Bleach Fan Fiction ❯ Heat Of The Night ❯ secretos desgarrado ( Chapter 6 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

 
Disclaimer:  Since  this  is  filed  under  ‘fanfiction†™  you  can  haphazardly  guess  that  
nothing  in  fact  belongs  to  me.  Sad,  I  know.  
 
WARNING:  Graphic  content  ahead…but  who  am  I  kidding?!  If  you’ve  read  the  
first  5  chapters,  obviously  you’re  not  about  to  run  screaming  at  the  sight  of  
this  one.  Well,  hopefully  not,  any  way.  Remnants  of  Peanut  Butter  plunder  
ahead!  
 
 
 
The  gentle  scraping  of  pen  against   parchment  was  the  only  sound  in  the  Rokubantai  
office.  Ordinarily,  this  might  afford  an  unusual  sound  when  in  orchestra  with  others  
busily  filling  out  paperwork.  Many  seated  officers  preferred  the  traditional  use  of  
ink  and  brush  rather  than  mortal  instruments  of  modern  construct  from  the  world  
of  the  living.  But  Ritsu  Kuchiki  preferred  the  progressive  writing  utensil  in  that  it  
was  more  practical  and  efficient  for  continuous,  if  somewhat  monotonous,  work.  He  
paused,  a  gentle  sigh  escaping  into  his  tea  cup  as  he  wet  his  lips  with  the  brew.  It  
really  was  quiet  this  morning.  Fukutaichou  Abarai  was  training  alongside  several  
other  seated  officers  out  on  the  grounds.  A  convenient  excuse,  Ritsu  thought,  as  it  
allowed  for  a  temporary  respite  from  lackluster  laboring  at  a  desk.  Paperwork  was  
undoubtedly  the  more  tedious  aspect  of  the  job.  Many  chose  to  avoid  it  whenever  
and  however  an  opportunity  presented  itself.  Ritsu  found  it  best  to  merely  grit  his  
teeth  and  push  on  through,  rather  than  avoid  the  inevitable.  As  such,  his  desk  was  
usually  the  least  cluttered.  That  wasn’t  to  say  that  he  enjoyed  doing  it,  however.  His  
gaze  meandered  to  the  window,  toward  the  powder  blue  sky  and  all  its  temptation.  
He  was  more  than  caught  up  in  his  work,  by  this  point;  more  so  than  his  coworkers,  
to  put  it  mildly.  He  was  vey  tempted  to  push  back  from  his  desk  and  leave  for  a  time  
to  enjoy  the  seasonable  weather.  The  warmth  from  outdoors  beckoned,  while  a  lazy  
breeze  whispered  in  through  the  window.  It  ruffled  several  documents,  rustling  
them  lightly  in  a  gentle  perfume  of  fresh  air.  
 
He  snapped  his  eyes  back  toward  his  paper,  wrestling  with  the  discipline  in  staying  
ahead  of  his  coworkers  versus  giving  in  to  temptation.  Although…there  were  also  
other  duties  to  consider.  He  shifted  in  his  chair  abruptly,  thoughts  quietly  turning.  It  
was  traditional  within  the  Kuchiki  clan  to  have  as  many  seated  officers  as  possible  
within  the  Gotei  13.    Not  merely  to  set  an  example  of  the  nobility’s  re sponsibilities  
toward  upholding  the  law.  There  was  status  and  prestige  to  consider  in  the  
appointment  as  well.  As  for  Ritsu,  it  was  also  a  little  known  fact  that  he  was  charged  
by  the  elders  of  his  clan  to  keep  an  eye  on  things  in  favor  of  the  clan’s  interests.  Ritsu  
was  confident  that  few  shinigami  of  the  Rokubantai  knew  of  this  not  altogether  
altruistic  duty.  Though  he  was  fairly  certain  it  would  be  foolish  to  consider  Byakuya  
Kuchiki   completely  ignorant  of  such  a  possibility.  A  Noble  and  prosperous  clan  such  
as  theirs  did  not  retain  power  through  simple  luck.  It  required  keen  observation,  as  
well  as  many  a  finger  in  more  than  one  jar  within  the  sereitei.  
 

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While  honored  by  the  gravity  such  a  position  offered  within  the  clan,  Ritsu  was  
nonetheless  wary  in  providing  too  much  information.  He  felt  it  best  that  no  
individual  hold  all  the  cards,  whatever  game  politics  or  power  might  play  both  
within  the  Gotei  13  and  the  Kuchiki  clan.  Still,  the  duality  of  his  presence  offered  a  
certain  comfort  to  his  clan  as  well  as  an  agreeable  status  for  himself.  He  had  little  to  
complain  about.  Not  to  mention  it  now  offered  a  most  convenient  excuse. .  
 
