A Mistaken Past

A/N: Sorry for the delay but I just got out of the hospital from having surgery. I'm still on antibis and painkillers, so I'm a little out of it. I'd like to thank all those that have reviewed. I'm also debating on the pairing for Orihime. Originally I have it plotted out for a Ulq/Ori but a few of my friends have asked for different pairings. The Tat/Bya will remain the ending pairing for them but I'd like to ask the opinion and comments of my readers. So if you'd like to see a certain pairing let me know. Thanks!



Chapter Six



“You’re such a big boy,” the tiny hand waved to smack at the finger rubbing his chubby cheek. Tatsuki felt her chest swell as the hiccup was accompanied by a cooing sound. She was sure he’d grown since arriving.


Tomorrow she’d be returning to her training so she was spending the day with Kouji. At the request of Unohana she’d remained at home for two weeks regaining her strength. She’d felt just fine after the first night but Bossy-sama had put his foot down. He’d informed her instructors that she wouldn’t be returning until then.


It sucked having to stay home all the time but she had spent her time roaming the grounds and practicing on her own. Just because she wasn’t allowed to attend classes didn’t mean she would slack off.


Her search had led her to a room near his office. It had consisted of nothing but a shrine of sorts. Without having to open up the double doors she’d known who it had belonged to. It was where he went every morning after leaving their room.


He came to bed every night after she fell asleep and was gone before she woke. Last night she’d been awake when he’d returned but he didn’t speak or acknowledge that she was awake. Instead he got ready behind the curtain and came to bed with his back to her. Did he think he was fooling anyone?


She wasn’t going to point out that no husband that was getting laid was as grumpy as him. Nor would he glare icicles at the woman giving it to him. She was contemplating asking him if she could return to her own room. With the relationship they had she’d be better off sleeping alone.


Kouji swung an arm in protest to being ignored. It made her wonder just how advanced his mentality was. Did his mind age as slowly as his body? Those eyes told her differently. Even now he was looking at her like he understood her sadness.


“It’s a shame your father hogs the bed or I’d let you sleep with me.” She rubbed a finger along his cheek wishing things could be better for them. The bed was large enough for all three but she knew Byakuya wouldn’t let him remain. Spreading out on her side, she gazed down into grey eyes. “It’s okay; you wouldn’t want to sleep here anyways. I can promise you that your room is much better. Not only does he hog the bed but he snores.”


“I do not.” Byakuya frowned at the accusation. The girl just snorted and went back to implying that he did. He’d hoped to catch her in here before heading out to the outskirts. Unusually high reitsu had been detected near the wall. No one had noticed anything but he and Zaraki were to check things out.


“I beg to differ. You are asleep so how do you know what you do?” She didn’t know either but it was fun to poke fun at him. “Don’t listen to him, he snores and he’s grumpy in the mornings.”


Kouji smiled and let out a sound resembling a hiccup. Byakuya ignored the slander and approached his son. Why did his son have to look so much like his mother? His knees touched the mattress and he leaned over towards the bundle.


Tatsuki felt a pang of emotion as the tiny hands shot up reaching for the long hair streaming down both sides. Ayumi was correct that Kouji seemed to recognize his father. It meant that even if she wasn’t there, the man did visit their child. The boy cooed happily enjoying the light touch being placed on his scalp.


“I’m not sure what time I’ll be returning this evening. Please do not leave the house.” He didn’t want to come home and discover she’d felt like going for another stroll. With the report they’d received and the strange readings just outside the wall, they couldn’t be careless.


“I won’t,” she snapped in irritation. It seemed the only time he spoke to her was when he had an order or complaint. Whatever happened to conversing like normal people? “Where are you going? Or am I not allowed to ask?”


“Patrol, I should be back before dawn.” He couldn’t tell her more without violating orders. Once the report was official then the other shinigami will be alerted. His thumb was being held prisoner by his son and his gaze by his wife. He could feel her searching for answers.


Was he hiding something from her? She didn’t see any deception in his eyes. What was she worried about? Someone like him wouldn’t cheat or run around. He was too much of a tight ass to run around on the sly. Then why did she have the sinking feeling that something was amiss? “Alright, I’ll see you in the morning.”


He pulled the finger free and nodded in agreement. They were to make rounds and question a few that thought they saw something. The reports could wait until tomorrow so he should be back in time to get a few hours of sleep.


Why did she feel like stopping him? The words stuck in her throat as he stood to leave them. Kouji went quiet and she was sure she wasn’t the only one suddenly worried. Reaching out to pick the baby up, she held her breath as he reached the door. “Byakuya-sama,” he turned at sound. “Please be careful.”


He didn’t understand the concern in her voice. It was a simple patrolling mission, nothing he couldn’t handle. “I shall return shortly.”




He wasn’t very tired but he knew he needed to rest. Byakuya approached the bed noticing how the covers were twisted around her small form. A moan that matched how he felt came from his wife. Other than some small noises she appeared to be sleeping soundly.


Walking over to the curtain, he went to removing his clothing and slipping on something comfortable. His hair free and the discarded clothes put in their proper places; he walked over to the bed. He had at least three hours before he needed to get up and get started on his report.


After questioning several witnesses that all claimed to seeing only shinigami walking around, they had thought to call it a night until the last witness pointed out a man wearing a shinigami uniform walking around the village. From that distance he couldn’t tell if it was a shinigami or if the uniform was stolen. All they knew was that none were stationed outside the wall at this time.


