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Heat Of The Night	By : AlmaGemela Category: Bleach > Het - Male/Female Views: 8350 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 2
Disclaimer: Since my driver's license does NOT say Kubo Noriaki, I do not own BLEACH. The only thing being made from this fanfiction is a hobby. But please enjoy!

Chapter List
- 7
- 8
- 9
Disclaimer: It couldn't be less mine even if I had it tattooed on my forehead. Which I won't do. But still…case in point.

A/N: WARNING! Emotional crap ahead Personally, I don't think it's worth skipping. But there are only a few limes sprinkled herein.

I know; I'm disappointed, too. But no matter how I tried, I couldn't force the nookie. It felt too….OOC. Granted, I know this is a crack pairing. But… to wax metaphor, I would say characters are like pieces of bread.

There's gotta be something between them to make a sandwich…You can get creative with the fillings, but you can't throw ANY old thing in there without the possibility of something tasting weird. Now on with the story!

Before she could blink, Orihime rapidly felt herself being swept away as Ritsu ushered her from the room. Her thoughts were erratic, flying about in a panic like a bird's wings beating harshly against the bars of a cage. Her legs still felt numb from sitting seiza, and were it not for Ritsu's steadying arm draped about her she would have tripped and fallen. As it was, she stumbled several times as the shinigami easily whisked her down the hall.

All too soon, they arrived swiftly before a room. A servant materialized as if from the very woodwork of the mansion, sliding the door open in a quick and practiced movement. Ritsu delicately deposited her inside, and she melted to the proffered cushion on the floor without saying a word. She was too deep in shock, not having yet found her tongue.

Ritsu didn't doubt that she soon would, and wished to be nowhere near the vicinity once she did. Her ire was liable to be directed specifically toward him, should his second cousin not put in an appearance.

As if in answer to his silent prayers, he felt a familiar, powerful reiatsu at his back as he broke protocol and slid the door shut himself. No sooner had a sigh of relief spilt past his lips he was slammed unceremoniously against the heavy oak of an integral pillar. The breath was violently torn from his lungs. He had in no way anticipated such an attack, especially from his normally cool and reserved Taicho.

Still, he was aware that his superior was using a leashed strength. Had it been to Byakuya's choosing, he could have just as easily crushed the Third Seat of the Rokubantai as well as the now groaning beam Ritsu found himself compressed against.

"That was…unexpected," he wheezed quietly. Both parties knew he referred to what had just transpired before the Elders, rather than Byakuya' currently violent display. While Ritsu had not been completely surprised by the proclamation of intended courtship, the same could not be said for the rest of the Kuchiki clan.

"Have you attained satisfaction through your actions?" The deep resonation of his voice chilled Ritsu's very flesh. The hostility buried therein was more than a threat. It was a promise. He would have to tread carefully hereon in.

"Byakuya-sama, you are mistaken." He spoke in an as clear and calm voice as he could manage, willing his superior to regain his usual composure. It had been decades since he had last seen him exhibit such erratic behavior. Ginrei-sama would be disappointed. As it was, such unpredictability made Ritsu decide to choose his next words with care. For the first time in a long while, icy tendrils of fear were beginning to claw at his insides.

"Emotional reparation was not my intent," he murmured, "But surely you cannot argue that my deed has not put things in motion for the better…"

For one terrible instant, Byakuya's grip tightened lethally upon his throat. Blessedly, as though awakening from a dream, he then inexplicably loosened his hold before slipping away entirely. Ritsu coughed hoarsely, welcoming the sweet air back into his lungs in short choking breaths. However, Byakuya had yet to entirely retreat. In fact he remained disturbingly within reach.

"You cannot claim to have foreseen such events," Once more, the flavor of his voice was apathetic and deep. A strange epiphany crossed Ritsu's mind, and it escaped his lips before he could process the full shock of it.

"She already means something to you…"He nearly wilted at the look Byakuya gave him.

