Bleach Fan Fiction ❯ Hollow Charm ❯ Unexpected ( Chapter 8 )

Tite Kubo owns Bleach. I just borrowed the characters

 

This chapter was originally planned as a one-shot, but after finishing Chapter 6, I realised that it actually suited this story. It is quite different to the previous chapters.

 

Ichigo and Orihime will not feature in this chapter.

 

Unexpected

 

Arriving back in the Seireitei, the group of returned Shinigami were quickly hustled to the Captain-General's office to report to the assembled captains. Rukia was not looking forward to this. Each person had to report their experiences with the Arrancar. Any mention of Orihime was ignored. Any suggestion of returning to the human world was overlooked. The Captains were only interested in facts, not opinions or supposition. Question after question was asked. Hours passed.

 

Rukia's patience was being tested. Renji was looking increasingly riled as the questions continued. She wondered how much longer they would be questioned. They were repeating themselves and still more answers were required. Madarame and Yumichika were now only giving monosyllabic replies.

 

“We've answered all your questions. While we were in the human world I briefed you on a regular basis. There is nothing more we can impart. You know all that we know.” Captain Hitsugaya's tone was weary and impatient. “Could we have a break? I'm tired of repeating myself.”

 

Captain Yamamoto looked at the Captain, sharply. He seemed to be considering the request seriously. Rukia wondered how many more questions would be asked before they were allowed to leave. She was concerned that Renji would not be able to control his temper much longer.

 

“I need to know more. You haven't provided enough information. How can I be expected to work with such a pitiful amount of detail? I wanted you to bring an Arrancar to me, alive, so I could conduct tests. Why didn't you capture one for me?” Captain Kurotsuchi whined angrily. “You're useless.”

 

Captain Hitsugaya's eyes darkened at the insult. Rukia knew that he was angry. He opened his mouth to speak, but Captain Zaraki was already speaking.

 

“I noticed you didn't suggest any of your division join the group that went to the human world.” Zaraki was looked down at the captain of the 12th Division with disdain.

 

“They were needed here, to monitor the situation.” Captain Kurotsuchi squawked in outrage.

 

“But if you really wanted an Arrancar, you should have joined the group to capture one yourself. It would have been the rational move.” Captain Zaraki's grin was full of malice as he spoke.

 

Captain Kurotsuchi gasped, opened his mouth to speak and then shut it again.

 

“How were we supposed to capture an Arrancar when we were fighting for our lives? Offer them drugged sweets? Get then drunk? Ask Aizen to let us borrow one for research? Bribe them? I'm interested in how you would have captured one, unless you have some gadget that would have helped. I wouldn't be surprised if you did, but kept it for yourself, like you keep all the useful things.” Madarame was sneering at the 12th Division Captain. A stern look from the Captain-General silenced him but not before Rukia noticed a furtive look cross Captain Kurotsuchi's face. From that brief expression, Rukia guessed that Madarame was correct. The captain caught her glance and looked at her as if he had suddenly had an idea, but then schooled his face to its normal mask like state.

 

“It's true we didn't capture an Arrancar. But it is also true that we didn't have a chance. I reject your criticism, Captain and agree with 11th Division's 3rd seat. If you wanted an Arrancar you should have captured one yourself.” Captain Hitsugaya `s voice was firm. He looked steadily at the other captain, as if challenging him to complain further.

 

“From my observations and understanding, I believe it was not possible to capture an Arrancar.” The Captain-General looked sternly at the 12th Division Captain. “We will discuss this no further.” Captain Yamamoto looked at the group of tired and discouraged Shinigami. “One of the reasons your group was commanded to return was the need to consolidate our efforts and plan a strategy to defend against the coming attack. The defection of Orihime Inoue to the side of the Arrancar is the motivation. In the time you spent in the human world, you collected enough data on the Arrancar to allow us to formulate our strategy. You are an integral part of our defence, as each of you has personal experience of the Arrancar. We need your knowledge. It is bad tactics to spread your forces this early. I believe we have obtained as much information as possible today. We will re-convene tomorrow. I will advise the time, later. You are dismissed. Return to your Divisions.”

 

As they all filed out of the Captain-General's office, Renji indicated to Rukia he would meet her outside. She nodded slightly and followed her captain as he left the room.

