Bleach Fan Fiction ❯ Hollow Charm ❯ Irresistible ( Chapter 6 )

Tite Kubo owns Bleach. I just borrowed the characters.

 

Irresistible.

 

Orihime did not want to talk to Yoruichi at that moment. She didn't know is she ever wanted to talk to Yoruichi. When she thought about it, she preferred Yoruichi as a cat. Under lowered lashes, she quickly observed Yoruichi's body. Ichigo had seen her naked. He had said that Yoruichi meant nothing to him except as a friend, but, a small doubt remained. How and why it had happened, Orihime did not know. She couldn't ask Ichigo. She dared not ask Yoruichi.

 

As Orihime listened distractedly to Yoruichi, she wondered at the summons. Why did Mr Urahara want to talk to her? Orihime felt a brief moment of relief that he did not remember her desperate phone call for assistance when she was using the charm. The moment of relief was replaced by a slight panic. She hoped the summons was not because he did remember. That would be awful!

 

Mr Urahara had shown very little interest in her before this. He was mainly occupied with Ichigo. The only time he had paid attention to her was when she was recovering from the attack of the hollows. Then she felt that he blamed her for the injuries suffered by Chad and Ichigo. Maybe her presence had made the hollow active and prevented Ichigo from fighting. A further stab of guilt overcame her. There seemed to be so many times she had caused problems for Ichigo.

 

Following Yoruichi to the Shouten, Orihime remembered her thoughts before she had appeared. She wanted to become stronger. Maybe Mr Urahara was going to train her, as he had done for Ichigo. Maybe he didn't remember the phone call. The thought made Orihime hopeful. After the doomed meeting with Ichigo she wanted a focus on something that could help her ignore the guilt.

 

If she let her mind wander, the guilt loomed large. She was the only one responsible for the return of the hollow. Orihime was unsure if she would ever be able to kiss Ichigo again. Disappointment at not being able to contain the hollow seemed to anger and depress him. He became so terse and uneasy when the hollow was talking to him and Orihime knew she wouldn't be able help him at her present strength. If she was stronger it would help. Becoming stronger was her goal.

 

Resolutely, Orihime put aside her thoughts of guilt. She could not as easily suppress her thoughts of Ichigo. “Would it have made any difference if the hollow hadn't interrupted? Would we have made love? If we had, what would happen next? Could I tell Ichigo I love him? Would we become a couple? Does he love me? I know he cares about me. He even told me he likes me. Why did the hollow have to interrupt? Why couldn't it just leave Ichigo alone for a while? I'm a little ashamed I was so immodest, but he seemed to like it. I wish we had made love. I liked the way he kissed and touched me.” Distractedly Orihime followed Yoruichi down the stairs into the training area.

 

“Chad,” she gasped as she saw her friend battling Renji. Her heart lightened. If Mr Urahara was prepared to encourage Chad in his training, surely he would do the same for her. Chad needed help to enhance his powers and so did she.

 

The message the owner of the shop gave her, did not encourage or comfort her. He dismissed her powers as if they were the playthings of a child, pretty but unimportant. Orihime tried to be brave as she heard the words dismissing her and her abilities. Mr Urahara told her she was weak and not a fighter. If she cried in front of him because of his words, she really was as weak as he implied. Believing this she refused to cry. Plastering a smile on her face and assuring Chad that all was well, she left as quickly as possible. There was no point in remaining.

 

As she climbed the stairs, she felt her resolve weaken. Who would help her? Who could help her? She had lost Tsubaki and could only defend and heal. Mr Urahara was right. She would be of no use on the battlefield. People would have to protect her and might be harmed while doing so. She would be a liability. Her eyes burned with the tears she refused to shed.

 

Bumping into Rukia, made Orihime felt better. Rukia was her friend and Ichigo had assured her that he was not in love with her. Rukia immediately noticed something was wrong.

 

But even that conversation was interrupted. Being dragged back to the warehouse was something Orihime did not wish to happen. She was scared of seeing Ichigo, scared of his reaction, scared of awakening the hollow. At the same time she longed to see him even though they had only parted such a short time previously. Seeing Ichigo look at her, made her heart ache, but she didn't dare look directly at him. It was too soon. He had not defeated the hollow. Ichigo was more important than any stupid romantic thoughts she might have. Secretly she hoped that when he was confident, he would seek her out, but until them, she would try to deny any thoughts of him. She had to get stronger, despite the opinion of Mr Urahara.