"The nature of my relationship with Inoue-san is no longer up for discussion." Yours, or anyone else's. he thought acidly. His voice was deadly, cutting Ritsu to the quick. It reminded him of black ink, spilt and soaking into fresh parchment as it bled…full of an enduring veracity… reaching for him… "Do not assume your transgressions are to be justified simply by the accomplishment of your goals. The manner in which they were achieved—"

"However this plays out," Ritsu cut in quickly, wishing to have his say before his nerves failed him, "I do not regret the initiation of it. She will be good for you." Having said his piece, he slipped away, intent on disappearing like smoke. Lucky for him, Byakuya was more concerned in mulling over his subordinate's words than pursuit, or else bruises would be the least of Ritsu's troubles.

A sudden noise, a clatter from within the room, drew his attention. As if on cue, a servant shifted the door open, allowing his entrance. He turned, entering just as a smaller body barreled into his.

Orihime reeled backwards from the impact, nearly falling flat on her behind. Byakuya forestalled this by catching her, his reflexes as fluid and nimble as a cat.

"And where are you going?" She stared up at him, obviously flabbergasted, as she distractedly tried to untangle herself from his grip.

"I…I thought I was going home. I figured when the door opened, it meant that—"

"For now," he smoothly cut in, "your place is here, with me." She stared up at him, brown eyes widening. But then they narrowed in growing ire, and she doubled her efforts in attempting to remove herself from his unmitigated grasp.

"What the— who gave you the right to decide that? And when were you planning on telling me that you were—you were planning on a…c-courtship!?" Her voice stumbled upon the last word, unfamiliar with all it might portend. It wasn't supposed to be this way.

Orihime began to struggle, nearly malicious in her growing desperation to get away. For his part, Byakuya's grip did not loosen. He merely watched her, studying her with hooded, azure eyes. He almost looked indifferent.

Abruptly, he heaved her forward, twisting her around so that her back fell against his muscled chest. Her limbs were constricted, entrapped at her front as she was pressed intimately against the solid and suddenly very dangerous shinigami. A chilling sweat began to prickle across her skin at the feel of him.

"We are involved," he breathed against her neck, "This is the most obvious and natural course to take."

"Course?!" her voice was pitched high as panic blossomed in her stomach, writhing with growing trepidation. She wriggled against him, desperate to get away. However, the reluctant groan emitted by her captor made her pause. It also made her aware of quite a few other things, such as the hard length buried amidst the folded cloth at her lower back. Her heart was beating a terrible tattoo within her chest, riotous emotions and adrenaline warring for dominance. Her limbs were shaking with it.

"I only came because Ritsu-san… , " she bit her tongue, cheeks burning, "Ritsu-san made it sound like our …thing…was going to have repercussions!" She cringed at her inability to use the word 'relationship' in front of Byakuya. Her nerves were failing her in her distraction. Her stomach was curling in anxiety, much like a sick cat. She was desperate to put as much distance between herself and all of …this, as possible. That, and get her hands on a few pregnancy tests…Idiot. They don't work one day after. Ignoring her subconscious, she plunged on, babbling in desperation. "Tha—that it might ruin your prospects for marriage!"

Orihime plowed onward, oblivious of Byakuya's appreciation for her perception in this matter.

"…and it was only a matter of time for others in your clan to put the pieces together. I mean, Rukia-chan practically did that first time!" Her tone had escalated an entire octave in its growing hysteria. Her auburn hair had begun to fall in wisps, curling before her face as she fought his unrelenting grip. She tried to ignore the feel of him pressed against her lush curves, his arms tightening their grip as she wriggled to get away. She was breathing shallowly by this point, tipping onto the border of blind terror.

"Where is this 'ship even going? I never even thought about a destination! When did we even leave port? Are you some kind of pirate?" To Byakuya's senses, she was spouting nonsense.

"I can't be a mother!" She practically wept. The salt of welling tears burned in her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. "I'm still in high school! And we used protection! How can I—?"

Warm lips found her own, effectively cutting off Orihime's tirade. She gasped, torn between desire and anger. Byakuya's own growing lust bade him slip his tongue past the unmeaning invitation of her open lips, momentarily deepening the kiss. He groaned, pressing her against the hard ridges of his body. He reminded her of what she did to him, at least physically, before breaking off from the feverish exchange of passion to say what needed to be said. If for no other reason than to put her mind at ease.