 

Once outside she touched his sleeve gently. He turned to face her smiling his gentle smile. “I'm pleased to see you return, Rukia. Is there something you wished to ask?”

 

“Sir, may I delay my return to headquarters?” Rukia began, ready to provide an excuse but Captain Ukitake interrupted.

 

“You want to talk to Assistant-Captain Abarai. I understand. Remember, I insisted he apologise to you.” He smiled at Rukia his eyes creasing at the corners in pleasure. “Of course you may talk to him. When you are finished, please visit me in my office. I'd like to hear about your experiences in the human world, the fun parts. You don't have to talk about the Arrancar. I'd prefer it if you didn't. I'm sure I'll hear enough discussion on that topic in the next few days.”

 

Rukia stood there, astonished again at the good-natured amiability of her captain. Once again she blessed the luck that placed her in 13th Division. She was uncertain if any other captain would have gone to such lengths to protect a subordinate, except Captain Kyoraku. It was obvious that the captain believed she was meeting Renji for a romantic interlude, but Rukia was sure that Renji had other things on his mind. She waited a few minutes. Her brother left and seeing her waiting approached her.

 

“I am pleased with the reports of your actions in the human world. You performed well. I will talk with you later. At present I have urgent matters that claim my attention.” Byakuya nodded to her as he walked swiftly away.

 

Seconds later Renji emerged from the office. “Come with me,” he hissed at her and started walking. Rukia followed at a distance. They walked through the darkening streets as night fell. Rukia wondered where they were going until they entered a quiet street. The street was familiar to Rukia, but not one she visited often. Renji had stopped walking and was standing at an open door, looking expectantly in her direction. He jerked his head at the open door and entered the building. She followed quickly and shut the door behind her.

 

As she looked around, she realised Renji had brought her to his quarters. She recognised the scroll of poetry hanging on the wall as one she had given him for a birthday present while they were in the Academy. She recognised a few other prized possessions scattered around the room.

 

To call the room tidy was to provide a completely different interpretation of the common usage of the word. Clothes were scattered over the floor. Open books were lying on surfaces and on the floor. Renji noticed the direction of her gaze.

 

“I haven't had a chance to clean up. I was going to before we went to the human world, but we didn't have much warning.” His tone was defensive as he surveyed the disarray that was his room.

 

Rukia shrugged and began to tidy up, as she had in the past when they were growing up. She had wondered where his sleeping mat was, and on moving some clothes uncovered it. He had not folded it away.

 

She smiled. He had never been good with housework. That at least hadn't changed.

 

“Rukia, stop that. I didn't ask you here to tidy up. I want to talk to you.” Renji's tone held a slight touch of reproof.

 

“I can't leave it like this Renji. I won't be able to concentrate.” Rukia quickly put the clothes away and was preparing to start on organising the books.

 

As she moved to the table where the mess of papers and books threatened to spill onto the floor she felt a pair of arms encircle her from behind. “I told you I want to talk to you. Leave that. It's not important.” Renji said, his mouth near her ear.

 

Renji's unexpected embrace momentarily froze Rukia. She had not forgotten the afternoon in the training field, but had not expected anything further to happen. When they had met in the human world, Renji had acted as normal, avoiding her in the brief time they spent there before they were recalled to The Seireitei.

 

That afternoon, when her captain had instructed Renji to apologise, they had shared a moment that was forever imprinted on her memory. Gazing into Renji's eyes had made her catch her breath. She felt as if she was beholding him for the first time. When he held her close, she had trouble believing it was really happening. After all the arguments, the times she had tried to talk to him, Renji had indicated that he cared. He didn't say anything about his feelings, but she didn't expect that. She had leant against him, feeling a measure of peace she had not experienced previously. She remembered his apology for avoiding her and the sweet, awkward kiss he had bestowed upon her before he left. Now he was hugging her.

 

She loosened his arms and turned to face him. He was grinning at her.

 

“I didn't know a hug would be that effective. It shut you up and stopped you from moving. I must try it again.” Acting on his words, his arms encircled her again, drawing her close. Her nose rested on his chest. It was not very comfortable and it made her wonder why people romanticised it. Looking up at him she saw he was bending down to kiss her. A few seconds later his lips were on hers. She kept her eyes open, unsure what to do.