 

Instead of thinking about Ichigo, even though she could feel how close he was, she concentrated on Hachi and his advice. At first the large vizard had scared her, but when she realised they possessed similar powers, she felt reassured. If she was not a fighter, it was highly probable he was not a fighter, but the other vizards seemed to respect him. It was purely by his request that Hyori had snatched her from her conversation with Rukia. Maybe it was something about the powers she shared with Hachi that helped her begin to regain some of her shattered confidence. Instead of the fearful ordeal she had expected, this visit to the warehouse had given her so much more. Her ability to fight and a new found resolve.

 

When she finally left the warehouse, with Tsubaki restored to full health, she was glad. Now she had the ability to increase her strength. It would be possible for her to train and become a warrior, worthy of fighting at Ichigo's side. Seeing Rukia waiting outside lifted her spirits even further.

 

The offer that Rukia made, amazed Orihime. She would train her. It took only a moment to make the decision.

 

Returning to Soul Society was different. This time she returned as a friend and ally instead of a scared and uncertain girl. The training began and Orihime realised there was much she could learn. Rukia took the training seriously and did not dismiss her powers. She even tried to make the training fun, when she could. Occasionally other shinigami came to watch them train. After a short while, Rukia's captain would appear and persuade the observers to leave. Orihime admired Captain Ukitake. He seemed so nice.

 

“Rukia. May I ask you a question?” They were sitting on the grass in the field where Rukia was training Orihime. Rukia had announced that she wanted to lie down and look at the clouds for a while. They had been working hard all morning and Orihime was feeling tired. She had been only too pleased to sit and relax for a while. The grass was cool and she removed her shoes so her toes could wriggle freely.

 

“Hm? A question. You can ask me any question you like. If I don't want to answer it, I won't.” Rukia kept her eyes on the cloud that she had earlier pointed out to Orihime as resembling Chappy. The cloud had changed and now looked more like a horse than a rabbit, but Rukia still seemed to be gazing at it. Her face showed no expression.

 

Orihime's lips formed the words, but she did not ask them. Uncertain if she wished to hear the answer, she pursed her lips and frowned. She was procrastinating. Opening her mouth again she hesitated and then bit her tongue. Did she really want to know the answer?

 

“What's the question? I can't refuse to answer it, if I don't know.” Rukia was now leaning on an arm looking at Orihime, her eyes no longer fixed on the clouds. Her face was calm but Orihime detected a hint of amusement in her friend's eyes.

 

“How do you feel about Ichigo?” Orihime said the words quickly before she lost courage to do so. Once she had uttered the words, she felt her anxiety increase while she awaited the answer.

 

“How do I feel about Ichigo? Is that your question? Why do you want to know?” Rukia's face was guarded as she spoke. Seeing this Orihime felt a sense of dread. Rukia must like Ichigo; otherwise she would have answered immediately.

 

`Um. It's just you seem to be such good friends and he missed you while you were in Soul Society. I just wanted to know. He did come to save you from being executed.” Orihime giggled with embarrassment as she spoke and then flushed. The half truth made her feel wretched.

 

“Ichigo is my friend. Yes, he came here to save my life. I feel grateful to him and care about him. I'm pleased that he's obtained some help in taming the hollow.” Rukia smiled at Orihime. “That's not really the answer you wanted, is it? If you want the answer I think you do, you should ask a different question.” Her voice contained a teasing quality.

 

Her words perplexed Orihime. Rukia knew the question she wanted to ask, but she was making her ask it, properly, without evasion. Why? Was it because of the friendship they had? Did Rukia really require her honesty so much? “Do you like Ichigo?”

 

“Closer, so much closer to the question you really want to ask.” Rukia was reclining again and looking at the clouds a small smile on her mouth. “You want to ask me if I love Ichigo, don't you?”

 

Involuntarily, Orihime felt her mouth gape open. Without difficulty, Rukia had identified the question she wanted to ask. Feeling shame at not being completely honest, she felt disinclined to answer but the need to know was irresistible. “Yes. I would like to know that” she finally responded.

 

“Of course I love Ichigo.” Rukia's voice was firm. Her expression did not change.

 

The words made Orihime's heart sink. She now knew the truth, and regretted asking the question. She didn't want to harm Rukia.

 

“Damn, you can be so daft sometimes. I love Ichigo as a friend. Almost like a brother. I know how he feels about you.” Rukia had turned her head to look at her friend. It almost appeared as if she wanted to say something else, but she shook her head.