"You need to calm yourself." His hand suddenly found it's way to her chest, but it was not meant in a sexual manner. He pushed her body against his own, forcing her to become aware of his own measured pace of inhaling and exhaling. "Breathe in," he murmured, his voice dripping with serenity. She almost wanted to hit him because of it.

Almost unwittingly, she obeyed his order, matching his natural rhythm. After a few minutes, judging her to be more composed and relaxed, he loosened his hold. He caressed her gently, meaning to soothe her as he ignored the growing ache of lust. The stress had taken its toll, igniting the latent state of the aphrodisiac. However uncomfortable, in that the fire of his blood made him want to grit his teeth, he noted that it was somewhat more bearable than before. Not by much, but some. Enough to keep a grip on reality. Or so he hoped.

"You are not with-child." He demurred, trying to speak gently in spite of the rough timbre evoked by desire in his tone.

She turned, allowing him to take in her visage as her eyes searched his own. Orihime felt her world slow to a more sedate spin; one that she could manage. Her lips trembled.

"B—but Ritsu-san—!"

"Could not possibly be the authority on any such matter." She seemed to take this in though her posture remained slightly unyielding.

"I did not tamper with the contraceptives. I will not deny that I was tempted…" Orihime ripped herself away from him. This time, he allowed it.

"Oh, you did NOT just say that!" She hissed angrily. She began to hit him, giving full vent to her feelings. "How could you even THINK of doing something so low?!" She began to curse herself for neglecting to don her treasured hair pins, as she thirsted at that moment to shoot Tsubaki straight at his face. It was the closest in a long while that she had come to a violent thought. There was a reason only one petal of her shun shun rikka personified such aggression.

It wasn't, after all, a coveted piece of her personality. More like the thorn on the rose. The fierce protection of the softer entity rather than the construction of the whole. Even the most pleasant of things had their defenses. Not to mention yearnings for retribution in being threatened…

Byakuya sighed and effortlessly restrained her limbs, twisting them painlessly behind her back and bringing her flush against his chest in the same movement. The air rushed out of her, making her slightly light-headed as she fully took in the resumed intimacy of their position.

He continued, unabated. "As I said, I was tempted. But in contemplating marriage to a woman I find strangely compatible, I chose instead to go about things in the right order." Amusement warmed the timbre of his voice as he amended, "…at least from this point onward. The toxin's influence notwithstanding. She paused, startled by the admission.

Marriage?! Compatible? But we hardly know each other! Did he—is he being humorous?! Who am I kidding? He's ALWAYS serious. But still… She bit her lip, indecisive as she pondered the implications of the truth. Had he ever laughed a day in his life? Should she tickle him…? Would he kill her if she tried—if only on principle?

"Are you ticklish?" she blurted out, before immediately feeling horrified for letting the thought spill out of her. He arched a brow at the untoward, seemingly arbitrary question. "I just mean," she hastily amended, fighting her fiery blush, " that we ought to get to know one another…before we go through with a…um…"

"That," he cut in smoothly, "is the point and purpose a courtship would serve: to 'get to know one another'."

"Ah, I see," she replied in a slightly strangled, distracted tone. "I—I might have agreed to a courtship had we discussed it first." She offered hesitantly, finding she didn't have the courage to quite look him in the eye. This time Byakuya did not relinquish his hold, though it did loosen considerably at the sound of her rational reply.

"Are you saying that you do not wish to engage in one?" There was a brittle tone to his usually cool voice; a guarded vulnerability. She almost missed it due to her own brew of volatile emotions. But it was there, winking like a pearlescent dewdrop beneath the leaves and away from the sun. Unbidden, she was reminded of Ritsu's words, spoken what felt to be so long ago outside of the convenience store…the last woman to garner his attention became his late wife.

"I—I mean…it's just…apart from…doing THAT. Can you really say that you like me? Shouldn't we—?"

"I like you well enough that I wish to know you better." Gently, he slipped his hands from her own. She felt un-tethered without his touch, like a balloon about to blow away into the sky. She had been drawing a measure of strength from his level of emotionally projected calm. Almost as if they had achieved a sense of balance in that she was reacting to everything he did not.