 

“Close your eyes and kiss me back, Rukia.” Renji was telling her what to do. This time she was not going to be submissive and obey, was she?

 

“I thought you wanted to talk. I came here to talk. Not for this.” The words reflected the half truth she was uttering. She hadn't known she was going back to Renji's quarters, but when she realised where she was, she hoped there would be more involved than conversation.

 

Renji didn't bother to reply. He kissed her again.

 

This time Rukia shut her eyes and let the sensation of his lips on hers dictate her actions. Her arms moved around his waist, to hold him close and she kissed him in return. Her hands reached up to his hair and undid the band that held it. His hair fell over his face and shoulders, caressing her cheeks as the kiss continued.

 

When the kiss finished she found Renji was looked at her fixedly. His eyes fastened on hers and he seemed to be thinking about something.

 

“Ichigo will try to rescue Orihime, won't he?” The question from Renji was unexpected but it had been on her mind. It seemed natural to remain in remain within the circle of Renji's arms as they conversed.

 

“Yes. He loves her, though he hasn't told her. It wouldn't matter, even if he didn't love her. His loyalty is so strong her would try to rescue any of his friends if they'd been taken. The only question is how long will it take for him to go. If he goes, will he go alone? I don't know how his training with the vizards is progressing. Orihime mentioned that he was still experiencing problems with the Hollow.” She rested her cheek on his uniform. If only he would continue holding her. His closeness was dampening her fears.

 

“Yeah, I thought he'd try to save her, no matter what the Captain-General says. I don't think Orihime went with the Arrancar by choice. I don't like this. Something is going on that we don't understand. Rukia, I'm sorry.” The last sentence surprised Rukia.

 

“Sorry? What are you apologising for? What did you do?” Renji's apology seemed odd in the context of the conversation.

 

“I'm sorry I was avoiding you for so long.” Renji's lips brushed her hair as he spoke.

 

“Why were you avoiding me? Ever since I joined the 13th Division you've hardly talked to me. I missed you.” Rukia hoped she would finally hear the explanation. He'd avoided any reasons last time.

 

“I was told it was better for you, having become a member of a noble family, if I stayed away. I wanted to make it easier for you. You had an opportunity that neither of us thought possible. It hurt me, Rukia, seeing you, not being able to talk to you. When I heard about your crush on Kaien it all seemed pointless.” Renji sighed and kissed her forehead.

 

“You should have asked me, jerk. You didn't give me a chance. It made it harder without you. I didn't have any friends. I felt like you abandoned me.” Rukia tore herself from his arms. “I always knew you were clueless. You've proven it. Damn you Renji.”

 

Before she could continue her tirade Renji had captured her in his arms again and was pressing his mouth against hers. Rukia struggled for a few seconds, but gave into her desire to return the kiss. Renji's tongue licked at her mouth and she opened her lips to him. As his tongue entered her mouth, she bit it.

 

Renji jerked his head away from hers as fast as he could. “Ow. Damnation, that hurts.” Renji was touching his tongue to see if it was bleeding. He looked at the blood on his fingers. “Why did you do that Rukia? Are you insane? Why did you bite me?”

 

“Because you're an idiot. You listened to everyone else and put me through hell. I wanted to give some payback. Never do that to me again. Do you understand?” Rukia was still angry. Biting his tongue had been an impulse. She didn't regret it, much.

 

“Don't ever bite my tongue again. Comprehend? I don't know it I'll ever want to kiss you again if you pull that kind of freaking stunt.” Renji took off his headband and was dabbing his tongue with it. “Good, the bleeding's stopped.”

 

“If I ever let you kiss me again.” Rukia's hands were on her hips. She looked at Renji, seeing his hair falling around his face and the tattoos that decorated his forehead. For a second she wondered what it would be like to be looking up at him while they were having sex. His hair would be hanging around his face and he would be gazing intently into her eyes. Realising what she was thinking made her quickly look away, not wishing Renji to see her thoughts reflected in her eyes.

 

“You'll let me kiss you again. You're not a fool.” Renji flung the headband down and grabbed her, pulling her tightly to him. “I'm going to kiss you again and you will not bite me.”