The  last  of  his  tea  drunk,  Ritsu  gamely  continued  writing,  doing  his  best  to  ignore  
the  inviting  warmth  that  beckoned  from  the  window.  He  glanced  toward  the  
Taichou’s  office  door,  frowning  suddenly.  He  then  hastily  withdrew  his  gaze  and  
pretended  to  re-­â€check  his  work  on  Pararaph  C,  Subtext  2-­â€11  on  Form  26.  The  
marring  facial  expression  of  disquiet  had  in  fact  blossomed  as  his  thoughts  
meandered  toward  the  location  of  one  Kuchiki  Byakuya,  rather  than  the  redundant  
and  miniscule  script  before  him.  Habit  had  him  disguise  the  true  source  of  his  
concern,  even  though  none  were  about  to  observe  the  behavior.  Much  like  his  
second  cousin,  it  was  not  in  his  nature  to  afford  outward  attention  to  things  that  he  
found  somewhat  unsettling.  However,  unlike  Bkyakuya,    Ritsu  was  none  too  keen  on  
acting  too  “emotionally   constipated,† as  colorfully  described  by  Abarai  Fukutaichou,  
when  it  came  to  completely  masking  his  feelings.  
 
It  was  strange  that  Kuchiki  Taichou  had  not  yet  put  in  an  appearance,  though  
admittedly  not  unheard  of.  Filing  away  the  last  of  his  workload,  Ritsu  noiselessly  
arose  from  his  desk  to  rinse  his  tea  cup  as  he  mulled  over  this  unusual  absence.  
There  were  only  a  fair  number  of  places  Byakuya  might  be  during  this  time  of  day,  
and  he  intended  to  visit  at  least  one  of  them.  Call  it  a  hunch,  but  he  guesstimated  this  
had  something  to  do  with  the  pensive  and  distracted  air  his  relation  had  failed  to  
completely  conceal  over  the  past  48  hours.  Then  again,  perhaps  he  was  merely  being  
paranoid.  Shrugging,  Ritsu  headed  out  of  the  office,  fighting  back  the  urge  to  smile.  
No  matter.  Whether  it  was  something  or  nothing,  he  felt  it  best  to  investigate.  At  the  
very  least,  he  himself  was  curious  as  to  what  might  be  afoot  that  would  draw  the  
attention  of  the  head  of  the  clan.  More  importantly,  he  wouldn’t  mind  picking  up  a  
new  pen  while  visiting  the  world  of  the  living…He  grinned  wryly,  in  truth  content  to  
ultimately  follow  his  own  agenda  on  such  a  lovely  and  promising  day.    
 
 
  
 
The  half  empty  jar  lay  abandoned,  sadly  rocking  on  its  side.  In  a  blind  haste,  it  had  
been  shoved  roughly  away  to  make  room  for  Orihiime’s  generous  derriere.   Sticky  
fingers  had  ceased  pealing  back  layers  of  cloth,  though  lips  had  not  withdrawn  their  
exploration.  
 
He  groaned,  failing  at  masking  the  sound  as  she  ground  against  him,  her  lips  
refusing  to  be  idle.  There  would  be  teeth  marks.  He  was  sure  of  it.  But  as  of  this  
moment,  he  failed  to  care.  He  would  simply  pay  the  minx  back  in  kind.  He  had  an  

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inkling  that  the  spell  would  be  broken  were  any  words  to  be  spoken,  so  he  would  
speak  without  words  while  still  using  teeth  and  tongue.  Neither  his  nor  Inoue-­â€sanâ&eur o;™s  
hunger  had  abated,  as  time  lay  suspended.  They  were  both  awash  with  torrential  
appetites  that  had  nothing  to  do  with  the  nut  spread  the  girl  so  cherished.  A  
seemingly  innocent  delicacy  had  enacted  as  a  tipping  point,  allowing  a  temporary  
foray  into  madness.  Or  rather,  enacted  as  a  catalyst  for  the  remnants  of  a  toxin  still  
running  through  his  veins.  Yet  that  didn’t  matter  now.  Here  in  this  moment,  it  was  
enough  to  simply  feel.    
 
 
Orihime  tortuously  rubbed  along  his  cloth-­â€covered  ; shaft,  her  fingers  gently  dancing  
into  the  open  sides  of  his  hakama.  Teasing.  Caressing.  Touches  just  shy  of  anything  
truly  satisfying.  He  expected  her  to  giggle:  to  voice  aloud  her  nerves  in  an  innocuous  
way.  But  the  inoffensive  sound  never  came.  She  seemed  too  wrapped  up  in  her  
current  endeavor.  
 