He DID just mention that he's considering marriage…I…I guess this would feel like the natural next step to him. Since we—since this is the closest he has come to a romantic relationship after all of these years.

It sounded simple. Like a dance. Still, she understood the hazard in underestimating the steps she was meant to follow.

Are you actually considering marriage, Inoue?! She swallowed the bubbling thoughts and concerns churning to the surface. She couldn't get answers by simply asking herself. And spending time with him…wasn't a promise in and of itself. Whether or not marriage was still a consideration would be a bridge to cross at a later date.

"What are the boundaries?" Oops…," I mean rules….what are the rules?" He had stiffened initially at her wording, but her chagrined modification helped ease his state of mind. She is new at this, he reminded himself, it is understandable that she would have doubts…questions…but he was just as out of practice as she was inexperienced. Not that he would ever admit so aloud. A quest for a sense of equal footing.

"Traditionally, that is dependant upon the individuals involved." He inclined his head, regarding her. The blood within his veins had dulled to sluggish throb; present, but manageable. Hopefully, she had forgotten his impromptu and ill-timed arousal. Or more likely, she had the modicum of decency not to mention having felt it. Obviously it had not initially escaped her notice…

"I believe you are fully enrolled within your 'summer holidays.' I would suggest spending your time here, so that we might better become acquainted." Orhime had difficulty stifling a snort at his phrasing. He makes it sound like we've never bumped uglies… Embarrassed at the turn of her thoughts, she diverted her attention to his words, readily agreeing.

"Okay. That sounds fine... Would it be all right if I return to my home, though? ... I would like to pack a couple of things—some essentials, before bunking over for the next few weeks." She smiled brightly, belying the more serious thoughts chasing themselves within her head. The implications if she—they, didn't make every effort.

Being involved with him, you are now involved with the clan. Ritsu's words again. Besides, what was the purpose of a relationship if you didn't see it going anywhere? More importantly, what was the point in being part of one that you didn't know where you stood. If she…if they truly really intended to see this through to the end, wherever that might be, they couldn't hide from this. Couldn't hide from each other.

"That would be permissible."

"Thanks!" She smiled again, but startled at the soft caress of her cheek. The mask of her grin nearly fell away, to be replaced with a more liquid and vulnerable emotion…He looked deep into her eyes, his own a tumultuous cavern filled with hidden delights.

Her lips parted of their own accord, and she fought to keep from trembling at the feeling of being stripped from her usually buoyant demeanor: her true armor.

"Brother!" The sliding door shot open, simultaneously breaking the tension as well as adding to the mounting frustration now once more pounded within Byakuya's blood. He closed his eyes, praying for patience. Feeling suddenly like a rabbit caught in a snare, Orihime dropped her gaze faster than a burning tea cup.

"Rukia-chan! How…?" Clearly, she was at a loss for words. Her tongue felt thick and swollen with things she wanted to say, but they all bottle-necked at her mouth.

"What brings you here, dear sister?" No doubt about it. There was a tinge of frost to his voice where once it had been suffused with warmth. Like a sudden chill in spring.

"I—I apologize for the untimely interruption, "Rukia hastened, lying through her teeth. Whatever it was they had been doing, Orihime wouldn't meet her gaze, though her cheeks were suffused with crimson. What was more, her normally stoic adoptive brother looked positively sinister in his growing ire. "I was merely concerned, when I heard my friend had been brought before our clan Elders in regards to…"she trailed off. Both people in the room were looking at her now. It was a bit unnerving; one was acting shy, secretive. The other…she shivered. The look he was giving her now made her flesh crawl. Clearly, she had interrupted something. "Never mind. It is of no import now."

"Given your timely appearance, I would ask a favor of you," he said silkily. Rukia's shadowed eyes narrowed. He was deeply pissed. It would be best to stay in the barracks and not at home for a couple of days. His azure, burning eyes promised dire retribution.

"Of course. Ask, so that I might be of service."