 

“I don't want your bloody tongue in my mouth,” Rukia yelped as Renji kissed her. Her mouth was still open and Renji's tongue quickly entered her mouth. There was a faint tang of blood. Rukia tried to resist, but Renji's tongue gently licked hers. Her eyes opened in surprise.

 

“Is that what it feels like?” she thought distractedly. “I didn't know it would feel so nice.”

 

Closing her eyes, she licked Renji's tongue in return and the next few minutes were spent in allowing Renji's tongue to explore her mouth. Her skin formed goose bumps at the sensation. Her mouth was tingling and her nipples had become erect during the kiss. She was aware of his hands on her back, wherever he was touching her. Her skin felt sensitised to his touch. Now she finally understood all the stuff Matsumoto had mentioned when she'd asked her about sex. She was feeling desire.

 

Drawing back from the kiss and holding Rukia by the shoulders, Renji looked at her intently. “I've got to know. Are you still a virgin?”

 

The question shocked Rukia and she slapped him with her open hand, without thinking. “How dare you ask me that? When we were growing up you'd never let a boy within 10 paces of me. At the Academy you warned all the other trainees away. Don't pretend you didn't; I heard the rumours. I think you've warned every male Shinigami in the Seireitei not to touch me, and those you didn't warn, my brother cautioned. Who could I have sex with? Kaien? He was in love with his wife. Urahara? Yoruichi wouldn't have allowed that. Madarame? He wouldn't lay a hand on me if he knew you were interested. Ichigo? He's as big an idiot as you and in love with Orihime. Exactly who could I have slept with? Kon? Keigo? Uryu or Chad? Do you think I'd want to have sex with a sweaty teenager?” Rukia was shaking with rage at the question.

 

Ignoring the slap that had left a hand shaped mark on his face, Renji was smirking at Rukia. “So you're still a virgin. Good. I want you to remain that way. I had planned on making love to you, if by chance you weren't, but I want to keep you pure for our wedding.” Renji kissed her again, ignoring her rage and shriek of protest.

 

Rukia tried to pull her mouth from his, but Renji's hands were holding her head, making it impossible. His mouth tasted sweet, his tongue continued to arouse her. For a few seconds she relaxed, enjoying his kiss, and then she grabbed his hair and pulled it hard.

 

“Why are you intent on hurting me? I'm only kissing you. I'm not trying to take your clothes off. I told you I won't try to make love to you today.” Renji protested loudly as he loosened her grip on his hair. “It makes me wonder why I love such a violent female, I must be crazy.”

 

“What are you talking about? Wedding? What wedding?” Rukia ignored his last comment about loving her, though she wanted to know more about it, and returned to the one that the kiss had prevented her questioning.

 

Renji dropped to one knee, holding her hand in his. His knee landed on a book. The book was balanced on top of another book and slipped under the weight of his knee. Trying to regain his balance he grabbed Rukia for support. The next thing Rukia knew she was falling as Renji completely lost his balance. Remembering what she had been taught she relaxed as she fell. It didn't help that she knocked her head slightly on a shelf as she passed it. Fortunately her back met something soft when she hit the ground. She had fallen onto Renji's bed. He sprawled across her, his body firm against hers.

 

Rukia lay there under Renji wondering what was going on. The pain in her head passed as she lay there. Thinking about the events that led to this position she smiled. “This is ludicrous,” she thought. Then she started to giggle. The giggles rapidly turned to laughter as the situation started to make sense to her. It was hard to laugh with Renji lying on top of her.

 

“What's so funny? Come on, share the joke.” Renji had put his hands either side of her head and was supporting most of his weight. He looked down at her.

 

For a moment, Rukia remembered her earlier thoughts about making love with Renji and how he would look while they were having sex. Now she had a much better idea. She also noticed that while his chest was no longer crushing her, his groin was firmly pressed against hers. She could feel his arousal. The laughter left her abruptly and she licked her lips with a tongue that was strangely dry. Possibly she would find out about how sex felt as well as seeing how it would look.

 

Renji noticed her reaction and started to slide off her body. In response, Rukia pulled Renji's face down to hers and kissed him with the stored passion she was feeling. Renji embraced her and still kissing her, manoeuvred their bodies so they were lying on their sides facing each other. She could still feel his arousal, but it was no longer pressing into her.