She  was  being  reckless.  She  was  playing  with  fire  and  bound  to  be  burned.  She  was  
in  a  freefall  and  unable  to  stop.  But  it  was  hard  to  concentrate  with  heat  licking  
through  her  limbs.  Her  mind  flickered  in  waning  attention  to  less  physical  concerns.  
Later…she  would  deal  with…everything Â& nbsp;later.  It  could  all  wait.  What  couldn’t  wait  
was  the  throbbing,  thick  length  of  promise  before  her.  It  was…Waitâ€&b rvbar;Her  lips  broke  
away  from  his  own,  “Wait!† It  came  out  in  a  gasp,  as  though  she  had  just  emerged  
from  under  water.  In  a  way,  she  had.  Something  had  penetrated  her  
subconscious…something  pertaining  particularly  toward  that  throbbing  length  
pressed  against  her  core.  Her  initial  panic  and  humiliation  wrapped  up  with  the  pill  
had  not  completely  diminished.  †œI—I  mean….We,  we  need  protection.† 
 
I t  barely  registered  at  first.  His  irises  were  swollen  with  desire  (among  other  
things),  and  it  seemed  his  mouth  was  content  to  recompense  its  loss  for  the  
delicious  flesh  of  her  neck.  She  elicited  another  gasp,  though  she  tried  to  regain  
focus.  “From  what?  There  is  no  need  to  fear  attack—â€&oeli g;    
 
“Nâ€&rdqu o;no!  That’s  not  what  I  meant!† another  sharp  intake  of  breath  in  reaction  to  his  
sinful  ministrations.  Kami!  Where  did  he  learn  to  DO  that?!  “I& acirc;€”I  meant  physical—
what  I  mean  to  say  is  I  mean  intimate  protection!† He  yielded  slowly,  his  rigid  
movements  bespoke  of  either  his  great  displeasure  or  capabilities  of  control  and  
discipline.   Either  way,  he  there  was  an  unwilling  compliance  to  completely  
relinquish  her  flesh.  “You  do  not  wish….to  conceive?â&eur o;  
 
“Yes!  Yes,  that’s  it  exactly† she  was  awash  with  relief  at  his  comprehension,  his  
understanding…  
 
His  eyes  narrowed,  cerulean  stare  hardened.  It  was  a  reasonable  appeal.  Practical,  
rational…hell,  even  logical.  Hazy  though  it  was  with  the  residual  traces  of  the  
aphrodisiac,  he  could  see  that.  Could  appreciate  the  sense  in  it.  She  was  a  young  
woman,  a  child  through  many  eyes;  impossibly  young  to  truly  contend  with  any  

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genuine  and  long-­â€term Â&nb sp;involvement  with  him.  There  were  complications  in  his  life.  
Obligations  he  needed  to  fulfill.  But  the  thought  of  her  swollen  with  child,  carrying  
his  heir,  caused  a  stab  of  arousal  to  rip  through  his  insides.  For  a  moment,  his  
loosening  grip  tightened.  
 
â€&o elig;There…are  a  means  to  prevent  this?† Orihime  felt  hollow,  suddenly.  Like  she  had  
asked  something  inappropriate  or  had  just  served  up  a  fresh  serving  of  
disappointment.  She  swallowed  back  the  blossoming  embarrassment  and,  strangely  
enough,  guilt.  
 
 
“W ell…yeah…I  mean.  What  I  was  babbling  about  before.  Well,  I  mean  earlier.  I  
mean…beforeâ&eur o;¦â€flustered,  she  pointedly  ignored  the  peanut  butter  jar  she  just  now  
noticed  nudging  into  her  side.  It  felt  accusatory.  Her  very  own  food  was  judging  her.  
She  was  sure  of  it.  “â&e uro;¦I  went  to  a  clinic…A  health  facility  where  they  provide  care  and  
medicine.  I  wanted  to  be  sure  after  what  happened  before…†another  healthy  blush.  
At  this  rate,  people  would  think  she  sported  a  rather  spectacular  sunburn.  
 