"Our guest has need to run an errand…"

Minutes later, his adoptive sister and Inoue-san had quickly padded out of the room. Their destination none other than the Senkaimon on the Kuchiki grounds. He was bemused by Inoue-san's need to pack unnecessary baggage for her stay, as she would in fact be provided every luxury. Her typical raiment, for example, was not quite appropriate for this world. However, he saw no harm in allowing her to seek such comforts: the kind of familiar indulgences that could only be found within the confines of her home.

Aside from that comprehension, there lingered a reticence to letting her go. It stemmed from not finishing what had been started. Sensing no prickle of reiatsu that would indicate unwanted observation by another, he allowed himself to let loose a sex-induced groan.

He felt depraved, loathing how the aphrodisiac still held sway over his ordinarily disciplined actions. He craved a woman nearly against her consent. In actual fact, their past encounters could likely be classified as dubious at best.

He felt low, much like a reptile or a filthy street urchin. One that desired the flesh of another and the sweet release it would offer, no matter where or how it was to be had. Cursing his weakness, unwilling to face the rest of his household while painfully distracted, he crouched down.

Anger led speed to his movements in untying his hakama. Not since his adolescence had he stooped to this level. It irritated him to no end. Still, this type of condition was unprecedented. Unohana Taicho herself had professed no inkling as to what made up the mysterious compound now thrumming within his veins. All that remained clear in wake of its presence was that it would only wane in time. That, and it put him in a current state that demanded release.

He recalled Inoue-san as she stood before him, moments before they had been disturbed, before she had calmed. Her face had been flushed in anger, lips poised to bite out a cutting threat to his person. Her eyes, ordinarily a rich cinnamon brown, had sparkled with rage. Her kimono had been a starburst of color, much like the sun. As the light from the papered screens had streamed into the room from the garden, striking her eyes, they had melted into golden rays circling an eclipse. Not even one when the later hours would encroach. Her eyes had turned into a sunset of their own in their passion, and he conjured the image as he grasped his thick length.

He pictured the surprise she might have shown had he, in that moment, pinned her to the unyielding surface of the wall. Tearing at the strict confines of her obi, loosening her from the clothing so that he might gain better purchase of her hips.

She would emit a shriek, sputtering in her rage as he thrust up against her. Her crimson lips would pucker into an ecstatic gasp, and her silken legs would tighten instinctively again the hard ridges of his flesh. He grit his teeth, spurred on by the image. He could practically taste her, could almost feel his release…

She would grind helplessly against him, yearning for relief from that sweet ache spiraling inside of her. The scrape of her teeth rasped against his neck, the feel of her as he fit himself against her slick heat. He tightened his hold, thrusting rapidly.

His orgasm snuck up on him like the gusting winds of an oncoming hurricane. He shuddered, loathing what he had been reduced to. He cursed his inability to ignore what usually might have been a simple distraction.

Suddenly, he stilled. Perhaps…There was a remote possibility that he had in fact stumbled upon a solution. While it was true that he had no desire to further degrade himself, perhaps….taking care of matters by his own hand would encourage Alma Gemela's poison to wane sooner rather than later. He sighed, setting about the mundane task of cleaning himself up. The quicker he could return to the more familiar territories of his disposition and leave behind such…inconveniences as this, the better.

Byakuya was never before much of a physical person; this was all very new to him. And, dare he admit to himself, disconcerting. Perhaps it was the toxin's influence that warranted this unexpected naked abandonment of his adherence. But he chose not to focus on that, as a plausible solution had been found. Surely it would remedy the problem. After all, he could not perform his duties while in a constant state of arousal. To say it would also distract him from attaining an honest opinion regarding Orihime Inoue and their possible future would be an understatement.

While it was obvious to him that they shared a sexual compatibility, that did not necessarily mean that they were well-suited to one another. He assumed Inoue sensed this on some level as well, although she was much less experienced in terms of romantic relationships, physical or otherwise. Yet in spite of her youth, he felt confident that she had done and seen much that would bar her from being an actual child. In practice, she was very much a mature adult as she could see to her own basic needs. She could take care of herself.

He also reminded himself, should any doubts linger, that it was not long ago in the world of the living that she would have already been married off by this point in age. She was mature and capable, and he saw her as an equal in that regard.