 

Renji broke the kiss. Moving away from her, he cleared some space around the bed. Rukia watched him wonderingly. What was he doing this time? When he was satisfied, he grabbed her by her hand and pulled her into a sitting position on his bed. She crossed her legs and looked at him, curious about what he would do next. Renji again got onto one knee and holding her hands in his, addressed her.

 

“Rukia Kuchiki, I would be privileged if you would do me the very great honour of agreeing to be my wife. I love you. I don't have a noble name; my background is poor, as you are aware. If you are prepared to overlook these failings, I offer you my heart, my hand and my life.”

 

Rukia started to giggle again. It was funny seeing Renji look so solemn. Her laughter earlier had been caused by the surmise that Renji had been intending to propose before he slipped and pulled her to the ground. Now, she knew she had been right. His formal phasing and sincerity were funny too. The giggles rapidly gave way to laughter again. This was so funny. Tears ran down her cheeks as the laughter continued. She had no chance to answer as the laughter overwhelmed her.

 

“I'm serious, Rukia. I find it insulting that you're laughing at my proposal.” Renji's voice contained a tone of annoyance.

 

Rukia tried to stop laughing. She knew she was behaving improperly, but the situation was incongruous. “I accept your proposal,” she gasped between bouts of laughter. She wiped tears from her eyes and looked at Renji.

 

His lips twitched. “You accept?” His eyes held a gleam of laughter.

 

Unable to answer, Rukia simply nodded, still laughing. Her chest ached from mirth. Renji started to laugh also. He'd moved from anger to laughter on the strength of a few words. He sat on the bed next to Rukia and clasped her close to him as he laughed, trying to kiss her, but the laughter made it hard. For a few minutes they gave themselves over to amusement until it eventually began to subside.

 

Rukia breath was shuddering as she gradually regained control over her wits.

 

“Only you, Renji would slip over at the beginning of a proposal and pull the girl to the floor, coincidentally into your bed. Only you Renji would then fall on top of her. Oh, my. That was so funny.” Rukia chuckled. She would never forget this proposal.

 

“Only you would bite my tongue when I kissed you and then laugh all the way through your acceptance of my proposal.” Renji's face still wore a smile. “But you have accepted. Don't forget that part.”

 

“What's with all the crap about whether I'm a virgin or not? Why does it matter?” Rukia was curious.

 

“I told you. I'd planned on making love to you if you weren't. But you are, so I won't.” Renji kissed her on the cheek.

 

“Why can't we make love anyway? Why do we have to wait? No one will know.” Rukia remembered the feeling of desire she had experienced earlier. She was feeling it now. Waiting was not something she wished to do.

 

“I respect you too much.” Renji was hedging. He wasn't looking at her as he replied.

 

“Rubbish. You mean you're scared of my brother. Don't lie Renji. You'll have to ask him, you know that. We need his consent to marry.” Rukia felt slightly daunted at the prospect. She didn't even want to imagine Byakuya's reaction. Sighing she kissed Renji hard on the mouth. He responded, kissing her in return.

 

Rukia let her hands drop to the knot in the sash that Renji wore and began to undo it surreptitiously. If she was no longer a virgin, and Renji was the man who had taken her virginity, surely her brother would be pleased if they wed, if he didn't kill Renji first. All she had to do was convince Renji it was a good idea. After a few minutes, she felt the knot unfasten. Still kissing Renji and darting her tongue into his mouth to distract him, she undid the knot in her own sash, then moving as furtively as possible, she pulled her shirt apart, baring her chest. With one swift movement she pulled Renji's shirt apart and slid onto his lap, her legs apart, facing him, her breasts naked against his chest. She could feel his erection against her. This was a good idea. Locking her legs around his back she put her arms around his neck.

 

Now she had achieved her objective she allowed herself to experience the sensation of her chest pressed against Renji's. She almost gasped through the kiss at the skin to skin contact. It felt better than she dreamed. She was only allowed a few seconds before the inevitable fireworks began.

 

“What the hell do you think you're doing, Rukia?” Renji pulled his lips from Rukia's and tried to push her, none too gently, off his lap. Her legs remained locked around him, but he managed to remove her arms from his neck. His hands were shaking. His face had flushed and his breathing was none too steady.