“It  is  something  you  administer  after—?â&euro ;  
 
“No!  I  mean,  yes!† she  blurted,  “it& acirc;€™s  just  that…The  Pill  is  only  intended  as  a  sort  of  
back-­â€up  plan.  You  know?  Sort  of  like  a  plan  B?† she  amended,  trying  to  remain  calm.  
Her  only  response  was  a  silent,  albeit  calculating,  stare.  “There  are  better,  more  
efficient  ways  to  prevent…umâ€&br vbar;the  pitter  patter  of  little  feet.† He  seemed  to  be  
mulling  it  over.  His  head  lowered.  His  hands  brushed  away  from  her  arms  and  down  
her  thighs.  Then  off  to  the  linoleum  counter  itself,  still  effectively  boxing  her  in.  
Behind  his  enigmatic    cerulean  eyes,  the  wheels  of  his  mind  were  turning.     
 
“Is  thi s…protection…easy  to  procure?† 
 
&aci rc;€œYes!† Oops,  bit  too  enthusiastic  in  that  response.  She  tried  not  to  care.  She  slid  down  
back  to  the  floor,  taking  in  his  deliberate,  lethargic  movement  to  allow  her  escape.  
He  inclined  his  head,  hooded  gaze  watching  her  intently  as  the  rich  silk  of  his  voice  
caressed  her  very  skin.  “You  may  do  so.† The  resonance  of  it  made  her  shiver.  A  
small  part  of  her  made  an  indignant  protest  that  that  had  been  a  somewhat  
sanctimonious  response  on  his  part,  but  whatever.  She  felt  too  raw  and  overly  
excited  to  really  care.  Ignoring  the  nerveless  trembling  that  now  wracked  her  body,  
she  tore  past  the  sexy  half-­â€clad  shinigami,  rushing  off  in  search  of  footwear  to  carry  
her  to  the  convenience  store.    
 
 
 
&Ac irc; 
 
 

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Blue  with  silver  accents,  or  forest  green  jaded  with  gold?  That  was  the  real  question,  
here.  Ritsu  mulled  it  over,  eyeing  one  packaged  writing  utensil  while  idly  fondling  
the  other  as  he  stood  undecided  in  the  aisle.  Blue  was  more  his  style…but  this  
particular  shade  of  green  was  very  appealing.  Granted,  there  had  been  more  than  
one  reason  to  undertake  this  venture  into  the  world  of  the  living.  His  use  of  the  
Kuchiki  family’s  personal  senkaimon  had  not  merely  been  put  to  use  for  shopping.  
But  he  was  in  no  hurry  to  pursue  his  other  business,  especially  as  it  pertained  to  
what  was  honestly  a  shallow  excuse  in  traveling  outside  the  sereitei.  The  weather  
was  nearly  a  mirror  of  duplicity  to  what  it  was  like  back  home,  save  perhaps  for  a  
higher  temperature.  The  warmth  was  nearly  stifling  and  wet.  Still,  he  could  put  up  
with  the  increase  of  humidity  for  the  sake  of  acquiring  a  new  pen.  Once  that  
enjoyable  endeavor  had  been  accomplished,  he  would  do  what  was  initially  
intended  and  seek  out  his  superior.    It  was  likely  that  nothing  at  all  was  amiss,   and  
his  vague  concern  had  been  unwarranted.  In  any  case,  it  had  provided  a  lovely  
excuse  to  survey  Karakura  and  all  it  had  to  offer.  
 
So  enraptured  was  he  in  appropriating  a  purchase,  Ritsu  nearly  failed  to  observe  the  
chiming  of  the  convenience  store’s  bell  and  the  hurried  approach  of  a  familiar  
reiatsu.  The  latter  hit  him  in  the  shoulder  blades  and  settled  in  the  pit  of  his  
stomach.  Immediately  his  attention  turned  toward  the  female  frantically  looking  
through  the  more…personal Â&nbs p;merchandise  stocked  by  the  store.  His  eyebrows  
furrowed  in  thought.  He  hadn’t  realized  the  girl  was  active  in  such  a  way.  It  was  
rumored  among  some  that  she  was  intimately  involved  with  the  substitute  
shinnigami,  Kurosaki  Ichigo.  Or  at  the  very  least,  expressed  an  interest  in  the  boy.  
Whatever  the  gossip,  accurate  or  otherwise,  he  conceded  it  didn’t  actually  concern  
him.  It  was  none  of  his  business…He  warily  cast  his  attention  back  to  the  matter  at  
hand,  however  distracted  he  felt  now  that  his  curiosity  was  roused.  It  didn’t  subside  
when  he  heard  her  muttering  under  her  breath.  
 