 

“Oh, I'm so glad to hear you say that, Rukia.” The words were out of Orihime's mouth before she knew what she was saying. “Is there someone you love?” As she asked the question, Orihime grasped the answer. “Renji. You love Renji. Of course. Why didn't I see it before?”

 

Rukia closed her eyes and Orihime noticed her hands forming into fists. “Hell. Is it that obvious? It must be, because even the clueless one worked it out. I don't mean you're the clueless one, Orihime. What I meant to say, is even Ichigo, the clueless one, worked out how I feel about Renji, the big idiot. The big idiot is Renji. No actually both Ichigo and Renji are idiots. They have much in common.”

 

A butterfly fluttered past and Orihime watched the shadow its wings made on the ground. It seemed so strange to finally know that Rukia was not in love with Ichigo. Why had it taken her so long to realise that Rukia was in love with Renji. They had a long history together. She had been too wrapped up in Ichigo to think about other people's loves. Maybe Ichigo was right about her flawed intuition.

 

“Why do you say Renji is a big idiot, Rukia?” Orihime would never consider Ichigo an idiot. She loved him too much to think that he was anything less than perfect; except for the hollow; and his habit of running away; and his temper; and the way he disappeared without telling anyone, which upset his family. Aside from all that, and possibly some other factors, Ichigo was perfect. All his flaws were part of him, and she loved Ichigo for who he was.

 

“Renji's been avoiding me. Every time I try to talk to him, he fabricates some excuse and hurries away. It could be that Byakuya has said something to him, to warn him away. I don't know. I find it maddening. He took care of me, protected me with his life when Aizen was trying to kill me. Now we're back to being distant friends.” Rukia scowled at the sky. “I don't know what to do.”

 

Orihime patted Rukia's hand gently. “I love Ichigo. I don't know how he feels about me. Every time we try to get close, the hollow intervenes. I can't give you any advice because I can't work out what to do either. I'm sure that Renji has feelings for you. He's shy.”

 

Rukia laughed abruptly. “That is one word I have never heard used to describe Renji. Renji is shy? I don't think he's shy; he's just acting like a moron. Hey, Orihime, we could form a club for all the women who love idiots. Maybe Matsumoto would be interested in joining.” Rukia was giggling sadly. “I don't know why I can't get closer to Renji. As for Ichigo, he has a lot of problems he needs to work out. I know he's trying to become stronger, but the cost is pretty high.”

 

They fell silent as they thought about the men they loved. Both Ichigo and Renji were noisy, overconfident, difficult and stubborn. Why love someone like that?

 

“I have an idea. Why don't we create a trap for Renji so he can't escape? I can form shields around him to prevent him from running away. That way you can talk to him for as long as you want.” Orihime was joking. She felt for Rukia. At least Ichigo had told her he cared for her and liked her. Rukia didn't appear to have received that scant comfort.

 

“Now, that's an idea. Trap Renji. I like it. Get him trapped and then kiss him until he admits he loves me. It might take some time, but I'm sure I can cope with it. Oh, don't look at me like that. I know you were joking. I'm joking too. I want Renji to tell me how he feels, because he wants to, not because he's forced into the admission.” Rukia smiled wearily at Orihime. “You can't compel love, or declarations. If you want Ichigo to ever declare himself, you'll be waiting a long time.”

 

“I know. It's not something that will happen soon. Have you tried kissing Renji?” Orihime changed the subject as she didn't want to think about Ichigo. Talking about another problem romance made her realise that she was not the only person with a troubled love life.

 

`The Scarlet Pimpernel?” Rukia noticed the confused expression on Orihime's face. “'They seek him here, they seek him there.' It's in a book I read. I can't find Renji half the time. I think he's shielding his reiatsu. When I do see him, he makes excuses and leaves. Why won't he make this easy? I thought men were meant to pursue women, not the other way around. I feel like a fool. When I see him I walk up to him fast and because I'm pleased to see him, I smile. Then he looks shifty and mutters something about having to go somewhere. I want to hit him and kiss him at the same time.”

 

Orihime smiled mournfully. “I love the excuses or the non-excuses. Ichigo will not admit what is wrong and just leaves. At least he explained about the hollow last time. It made it easier to understand why he left in such a rush.”

 

`He didn't do it again, did he? I told him that it was a mistake.” Rukia realised what she had said and coloured slightly.

 

Orihime felt her pulse begin to race. “He told you? He told you about, um.” Orihime blushed at the thought. She didn't want anyone to know what had happened between them.