The man had run into the forest leading them on a wild chase. Zaraki had gotten aggravated and started cutting down the trees. It hadn’t accomplished anything but a mess. Going back they had discovered the man’s purpose in the village. Someone was looking for a way into the Seireitei.


Things didn’t bode well with the other problems stacking up in the living world. He couldn’t do anything about it now. Seeing no other option, he lifted the covers and climbed underneath. A few hours of sleep and he’d be ready to report.


The soft pillows had sleep coming in minutes of lying down. Just as he was about to doze a hard jerk of the covers had him coming wide awake. “What the hell?” He was tempted to shove her ass out of the bed. Couldn’t she allow him a moment’s peace?


A harsh cry had him focusing on his wife, instantly alert to her discomfort. Her brow was sweating, her features were pinched and she was rather pale. Reaching out he placed a hand on her cheek to see if she were feverish. Clammy but cold to the touch, and he regretted touching her. As if sensing him there she rolled over until she was pressed up against his side. A leg was tossed upon his thighs and an arm curled around his waist.


Every night he made sure that he slept on his side to ensure that they didn’t come in contact with each other. With a frustrated sigh, he debated prying the hold free. A whimper escaped her parted lips and her head came to rest on his chest. The last thing he needed was to be used as a pillow. Her breathing was growing more ragged and the hold on his waist tightened.


The only conclusion he could find was that she was having a bad dream and was latching onto him. Would she wake if he were to dislodge himself? She was starting to become a pain in the ass. Reaching around, he placed a hand on her shoulder. That only got her to snuggle closer, mumbling something incoherent.


Knowing he was stuck dealing with the position or being cruel and shoving her aside, he closed his eyes. The girl was already calming down and her breathing returning to normal. If it would keep her from thrashing and keeping him awake, he’d deal with being used as a pillow. Muttering about troublesome women he drifted off to sleep.




Another mile and then she’d call it quits. Dusk had fallen some time ago but she refused to quit. Orihime was sure if it were Tatsuki the girl wouldn’t stop either. While her reitsu and kendo training were going well, she was lacking on the physical area. She needed to be able to run faster and jump when needed. Every evening for the last two weeks she’d went on her run.


It wasn’t the same without Tatsuki there to talk to. Her friend had returned today but had orders to go straight home after. For a wife that complained that her husband didn’t know she existed, said husband was keeping close tabs on her.


Another half a mile and her legs were burning under the strain. She could do this, just a little while longer. Up ahead a familiar reitsu was waiting on her. What had brought Renji-kun back so soon? She’d heard that he’d returned to help Ichigo in the living world.


Renji waited for the girl to catch up to him. He was shocked to see her out so late. Not to mention his gut twisted seeing what she was wearing. Where the hell had she gotten something so scandalous? The shirt wasn’t standard and was tight around very round treasures. The sweats were of the normal grey variety but hung low on her hips. It was also the first time he’d ever seen Orihime with her hair up in a bow. “Orihime-chan.”


“Renji-kun, what brings you back so soon?” She needed a cold shower and some cookies.


“Report came in yesterday actually. There were a few problems so Ichigo and Rukia are handling things until I return.” His gaze ran down the sweaty material and he had to wonder why the girl had broken things off with Ishida. The Quincy was constantly hounding him about how the two were fairing here. The guy obviously didn’t want to let go that easily. “Oi, Ishida-kun was asking about you again.”


“You mean he was asking about Tatsuki-chan.” Orihime didn’t form it as a question. She wasn’t going to be fooled by that ploy. Both times he’d come to see her all he’d asked about was the married girl.


“Eh? But why would you say that?” Renji narrowed his eyes as the girl shrugged her shoulders. Wait a minute was something going on he didn’t know about? Dammit, he was always left in the dark about these things. “Is there something I don’t know?”


“Oh, no, no, no,” she waved her hands frantically in front of her. The last thing she needed was the redhead starting rumors that weren’t true and it getting back to Byakuya. “It’s just he cares about her a lot and I’m sure he’s worried about her.”


“Uh huh, and that explains everything.” Renji was sure something was being kept from him but it wasn’t his business. If the Quincy had a thing for his taichou’s wife then Kuchiki could handle it on his own.


“Hai, so what brought you back early? I saw a bunch of the captain’s standing around today. Is there something going on?” It wasn’t unusual to see one or two conversing but not almost all of them together.


“The announcement isn’t official yet but will be in the morning. Guess it won’t hurt to tell ya now.” He lowered his voice and moved closer to her. She smelt like peaches and sweat, very nice. “A few shinigami have suddenly disappeared while on duty. Some here but most of them were stationed in the living world. The weird thing is that during any of the incidents there was no hollow sightings. It’s like they just vanished without a trace. A few of the captains are looking into it now.”


“Oh,” this was bad. She hoped that those missing were alright. What would make a shinigami suddenly leave his or her post and never return? There had to be more but she wouldn’t know until the official report came out.


“Maybe it’s best if you head back indoors. I got a feeling not even the Seireitei will be safe after too much longer. We can’t have anything happening to you or a few people will have my head.” Renji placed a hand on her shoulder, giving it a friendly squeeze. He was on his way to speak to his own taichou before heading into the living world.


“Okay, I was finished anyways. Take care Renji-kun and I’ll see you later.” Orihime redirected her run back towards her room. What was happening now? Whatever it was she prayed that it wouldn’t find its way to their doorstep.


Next Chapter: Another vivid dream and a visit... please read and review.