 

“I'm trying to take advantage of you, stupid. What do you think I'm doing? Measuring the windows for curtains?” She tried to put her hands around his neck again. He noticed and put his hands on her shoulders, preventing her from coming any closer. Grabbing his hands, she dragged them to her mouth. Her mouth enclosed an index finger and she began to suck it and lick it. Matsumoto had told her that this sometimes worked on arousing men. Rukia thought it sounded peculiar, but she was prepared to try it.

 

“Do you know what you're doing to me? Do you have any idea? Rukia, stop this. It's not a game.” Renji was wavering between anger and desire. He pulled his finger out of her mouth. Refusing to release his hands, she pulled them down until they were cupping her breasts. Renji resisted, but not as much as he could, she knew. She held his hands on her breasts, refusing to let them go. She liked the feel of his warm hands touching her. She hoped he wouldn't try to stop her again.

 

Seemingly reluctantly, his hands were stroking her breasts, his thumbs nudging her nipples. Thinking she was winning she placed her hands on his shirt and pushed it off his shoulders. Then she was rubbed his shoulders, tracing the tattoos etched into his skin, feeling his muscles move under her probing touch. She leant across and licked his cheek, savouring the heat of his skin and the slight tang of salt on his face.

 

With a muffled groan, Renji took off his shirt and pushed Rukia onto the mattress and began to kiss her as his hands continued to touch her breasts. It felt nice. No nice was not the word to describe the wonder that his touch roused in her. This was something Matsumoto had mentioned. She returned his kiss, feeling her passion rise. She loosened her legs from around his waist. This was going to work.

 

Renji pulled his mouth from hers suddenly, his hands leaving her breasts. Rukia's eyes opened in surprise at the abrupt move. She looked at Renji to see him frowning at her.

 

“No.” His voice was determined.

 

“No, what?” Rukia had an uneasy feeling about this. She sat up and looked at Renji curiously.

 

“No. It's no going to happen. Not today. I want to marry you first. I said it before; I respect you and your brother too much. I want to ask him to let me marry you with a clear conscience.”

 

Rukia was ready to beat him out of thwarted desire. “Why? You started this by kissing me, bringing me here.”

 

“Rukia, I didn't mean it to go this far.” His voice was apologetic. His eyes wandered from hers, down to her exposed breasts. He swallowed hard and tried to look away.

 

“Renji, I'm your betrothed, aren't I?” Rukia decided to try to persuade him using reason and desire. She pulled her shirt a little further apart.

 

“Unofficially, yes.” Renji was still staring at her breasts.

 

“That means I am unofficially your future wife. Is that also correct?” Rukia was almost sure this would work.

 

“Yeah, I suppose so. But we're not official and you're not my wife, yet. That argument won't work.” Renji shut his eyes. Rukia realised he was trying to control his feelings.

 

“Damn,” Rukia thought. “He guessed where I was going with this.” She wondered what had given her away. Maybe she should have been touching him as she reasoned with him, to distract him even more.

 

“You still haven't told me you love me.” Renji's hands were pulling the edges of her shirt together, covering her exposed skin. He opened his eyes and looked at her keenly.

 

Rukia thought about it and recognised that he was telling the truth. “I love you. Can we have sex now?” She did love him, even though he was defying her.

 

“No. Isn't this meant to be the other way around? Aren't I meant to be pestering you for sex and you're meant to tell me to wait?” Renji was smiling at her, a little, as he spoke.

 

Rukia felt control of the situation slip from her grasp. Renji was going to be stubborn and remain stubborn. This was infuriating.

 

“I don't want to wait. I want to have sex with you, now. My brother may not give us permission to marry and then you'll be noble and refuse to make love to me because I'm a virgin. Maybe I should go and seduce someone so I can lose my virginity and then we can have sex. Who would be a good choice? I know, I'll ask Matsumoto who she would recommend.” Rukia was not serious in her suggestion. Mainly she wanted Renji to stop being so difficult.

 

“Don't even suggest that, Rukia. You're just trying to make me react. As you said before, everyone has been warned.” Renji scowled at Rukia, his voice hard and angry.

 

Rukia decided she'd had enough. She stood up and removed her clothes. Then she turned to Renji, fully intending to remove his clothes and hopefully shatter his resolve. Renji was staring at her, his mouth open, his eyes slightly glazed.

