed! Hah hah , dual sex pistols!'

 

Tatsuki's voice knocked Orihime from her kinky revelations.

 

“Say, Orihime, Chizzy's been kind of worried about you lately, mind if she helps move your stuff today? I told her about Uryuu being my brother and I told her what I knew about Quincy and Shinigami, which really isn't all that much. But I swear I didn't tell her anything about you except that you love Mr. Sex Pistol and that you're moving in with him. She knows what The Heart is she just doesn't know you're it.”

 

Tatsuki saw the hesitation on Orihime's face. She knew her friend was still shaken up about what happened in Las Noches, and that being around people she hadn't reestablished some measure of trust with yet was something that frightened her. After all, as far as Orihime was concerned she was rescued only three days ago and unwillingly on her knees just four days ago.

 

“I promise Orihime, Chizzy won't touch you unless you initiate it, and I will always be right there with her. You won't ever be alone. Besides, Mr. Sex Pistol is attached to you like gills on a fish. You know he'll be there too.” Tatsuki wished she knew how to help her friend get through all of this. She couldn't imagine how horrible it must feel to be afraid of everyone who cared about you.

 

“You promise Tatsuki-chan?” Orihime really wasn't keen on the idea but Chizuru was her friend and if Tatsuki said the girl would behave, she would trust her. She knew it wouldn't be easy to let go of her fears, she knew they were irrational, but with Ury-kun by her side she felt brave enough to start trying.

 

Tatsuki smiled reassuringly. “Hai, Orihime. Chizzy's just playful. She would never actually hurt you though. I promise.”

 

Tatsuki was proud of her friend and happy that Chizuru was going to get to spend the day with her out in the open. This would be the first time she wouldn't hide her Pervy-chan.

 

“I'll see you in a bit. I'm going to go meet the rental truck guys at your old apartment. I'll call Chizzy and have her meet me there. We'll be back later.” Still afraid of her mother's wrath Tatsuki sprinted out of the bathroom and right past her disgusted and distraught mother, right out the front door. From a safe distance she hollered back, “I'm heading to Orihime's to pack. See you later.”

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END OF CHAPTER, not the end of the story

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Updates seem to be running at 1-2 weeks these days. It depends mostly on work.

 

Thanks to those who continue reading. Please review, I rely on the reviews for valuable insight. They help me determine certain undefined aspects of the story.

 

Theyreally do help me. I wonder what people like and do not like about the story.