She was also the first woman to put an end to his emotional and physical apathy. Granted, his previous celibacy had only ended when circumstances had been snatched from his control. Still, he could not say he was completely sorry with the outcome. He had been reawakened in a sense, like a sakura tree after decades of bitter winter.

Orihime was a viable companion in many ways. She had an even temper, an emotional strength, and had a healthy habit of speaking her mind. She often came off as oblivious or whimsical, but he was beginning to suspect that this was her defense mechanism. He knew both as a shinigami and a fighter that there was power in being underestimated.

She was not so much naive as she was sensitive and tactful. She often chose her words with measured care, even if others did not always seem to notice. She was clever in a sense, loyal to a fault, and immensely talented.

The Elders of the clan, if nothing else, recognized the latter. It was one of the reasons he had brought it up as a key point while in audience. He had not been meant to be included at the meeting. In thanks to Rukia, he had arrived in a timely manner and averted the probable, negative outcome of such a farce.

Byakuya harbored no illusions as to whose best interests the Elders coveted. He realized long ago that were they to learn of any romantic entanglement pertaining to him, physical or otherwise, marriage and the subsequent importance of an heir would inevitably be brought up. The suitability of the woman involved would be a grueling debate amongst them. He knew that. Recalled it, from when he had first courted Hisana. Doubtless, so did they; apparently to the point in seeking to confront a suspected dalliance for no other reason than to intimidate her.

Ritsu's role had been unprecedented in setting up such events. But it would be a mistake to say that he had been in any way surprised. Little went on amongst the clan without the Elders knowing. There were many mouths and many ears at work. All for the sake of the clan's best interest, of course…Their house, after all, was only one of four noble families. One of three that was free from shame.

As it was, he had set it up in a way that there was now the opportunity to pursue Orihime should he wish it. Or, to be more truthful, he had at the very least attained enough approval from some of the Elders to prove that she was a worthy choice. The success of such an endeavor would convince the rest, and that was all that mattered.

It was therefore up to him, in his discretion, to guide the courtship through the motions and see if they were in fact a suitable match. There was more to being his wife than a simple bed partner: there were duties, responsibilities, and expectations within the household to uphold. Not to mention a slew of others as a woman tied to the 28th Head of the Kuchiki clan. Not the least of which included providing a suitable heir to follow in his footsteps.

There can be no mistakes, he thought to himself. There is time enough to be pragmatic, but a decision for the future must be made.

To say that Rukia had mixed feelings to date was an understatement. She felt annoyed to have been denied answers, which Byakuya himself had promised to her mere hours ago within the confines of his office. Then, she felt relief to have discovered her friend, safe and sound, outside the clutches of the Kuchiki Clan Elders. She shuddered.

They rubbed her the wrong way. The games, the intrigue…she never much had a care or a taste for them. She avoided the familial politics as best she could. She would spare her more innocent companion as best she could from those vultures…

Then she was also a bit nervous. She had never seen her brother act in such a manner; his tone had been dangerously smooth and level. He had been enraged over something…possibly from being interrupted…in which case, she felt a trifle more relief on behalf of the girl at her side….speaking of which…

"So…you will be staying for…how long?" Orihime's eyes flickered toward her, having been lost in her own thoughts.

"Oh, um….just a few weeks. Not long, I suspect. Probably just until your brother gets sick of me…" a thin giggle trickled away as she sought to look elsewhere. Rukia wasn't fooled.

"Might I inquire as to the occasion?" Orihime looked like a 'deer caught in headlights,' as the expression went. She forced a bright smile, about to deny any implications.

"I don't know—"

"Other than courtship, I might add." She cut in smoothly, making Orihime snap her mouth shut in surprise. Darn. These two really are related… At the very least, the siblings had spent enough time in another's company to have made an impact on each other. One did not need to be blood related to be affected by their sibling. Something Orihime wasn't exactly grateful for at the moment.

"What is it you wish to know?" Rukia paused, turning to face her companion as she considered the frankly spoken question. They looked at one another, neither fearing dishonesty from the other. Something which the shinigami was thankful for. In spite of her own transgressions, she loathed duplicity in all of its forms.