“Large  or  Jumbo…that  the  same  as  large  or  medium…?  Shoot!  Why  do  they  have  to  
make  this  so  confusing!. . not  like  I  have  anything  to  compare  it  to…but  at  least  I  can  
rule  out  average…I  assume  that’s  smallâ€&brvb ar;† Ritsu  fought  the  urge  to  cough  to  dissolve  
the  sound  of  the  discomfiting  mumblings.  He  didn’t  want  to  draw  attention  to  
himself.  A  reprieve  came  in  form  of  her  selecting  her  purchases  and  scuttling  away  
from  him.  He  was  in  the  midst  of  idly  speculating  over  the  fact  that  she  had  opted  for  
a  variety  in  selection  rather  than  risk  failing  to  have  acquired  the  correct  size  when  
the  residue  of  a  strident  reiatsu  slammed  into  him  at  full  force  as  she  passed  within  
range.    It  had  been  so  jarring  because  of  its  obvious  familiarity.  He  felt  stunned.  He  
knew  that  reiatsu  like  the  feel  of  his  own  shihasku  pressed  against  his  skin.  He  felt  it  
nearly  every  day;  could  not  fail  to  recognize  the  signature  of  its  owner.  Not  when  it  
belonged  to  that  of  his  Taichou.  By  the  time  he  had  concluded  the  reality  of  this  
dizzying  realization,  the  girl  had  gone,  leaving  Ritsu  at  a  loss  for  what  to  
immediately  do.  
 
 

---

 
 
 
For  her  part,  Orihime  had  rushed  back  as  best  she  could.  She  had  even  avoided  eye  
contact  with  the  convenience  store  clerk  in  order  to  rush  things  along,  elucidating  
that  she  did  not  wish  to  engage  in  pointless  small  talk.  The  flush  on  her  cheeks  had  
failed  to  completely  pale,  and  while  a  measure  of  it  had  to  do  with  how  chagrined  
she  was  to  be  buying  contraceptives  at  a  local  convenience  store,  she  could  readily  
admit  to  herself  that  some  of  it  had  been  induced  to  excitement.  Her  body  hungered  
like  never  before,  and  she  yearned  to  satiate  this  strange  new  craving  before  it  
waned  completely.  She  had  no  desire  to  really  think;  her  first  instinct  to  swiftly  
arrive  at  her  destination  with  her  important  purchases  in  tow  so  that  she—theyâ€&rdq uo;
could  continue  where  they  left  off.  She  was  acting  erratically  and  reckless…on  some  
level,  she  was  aware  of  that.  But  much  like  the  enjoyment  of  curling  up  with  
satisfaction  after  a  warm  and  delicious  meal,  her  body  begged  for  the  ability  to  curl  
up  with  these  new  and  wholly  delightful  sensations.  Even  now,  she  had  no  idea  what  
was  passing  through  the  mind  of  her  newly  made  paramour,  left  to  brood  in  her  
absence.  The  greatest  danger  of  sex,  after  all,  is  that  there  are  other  factors  involved.  
Not  the  least  of  which  are  other  people  and  their  desires.  
 
 
His  wits  had  managed  to  catch  up,  though  the  physical  response  both  the  toxin  and  
the  girl  had  elicited  had  not  much  diminished.  But  there  was  no  accounting  for  his  
feelings;  they  were  jumbled  up,  so  much  like  dried  plum  blossoms  scattered  in  the  
wind.  He  didn’t  know  what  to  make  of  them,  exactly.  It  was  only  recently  he  had  
ever  found  himself  so  lost.  He  was  unaccustomed  to  feeling  this  way.  There  were  
seldom  times  that  he  had.  Rukia’s  near  execution,  in  copulation  with  the  vow  to  his  
parents’  memory,  had  been  one  such  experience.  But  this  was  slightly,  
disconcertingly  different.  There  were  no  lives  at  stake  here:  merely  responsibilities  
and  disappointments.  Things  that  tied  his  personal  life  to  that  of  his  life  as  the  28th  
Head  of  the  Kuchiki  clan.    
 
Hisana  had  been  a  rare  case,  and  caused  an  uproar  amongst  the  elders  for  her  
plebian  roots.  While  not  fully  supported  in  his  decision  to  wed  the  woman  from  the  
Rukongai,  acceptance  had  been  generally  met  after  a  time  for  one  simple  reason.  
That  being  an  heir  could  be  expected.  However,  she  had  taken  ill.  There  was  no  child  
to  one  day  take  on  the  leadership  of  the  clan.  It  had  been  left  vulnerable  and  in  
danger.  He  had  always  harbored  a  small  amount  of  guilt  for  failing  to  provide  an  heir  
of  his  own  bloodline.  But  therein  lay  the  crux.  He   had  no  wish  to  marry.  Hisana’s  
death  had  been  difficult  to  endure,  let  alone  completely  accept.  He  had  no  desire  to  
feel  that  pain  again.  
 