 

“He told me that he kissed you. Don't be embarrassed, Orihime. I'm your friend. Ichigo was trying to work out what he should do about the hollow. He was worried it constantly interrupted when he was near you. I told him to stop running away or he would hurt you. Has he worked that out yet? Has he managed to conquer the hollow?” It was obvious to Orihime that Rukia was trying to comfort and distract her at the same time.

 

Orihime shook her head. It hurt that she had to admit this new truth to her friend. “He thought he had it under control, but it tried to take over again when we were about to…”

Realising what she was about to say made Orihime blush even harder. It was not something she wanted to tell anyone.

 

Rukia did not say anything, just returned her gaze to the sky. The wind was making the clouds reform rapidly into new shapes. Looking at the sky, Orihime wondered what Ichigo had told Rukia. It was unlikely he would have said much. He would have found it hard to admit his problems.

 

“You're making progress with the training. I can tell you're really trying. Are you training so hard for yourself, or for Ichigo?”

 

Startled at the question after the compliments, Orihime answered without thinking. “For Ichigo. I want to help him. I want him to realise I can protect myself.”

 

Rukia rolled over onto her side. “Men love to protect, don't they? Protect you so much that they protect you against themselves. I think that's Renji's problem. He said something once about me being from a noble family and he was too far beneath me. I wanted to slap him, hard. I can take care of myself. I can make my own decisions. How old does he think I am? If my brother doesn't like it, tough. He'll get used to it.”

 

Orihime felt compassion for her friend. Ichigo at least tried to get close to her.

 

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a blaze of crimson. She looked closer and saw that a person with crimson hair was standing not very far away, and appeared to be looking in their direction. “Rukia, I think Renji's here. Why don't you try and talk to him now?”

 

Rukia hurriedly got to her feet. “Which direction?” She looked around eagerly.

 

Orihime pointed in the direction she had seen the crimson colour. Rukia flash-stepped there hurriedly. Orihime followed her friend, curious to see how this would work out. When she arrived, Rukia was holding Renji by the arm. He was trying to pull away.

 

“Why are you back here? Has everyone been recalled? I want to hear what you have to say. Why won't you stay and talk? My brother doesn't need you that urgently, otherwise you'd be with him. You'd be following him around like a little puppy. Were you spying on me, Renji?” Rukia was losing control of her temper as Renji kept trying to pull away.

 

Renji continued to try shaking her off. “I'm only back for the day. I had something urgent to do. Let go. You can be such a brat. I have to go. I walked this way by accident. I'm not spying on you.” His voice was raised and he seemed uncomfortable.

 

Rukia trod on his foot. “If you're calling me a brat, I may as well act like one. I want to talk to you Renji. Why are you avoiding me? Aren't we friends anymore?”

 

“I find it interesting that Assistant-Captain Abarai has walked past this place three times in the last two hours, while you had been intent on training your friend, Rukia. Perhaps you would like to explain that, Assistant-Captain?” Captain Ukitake walked toward the struggling pair, smiling. At his words, Renji stopped struggling and looked away a scowl forming on his face.

 

“You have been spying on me!” Rukia's expression was incredulous and she released Renji's arm. “Why? Did my brother ask you to spy on me? I'm trying to help Orihime train. I'm not hurting anyone or doing anything to disgrace my family. I thought he was beginning to trust me.”

 

Renji's face assumed a sullen expression. “I had to visit a few places near here. Things I had to do. It's a fluke that I've walked past so many times.”

 

Captain Ukitake smiled at Renji even more. “A strange fluke that you spent 10 minutes or more each time watching Rukia train our young friend each time you walked past. Of course, that was a coincidence also?”

 

Renji's expression became even surlier. He shot a look of impatience and anger at the Captain of the 13th Division. “It's a nice day. I was just taking a break, looking at the view. I have to go back to the human world soon.”

 

Hearing the excuse, Rukia started to laugh, Captain Ukitake and Orihime joined in. Renji glowered at all of them.

 

“Assistant-Captain, I insist you apologise to Rukia. It's about time you talked to her properly, instead of sneaking around. Rukia, please refrain from punching him. Miss Inoue, would you like to walk with me, while our friends have a conversation?” Captain Ukitake secretly winked at Orihime. She understood immediately what he was planning.

 

`I need to stretch after my training. Thank you, Captain. A walk would be nice.”