"Do you love him?" She asked bluntly. Orhime tilted her head, considering how to phrase it.

"I don't know him well enough to promise that. But…I like him. I think. That much I do know. I—I want to spend time with him and see what he and I…what we are capable of being. Together." Rukia nodded at that, satisfied. She turned abruptly, leading the way to the Senkaimon as they ignored all manner of servants and staff on their journey to its doors.

"Well, that's good enough for me." And it was. Whatever this was between her brother and friend…they could make decisions regarding who and what they were themselves. It would be a lie to state that she was completely comfortable with the idea that they might be romantically involved. But she liked Orihime well enough to forgive that discomfort if it made the girl happy. She had confidence in her brother well enough to trust his judgment. He was pragmatic by nature, and as such would not seek to hurt a potential paramour. Orihime would keep her own council and her mouth shut. Their business, after all, was their own. And she would keep her silence in service of a friend, if not family.

Orihime sighed, somewhat satisfied with the two bags she had packed. Granted, she might be over-doing it a bit. But she wanted to be fully prepared should she find herself with any leisure time and in need of filling the more empty moments of her stay. Obviously, Byakuya Kuchiki was a busy man. It would be unrealistic to assume that she would retain his attention for every waking moment of her stay. He was a Taicho of the Rokubantai, and the Head of his House besides. She would probably be encroaching on his already precious time…and as such, wouldn't hold her breath when it came down to being entertained.

Humming to herself, she debated whether it was worth emptying out most of her pantry to take with her, when an unexpected knock sounded at the door. Startled from her ruminations, she glanced at it, as if to confirm whether or not it had actually happened. When another followed, she automatically hurried to the door, biting her lip as she admitted the unexpected guest.

"Tatsuki-chan…"

Her friend quirked an eyebrow, as if amused by the sudden trepidation in her friend's tone. She took in Orihime's appearance, eyes quickly taking in her formal mode of dress as well as the bags packed at her feet. Her demeanor immediately sobered, though the facial clues of it were subtle at best.

"I stopped by to see how you were doing…but it looks like you're in the middle of something." Orihime giggled, as if to diffuse the awkward situation.

"Yeah…I'm about to set off on a trip."

"I can see that," Tatsuki deadpanned. She slouched into the kitchen, an easy grace allowing her to casually lean against the counter and look completely relaxed.

"Look, I can you're busy, Orihime-chan. So I'll make this quick…"she trailed off. Orihime waited, wondering if her normally stead-fast and practical friend had somehow suddenly lost her train of thought. She glanced in direction of the athletic girl's stare, and felt her stomach lurch in response to what caught her eye. Ice coated her insides, seeping out toward her veins as both young women gazed intently at a used condom wrapper.

It was on the floor, clearly having been discarded in a hurry. Unmistakable for being anything other than what it was.

"Orihime-chan…what…?"

"I can explain!" Orihime interrupted hastily. She faltered, clearly at a loss for what to say. Not knowing the words. Not completely understanding why she even needed any. Tatsuki watched her with hooded eyes, waiting. When no explanation was forthcoming, she spoke again.

"Is there anything you want to talk about?" Dead silence. Although, for Orihime, she could swear there was a high-pitched whine coming from somewhere inside of her own head. Panic, she decided, the sound of panic. And utter horror. The quiet was deafening.

"Are you having sex with Kurosaki—?"

"No!" she blurted, feeling her face heat up at the admission. Tatsuki's face darkened.

"But…don't you…? Aren't you in love with him?" When Orihime didn't answer, she pressed on, disappointment frosting her tone. "Who is it, then?"

"I…it's none of your business…" There. She'd said it. She didn't owe Tatsuki any explanations. This wasn't a conversation she wanted to have. Though it hurt her to admit it. She didn't like keeping secrets from her closest friend. But this…it was all…too fresh. Too new. She wasn't sure how to explain…

Tatsuki looked shocked at first, then she looked hurt. Her eyes narrowed to slits, crossing her arms as a fresh wave of concern stiffened her back. It appeared to her that her friend was in way over her head.