Granted,  Rukia  was  a  likely  candidate  should  anything  befall  him.  And  while  he  
harbored  no  doubt  that  she  carried  a  latent  strength  and  an  abundant  amount  of  
common  sense,  he  secretly  worried  whether  she  was  truly  capable  of  leading  the  

---

clan.  Actually,  as  far  as  common  sense,  he  would  have  to  amend  that  virtue  with  the  
fact  she  had  made  a  rash  and  impulsive  decision  to  lend  her  powers  to  the  Kurosaki  
boy.  Though  he  rationalized  she  had  done  what  she  had  thought  was  best  at  the  
time.  She  always  had  others  best  interests  at  heart.  
 
His  heart  had  been  so  heavy  for  decades  thereafter  that  he  hadn’t  bothered  to  really  
look  at  anyone  else.  The  unwarranted  toxin  had  managed  to  push  his  heart  out  
sideways,  disrupting  its  leaden  state.  His  body  had  been  found  wanting  before  his  
mind  had  managed  to  catch  up.  He  didn’t  know  what  to  make  of  things  as  they  now  
stood.  But  of  one  thing  he  was  absolutely  certain:  as  for  the  girl,  he  did  not  simply  
wish  to  walk  away.  Whatever  relationship  was  now  between  them,  however  thin  
and  precarious  their  present  situation,  the  dynamic  had  changed  to  the  point  that  
there  was  no  going  back.    
 
The  door  clattered  open,  bringing  with  it  the  scent  of  peaches.  It  barely  registered  
that  the  scent  likely  stemmed  from  the  girl’s  favored  use  of  a  soap  used  while  
bathing  before  he  was  upon  her.  She  was  tripping  out  of  her  shoes  when  the  plastic  
of  her  shopping  bag  was  torn  from  her  fingers,  and  lips  ravaged  her  neck.  She  
emitted  a  squeak,  which  deepened  into  a  moan  at  the  feel  of  him  roughly  tearing  
open  her  shirt  to  lavish  her  breasts  with  affection  .  Embarrassed,  but  not  displeased,  
she  tugged  at  his  hair,  trying  to  gain  his  attention  while  gesturing  to  a  package  of  
condoms  that  had  spilled  onto  the  floor.  
 
â€&oelig ;Wait!. . Hold  on….† Reluctantly,  he  allowed  her  escape  from  his  arms,  his  eyes  
predatory  as  she  rifled  through  the  packaging.  Her  alabaster  skin  glowed  scarlet  as  
she  murmured,  selecting  a  few  of  the  thinly  wrapped  squares  from  several  boxes.  
 
â€&oelig ;I…I’m  not  really  sure  what  size  you  are…â€her &Aci rc; eyes  shyly  met  his  own,  only  to  dart  
away  at  the  intensity  she  saw  there.  She  fumbled  with  the  condoms,  doing  her  best  
to  explain  while  trying  not  to  feel  like  an  idiot.  “So… ;one  of  these…has  to  go  on  
your….um….member& acirc;€¦.and  it  catches….all  thatâ&euro ;¦.and  keeps  me  from  
becoming…yeah.† Her  voice  trailed  away,  losing  her  bravado.  She  startled  at  the  feel  
of  his  hand  upon  her  own,  as  though  pondering  which  package  he  would  take.  She  
noted  that  he  took  the  jumbo…  
 
“I  must  be  sheathed  in  this?† At  the  calm  timbre  of  his  rich  voice,  she  found  her  
nerve,  hastening  to  explain.  
 
â€&oel ig;Yes!  And  it  must  be  put  on  correctly  and  without  being  torn.  Once  it’s  torn  it’s  
useless!  And  I  could  become  pregnant.† There.  She’d  said  the  word.  She  felt  
triumphant.  Not  noticing  how  his  hand  stilled  while  handling  the  innocuous-­â€looking &A circ; 
square.  
 