 

Together they walked away from Rukia and Renji. “I don't know if this will work, but if they start talking again, it will mean that Rukia may stop looking so unhappy. If they manage to talk now, it could be the start.”

 

“Are you trying to match make, Captain?” The words were out of Orihime's mouth before she could prevent them.

 

A slow smile spread across the Captain's face. He looked at the horizon as he considered her question. “Of course I am. I'm very fond of Rukia. She has had to undergo much and I admire her courage. Renji is too awed by her brother and her rank. He needs to realise that she is still the same girl he cared about when they were children. We have been too careful with our feelings in the past. Perhaps it is time that we were more honest.”

 

They continued to walk at a steady pace until Captain Ukitake stopped and turned around. Orihime turned also and looked at the two friends. She was relieved to observe that Rukia was not trying to hurt Renji and that he was still standing there. His arms were folded and he was looking over Rukia's shoulder as she talked to him. The expression on his face was quizzical as if he had difficulty in believing her words. While Orihime and the Captain watched Rukia poked Renji in the chest, trying to make him look at her. Renji grabbed her hand, obviously annoyed by her attempts to get him to listen to her. But he kept holding her hand and in response to a sharp question from Rukia, he looked into her eyes.

 

Orihime hugged herself. Renji was looking into Rukia's eyes. As he did so, his expression changed. Rukia had stopped talking and was gazing back at Renji. Renji caught hold of Rukia's other hand and they stood there, not speaking, holding hands and gazing at each other. Watching them, a tear trickled down Orihime's cheek. She was unsure if she was crying for joy, or for herself.

 

“I knew it would only take a short time if they could stop dodging each other. They needed a chance to see each other, without the interruptions. It is like they've found that timeless moment when words are not necessary.” The sound of Captain Ukitake's voice reminded Orihime that he was there.

 

“Yes. It does look like that.” Orihime didn't know what else to say. Her eyes were drawn to Rukia and Renji, wishing that she could experience this with Ichigo. As she watched, Renji hugged Rukia close to him.

 

`I think we should leave them alone a little longer. Are you hungry, or thirsty?”

 

`I am thirsty. All the training has made me hungry too.”

 

“Let's find some food and drink. We will return in half an hour and see if they are ready for other company.”

 

After a time spent drinking tea and hearing some of the history of Seireitei from Captain Ukitake, they returned. Renji had left and Rukia was looking flushed and confused.

 

She stood immediately when she saw her captain approach. “Thank you, Captain. I owe you more than I can ever repay. Once again you have intervened on my behalf.” Rukia bowed to her Captain deeply.

 

Captain Ukitake smiled benevolently at Rukia. “Of course I did. I'm you captain. It's my job to interfere in your life. Are you friends with Renji now?”

 

Rukia did not reply verbally. She nodded her eyes fixed on the ground.

 

“Good. Now I'll let you get back to training. I've noticed improvements in both of you. Now I must return to work.” He walked away after smiling benignly at the friends.

 

Orihime waited until he was out of hearing range. “Is Renji still an idiot?” She couldn't resist the chance to tease her friend.

 

Rukia dragged her gaze from the ground and smiled widely at Orihime. “He's still an idiot. That hasn't changed, but he's now an idiot who will talk to me. I don't know how this will progress, but I think...”

 

Orihime interrupted. “I saw him hold your hands and hug you. Did anything else happen? Oops, I shouldn't have asked that.”

 

Rukia laughed slightly. “I'm not saying.”

 

A loud alarm interrupted their conversation.

 

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooooooooooooOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

 

When he saw Orihime being brought in by Hyori, Ichigo thought for a moment she had come for him, to talk to him. Hope rose quickly, only to be dashed as she refused to look in his direction.

 

He had quelled the hollow again. The sight of Orihime did not make the hollow emerge. Hirako had explained that no matter how absorbed he was, he should always be vigilant in his control of the hollow. The fact that the hollow was interested in Orihime made conscious control even more important. The hollow would keep testing the boundaries until Ichigo could maintain control automatically.

 

Orihime left, without looking at him. He was disappointed, but resolved that once he finished training, once he had gained instinctive control of the hollow, he would kiss Orihime again. It was time that he told her his feelings.

 

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Author's note:

 

A Renji Rukia insert into the story. I couldn't resist. It wasn't possible to include another Ichigo/Orihime moment as I am trying to stick to the canon, at least for a little while.

 

Thank you to the people who reviewed. I appreciate it. Please review this chapter.

 

MS