 

“Rukia, put your clothes back on, please.” The hoarse croak that emerged from Renji's mouth was almost unrecognisable.

 

She noticed his hands had clenched in his lap. He was obviously struggling to retain control.

 

“No. I refuse to put my clothes back on until you make love to me.” She was determined to get her way.

 

She moved close to him, sat next to him and started to run her hands over his chest, lightly outlining his pectoral muscles, stroking his sides. His face became even more flushed.

 

“What about your friend Orihime? Do you want to invite her to our wedding? She won't be able to come if we don't help Ichigo rescue her.” Renji's shaky question made Rukia pause. She looked at him. His eyes were again tightly closed. She would not have believed that he could maintain such restraint.

 

Orihime. Ichigo. The thought of Orihime being in the hands of Aizen and the Arrancar made her blood run cold. She didn't want to think the about what might befall her friend. That was why she'd originally wanted to talk to Renji, before she became distracted by other matters. Orihime was in Hueco Mundo and Ichigo would go to save her, maybe alone, maybe with some help. The Captain-General would refuse to send any help. Ichigo would go into a situation he didn't understand, and try to do the impossible again. He'd managed it once. He was arrogant enough to think he could do it again. Even though Grimmjow had beaten him twice, Ichigo would have no compunction in going to the Arrancar stronghold. Orihime was her friend, Ichigo was her friend. She must help them. They had saved her life. She owed them a debt that she may never be able to repay. They had priority over her desires. Renji was right. Why couldn't he have made love to her and then been right?

 

Quickly she kissed Renji and then stood up and replaced her clothes. “You win, this time.” Renji partially opened one eye and smiled gratefully when he saw she was again fully dressed. He pulled on his shirt and retied his sash.

 

“I know you'll want to help Ichigo save Orihime. We have to concentrate on that, not on our own pleasures.” Renji embraced her gently, not pulling her too close. He kissed her ear and sighed. “If we go and help Ichigo, it will be in direct disobedience to the Captain-General's orders. We may both be branded renegade and be sentenced to exile or execution.”

 

“I've already been sentenced to death by execution, once. It's no big deal. Before we go, let's try to get my brother's consent to our marriage. If he won't agree, we won't come back. After we save Orihime, we'll hide out in the human world, somewhere. Urahara managed to escape and not be punished, we can too.” She hugged Renji. “You don't have to come on this mission.”

 

“And let my unofficial future wife out of my sight? Not likely.” Renji paused and then said, “Let's go see your brother now. I want this question answered before we make any further plans.”

 

“Are you sure it's a good idea to ask him now?” Rukia felt a little nervous at the thought.

 

“If I don't ask him now, I'll find reasons not to ask him later.” Renji's face was set in determined lines.

 

“After you ask him, you'll have to ask my captain.” Rukia realised the protocol that needed to be followed.

 

“He won't make things difficult. Your brother will.” As he spoke Renji was arranging his hair while looking into a mirror. When he was satisfied, he found a clean headband and tied it around his forehead. He also retrieved his assistant-captains insignia and placed it correctly on his uniform. “Are you ready? You might want to look in the mirror before you go.” He smiled at her wickedly.

 

Rukia glanced in the mirror and gasped. Her hair was all over the place and her uniform was disarranged. Her mouth looked bruised. “I can't see my brother like this.” She quickly tidied her hair and uniform, but her mouth continued to look odd. She shot a glance at Renji. He looked presentable, but his mouth also looked slightly bruised.

 

Shrugging, Renji said, “It can't be helped. Come on, before I lose my nerve.” He opened the door and waited for Rukia.

 

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Author's Note:

 

I'm pondering the direction this story will take. This chapter has some brief touches of canon (very brief), but is mainly creative. I know you're eagerly awaiting the Ichigo and Orihime moments and they will appear, in time.

 

I request your patience as my muse gazes into the distance and pontificates on the reality of illusion and decides whether she will assist me.

 

Amused as I was by the threats, I had another story I wished to complete as it fits within the framework of this sequence. They can, or course, be read independently. The sequence is as follows:

 

A Walk in the Park

Court or Caught?

Orihime's Groundhog Day

Hollow Charm

 

As always, please review.

 

MS