“â€&brvba r;.Or  else  you  may  conceive?† She  nodded  vigorously,  already  at  work  detangling  
her  clothing  before  enthusiastically  reaching  forward  to  tackle  the  insolent  knot  at  
his  hakama.  For  those  brief  few  seconds,  he  was  motionless.  She  didn’t  seem  to  

---

notice.  The  wheels  of  his  mind  were  turning.  The  thought  of  her  taut  stomach,  
swollen  and  corpulent  with  his  children,  had  made  him  harden  even  further.  A  feat  
he  had  not  deemed  possibly,  only  minutes  ago.  What  was  more,  the  darkest  of  his  
thoughts  whispered  that  he  might  no  longer  have  to  concern  himself  with  worrying  
over  no  longer  having  an  heir.  Her  body  was  succulent  and  willing.  She  was  caring  
and  kind.  What  was  more,  her  talents  combined  with  such  a  powerful  regenerative,  
healing  reiatsu  suggested  an  advantage  if  tied  to  the  power  of  the  Kuchiki  clan…  
 
She  grasped  him  suddenly,  her  tight  little  mouth  coming  into  play,  making  him  hiss.  
Her  liquid  gaze  stared  up  into  his  own,   making  his  heart  stumble.  It  would  be  so  
easy…so  incredibly  easy.  She  need  never  know…No  longer  hesitating,  he  made  his  
decision,  tearing  open  the  innocent  bit  of  foil.  
 
ORIHIME  AT  SCHOOL/convenience  store  run- ­â€in-­â€with-­â&euro ;ritsu  
 
Orihime  wasn’t  really  one  to  miss  school.  But  today,  of  all  days,  she  mutinously  
deduced  that  she  had  the  right  to  ditch  class.  It  wasn’t  that  anything  was  terribly  
wrong  or  had  been  disastrous.  She  wasn’t  too  terribly  sore  from  certain  recent  
activities,  either.  It  was  more  that  she  felt  out  of  her  element.  Her  thoughts  were  so  
full  of  everything  that  had  happened  that  she  hadn’t  any  room  to  stuff  in  anything  
else.    Her  emotions  were  a  kaleidoscope  of  anxiety,  indecision,  desire,  and  fear.    
 
 
The  years  spent  reading  romantic  paperbacks  and  shoujo  manga,  along  with  hours  
spent  in  front  of  the  television  melting  over  romantic  stories  had  her  wondering  
what  it  was  she  ought  to  be  feeling.  She  had  always  assumed,  given  her  resources,  
that  sex  was  supposed  to  change  one  as  a  person.  Things  were  definitely  more  
complicated  than  they  had  ever  been,  for  one.  Prior  to  her  experiences,  she  had  
thought  such  a  notion  to  be  amorous  and  dreamy.  Boy,  had  she  been  mistaken.  She  
felt  unprepared  for  the  long  haul,  whatever  that  might  entail.  
 
 
 
Then  there  was  the  matter  of  her  peers;  usually  she  found  comfort  amongst  them  
while  surrounded  by  academia  She  had  even  gone  out  of  her  way  to  pack  herself  a  
rather  spectacular  lunch  to  take  her  mind  off  things.  But  everything  felt  wrong.  
Much  like  a  favorite  pair  of  shoes  that  had  been  outgrown.  She  felt  like  a  paperclip;  
bent  into  a  new  shape  only  to  have  trouble  assimilating  back  into  the  contours  of  her  
original  form.   It  was  safe  to  assume  that,  after  her  little  mental  health  day,  she  
would  have  little  trouble  keeping  everything  together  when  finally  faced  with  
Tatsuki  or  anyone  else  who  came  to  call  once  the  school  day  had  been  completed.  
She  decided  to  claim  a  stomachache.  Hopefully  her  friend  wouldn’t  take  affront  at  
the  insinuation  her  mother’s  cooking  had  anything  to  do  with  it.  But  what  choice  did  
she  really  have?  She  just  didn’t  feel  up  to  facing  anyone  right  now.  Tomorrow,  she  
promised  herself,  I’ll  go  to  school  tomorrow.  
 

---

 
Orihime  bit  her  lip,  contemplating  the  unfinished  art  assignment.  She  still  had  
artist’s  block.  Shaking  her  head  as  if  to  clear  it,  she  headed  for  the  door.  While  her  
heart  and  mind  felt  quite  full,  her  stomach  was  empty.  But  before  starting  up  in  the  
kitchen,  she  felt  the  need  to  get  out.  Maybe  get  some  juice  or  something  as  well  as  
some  much  needed  fresh  air.  She  wandered  into  the  convenience  store,  feeling  her  
cheeks  heat  as  if  returning  to  the  scene  of  a  crime.  Thankfully,  the  butterflies  abated  
once  she  realized  there  was  a  different  clerk  at  the  counter.  Meandering  toward  the  
back,  she  headed  toward  the  juice  to  satisfy  the  craving  for  something  sweet.  
Perhaps  apple  juice.  Reiatsu  hit  her  gut  like  a  punch  in  the  stomach.  She  whirled  
around,  senses  alert.  It  felt  unfamiliar,  but  unmistakably  shinigami.  
 