"What? So you're keeping secrets from me?"

"I…"Orihime opened and closed her mouth a couple of times, parting her lips like a goldfish. Willing the answers to arrive on her tongue. When none were forthcoming, Tatsuki assumed the worst. Hunching over, she started in on her.

"Kami! What is with you lately? You've been acting a bit off for days now. Suddenly…suddenly I find out you're—you're doing THAT," she gestured with her chin toward the offensive wrapper, "and now you're not speaking to me?!"

"It's not like that!" Orihime pleaded, "It's just…it's complicated, Tatsuki-chan!" She raked her fingers distractedly through her hair, loosening it completely from its failing up-do. "…I never would have wanted anyone to find out like this."

"To find out what, Orihime-chan?" Tatsuki coaxed, approaching her. "Please. Talk to me!" Don't shut me out. It was unspoken, but loud and clear. Orihime opened her mouth once more, to reassure her friend. But Tatuski beat her to the punch, her words once more suffused with anger.

"This…this kind of shit is supposed to be special!" She gestured furiously at the remnants of Orihime and Byakuya's pleasure.

"He…it was special." Orihime mumbled. Tatsuki didn't hear, or quite possibly ignored her statement.

"Did some guy use you? You shouldn't let a man disrespect you by—by just bending over whenever and where ever!

"What does the importance of the place matter," Orihime spoke more loudly, over her friend's growing ire, " so long as the person you are with is special?" There were tears beginning to glitter in her eyes. She could feel them burning.

Momentarily, Tatsuki had nothing to say to that. But still, she could not, would not let this go. "But you deserve so much better!" She sounded aghast.

"As compared to what?" Orihime shot back. Anxiety, riddled with a whole mess of fear and anger, were battling a sickening war inside of her for dominance. "To whom?! I—Kurosaki-kun doesn't think of me like that! And…"her voice softened, "and I'm beginning to think that…I haven't, either. For a long time. I can certainly tell you that I deserve to feel protected…to be wanted and l—loved." She stumbled over the last word. It felt alien. Could she really claim that? In truth, they hardly knew each other. It was as though Tatsuki were reading her thoughts.

"Is that what this all is? Love?" her voice was downcast, ashamed by her outburst.

"I don't know," Orihime admitted. Her troubled, watery eyes met those of her oldest friend. "But isn't that what new relationships are for? To figure out if you can make it work? To discover if you're meant to be together?...To find out if you're compatible even in the smallest of ways?"

She straightened her posture, hefting one of her bags upon her shoulder, "I—we deserve that, don't we? Whatever this is between us…I just want to see it through to the end."

"Orihime." She paused, listening at her friend's normally warm tone. She wouldn't meet her eyes. "Just…be careful, okay? I know love is never wrong…but…sex sometimes can be.

" I know," she replied gently.

"Just…just promise me that you'll take care of yourself…" Since I won't be able to. She left that part unspoken. And it was true. At least concerning this endeavor. She couldn't protect Orihime from some of the choices she made…she couldn't protect her from herself.

Orihime nodded, breathing a soft 'I will," before accepting Tatsuki into a bear of a hug. They remained like that for a moment: awkwardness thick in the air. They cared for one another…but the breaching of the topic left one feeling raw, and the other unsure. Releasing abruptly, Tatsuki stepped back, nodding her head as she let herself out of the now angst-suffused apartment. The sound of her shoes faded along the pavement outside of residence, while the echo of her words lingered behind.

She said she wanted to be protected Tatsuki thought, protected from what? Disappointment? It was hard to say. But she was worried that her best friend, in looking for some semblance of comfort and security in the sometimes cruel and bitter world, was looking for all the wrong reasons. Although hopefully, not in all the wrong places. Tatsuki rued her words, though not the sentiment with which they had been spoken. Surely Orihime could see that…?

Perhaps…perhaps Kurosaki-kun can talk some sense into her. No matter what she says, he does have SOME feelings for her. He cares about what happens to her, at the very least…

A/N: I know. I'm evil. Whatever will happen next? Review, please!
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Heat Of The Night