 
 
&ac irc;€œI’m  sorry  to  disturb  you,  Inoue-­â€san.  But  may  I  speak  with  you?† The  handsome  
youth,  undoubtedly  the  shinigami  exuding  the  reiatsu  in  question,  appealed  with  his  
hands  open  beseechingly.  His  dark,  azure  eyes  exuded  a  vague  sense  of  familiarity,  
though  she  was  certain  she  had  never  seen  him  before.  
 
â€&oeli g;Uh…sorry,  but  have  we  met?† He  smiled  wryly.  
 
â€&oelig ;Not  formally,  no.  But  if  I  may,  Inoue-­â€san,  this  is  quite  urgent.† Her  brows  puckered  
in  confusion.  
 
“Uh,  I  suppose  so.  Sure…can  I  pay  for  my  juice,  first?  Before  we  get  into…â€she &Ac irc; 
gesticulated,  “whatever  it  is  we  need  to  discuss?† He  nodded,  his  features  smoothing  
in  what  she  took  to  be  light  relief.  
 
“Yes,  of  course.  Go  ahead.† 
 
“Thanks.â&euro ;  She  bobbed  her  head,  whisking  the  juice  in  question  from  the  cooler  
before  heading  to  check  out.  It  was  odd,  but  she  was  actively  trying  not  to  get  herself  
worked  up  over  whatever  the  heck  was  about  to  happen.  She  made  her  purchase,  
the  young  man  following  closely  at  her  back  as  they  exited  the  store.  A  worn,  round  
picnic  table  replete  with  shabby  umbrella  and  two  folding  chairs  sat  outside  for  the  
use  to  costumers  who  wished  to  eat  instant  noodles  or  other  procured  victuals  from  
the  store.  Before  she  managed  to  snag  a  chair,  the  stranger  had  politely  pulled  out  
her  chair  and  settled  her  into  it  before  taking  his  own.  She  sipped  her  juice  
reflectively,  trying  to  calm  her  fraying  nerves.  
 
â€&oeli g;So…um….how  can  I  help  you?† 
 
“I  have  questions  that  need  answering.† She  arched  a  brow  at  him,  mimicking  a  
gesture  she  often  saw  Ishida-­â€kun Â&n bsp;perform.   But  she  dropped  it  in  favor  of  a  
tremulous  smile.  
 

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“Might  I  have  your  name  first?  I  mean,  I  feel  a  bit  silly…since  you  already  know  
mine.† He  inclined  his  head,  as  though  appraising  her.  
 
“O f  course.  My  apologies.  My  name  is  Kuchiki  Ritsu,  Third  Seat  of  the  Rokubantai,  of  
the  Juusantai.† Orihime  choked,  neatly  inhaling  much  of  her  juice  at  the  startling  
admission.  
 
“Kuchikii-Â&sh y;â€Taichou!  Is  he  your—!†  
 
“My  superior,† he  assured  her,  then  added  bemusedly.  “and  second  cousin,  in  actual  
fact.  That  is  part  of  the  reason  I  am  here.† 
 
“Did  Ru kia-­â€chan  manage  to  contact  him?† She  interjected  swiftly,  pretending  she  
hadn’t  nearly  sprayed  apple  juice  out  her  nose,  “She  was  looking  for  him  the  other  
day  but—† 
  
“But  he  was  with  you,† he  stated  bluntly,  “So  surely  you  could  have  directed  her  to  
him.† She  bit  her  tongue,  a  cold  dread  beginning  to  line  her  stomach.  She  had  an  
inkling  what  this  might  be  building  up  to.  
 
“Please  do  not  deny  it,† he  requested  almost  genially,  “it  will  make  things  go  along  
much  smoother.† 
 
“Okay,† she  murmured  softly,  taking  another  steadying  sip,  “okay… ;then  I  won’t.  
What  do  you  need  to  know?† Ritsu  looked  at  the  shaken  young  woman,  who  was  
bracing  herself  for  the  worst.  In  a  way  he  could  not  blame  her.  It  wasn’t  easy  to  
make  this  request,  nor  likely  any  more  pleasant  to  have  it  made  to  oneself.  For  her  
sake,  he  would  try  to  be  delicate.  
 
â€&oe lig;I  wish  to  know  the  nature  of  your  relationship  with  Kuchiki  Byakuya.    And  your  
motivation  in  being  his  paramour.“  
 
She  was  at  a  loss  for  words.  
 
 
< b>A/N:  Please  review!  

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