A/N: My first Bleach story so please be nice. Uhm, so don't bother checking my profile cause I'm really a shounen-ai writer for Naruto. But Orihime's my favorite Bleach character, and then comes Hitsuyaga. He's hot, don't you guys think? I know HitsuHime is a crack pairing since the two rarely interacts in manga nor in anime even when our favorite taicho lives with Inoue together with Matsumoto during Arrancar arc, but I think they're really cute right? 'sides I love crack pairings, got tons of it on my other stories like Hiei and Keiko from YuYu Hakusho and LantisUmi from Rayearth.

The fact that it's hard to find a HitsuHime ficcies out here, I… well decided to write a one shot for few Hitsuhime fans out there. Uhm, but first bear with my grammar. I'm open for beta reader though, thanks. So WARNING, if you're not into this two please GO, LEAVE! I don't need silly flames just because you don't agree with the pairing. Tough luck, because I'll just grill you with your own fire.

Rating: K

Pairing: HitsuHime

Genre: Friendship/A hint of romance

Disclaimer: Me don't own Orihime, Toshiro or any character of Bleach.

Just for the Night

By: Sighcoe

She smiled at them, accepted what they wanted and made them think everything's okay, even if in reality she's hurting inside. She just can't help it. She doesn't want anyone to worry about her, so she always place that I'm-okay-don't-worry-smile on her pretty face.

When Uruhara-san told her to step aside for the incoming battle, she smiled and says 'yes.'

She always sas 'yes', she always did what everyone wanted.

She knew she's being pathetic, but it's her. That what made her herself. Her soft hearted personality makes her Orihime Inoue and beyond that, she would be another person.

When she's alone at night and contemplated about her day, she always find herself crying quietly. It's her way of unburdening herself with negative emotions she had accumulated throughout the day, so when she faces the following morning; she'll have a new space to hide the pain, a new resolve to hold her mask and pretend that's everything's fine, that she's not jealous of her pretty and kind hearted friend Rukia, and that she's not offended when someone teases her about her chest, or she's dense or that her food is indigestible and… and she's weak, helpless, and annoying beyond belief – a complete burden.

She honestly cares and love all her friends. She loves them to the extent that she's willing to give her life away for any of them – after all who should she give it to when in truth the only family she had at the moment were them.

One of the reason that she actively participated in school activities so that whenever she reached her home, and after dinner, she could readily fall asleep without thinking too much how lonely and alone she really was. How in reality, no one would actually look for her when she vanishes. That there's no one who be there for her unconditionally.

It pains her that they wanted to put her aside, for after sometime of aiding the Soul Society it became the beacon of her life. Somehow it gave a purpose to her lonely dejected existence. That she's needed, that she's wanted not because of her pretty looks, her curvaceous body or how well she do on academics or just because she couldn't say no to any request - but because she's Orihime Inoue and nothing more.

For weeks since the Soul Society started investigating their current case, her home had been liven somewhat. Vice Captain Matsumoto and young Captain Hitsugaya filled the once solitary house with glee. Mostly because of the pretty lieutenant's bubbly personality – so much like her – that most of the time aggravates her quiet and indifferent taicho (captain). It helps Orihime to forget that she's really alone; it made her stop to sulk and think of irrational thoughts at the moment.

But today, after Uruhara-san told her that she needs to be out of the action for a while, the thoughts of having someone waiting for her doesn't cheer her even in a slightest. Rukia promised that she'll help train her, that both of them will face the Arrancar together with Ichigo and everyone. It gave her hope, liven her somehow, but when she started walking back home, the thought that she might be a burden, drain her determination. She doesn't want to be a dead weight, doesn't want to rely to Kurusaki's rescue every time, she wanted to help and somehow alleviates everyone's worry. But how can she? How could she help when in truth compared to everyone she's very weak, her spiritual energy is pathetic, and instead of helping she only becomes one of their worries.

Is that the reason Kurusaki never looked at her the way he regards Rukia and the time he only notices Orihime was when Rukia entered his life, forcing him to acknowledge her? That whatever she does she would never bring Kurusaki's spirits up like the petite Shinigami does? Will she always be on the sideline watching everyone fight may it be to protect the world or struggle for love?

With a heavy sigh, Orihime made her way inside her apartment finding only the young captain conversing with someone on the huge Soul Societies' monitor.

Toshiro momentarily pauses and nodded at her for acknowledgement but instead with her usual warm greeting, Orihime merely nods back and straightly went to her room. With quizzical look, Toshiro followed the retreating figure of their host as she disappeared on one of the rooms. Shrugging the incident aside, he went on delivering back his report.

After a while, a soft 'thud' of the door made him look behind, only to find the auburn haired girl coming out of her room wearing a white long skirt and a pink shirt. When she caught his gaze, she gave him a timid and force polite smile before she disappears again towards the kitchen. With still contemplating look, he finished giving an account of his encounters back to the Soul Society before turning off the link.

Quietly, he enters the kitchen and sits around the table to observe the unusually quiet girl. When Orihime feels his pressence, she quickly turns around, almost knocking down the food she's preparing.

"H-Hitsugaya-kun!" She exclaimed, her purplish gray eyes widen, "I'm sorry, dinner's a bit late."

"Hn."

"Uhm… Where's Matsumoto-san?" She asked while she returned back to her preparation. Though her voice was jovial, it appears off and compelled.

"She's been called by captain commander," He answered, without explaining any further.

"I see," Orihime answered inaudibly.

Her response puzzled the young captain more, for the week time he'd been staying with the young human girl, he knew how inquisitive the other girl were; always asking questions about things regarding their present predicament. Things that should be kept out from her knowledge, yet at the end of the day, had been relayed to her as well.

When she places the food in front of him - food that actually appears and smell pleasant - he notice the distant look on the usual bright eyes.

Their dinner went on quietly, and for the first time he actually enjoyed the ningen (human) girl's cooking. Orihime did not once meet his gaze as they finish their dinner, up until she cleans and washes the dishes. The sound of the silverware being move were the only thing that breaks the silence between them, and as much as Toshiro loves peace, he's not use with the gloomy atmosphere emitting from their host. Inoue was the one who always gives off a calming aura; her pressence smothered whatever dread surrounds during battle, she pacify and made everyone feels that they're safe and from that she'd been the source of motivation by her friends.

When she quietly excuses herself and walks back at the confine of her room, Toshiro worries. Normally he never heeds anyone's problem. He has lots of things to think about, loads of burden to straighten and people to care than with the emotional human teenager at the moment. Inoue's not even a friend, just an acquaintance – an ally and he never view her anything more than that. They've never spent quality time together, not a second to get to know each other, nor been on the same fight mutually.

But his natural perceptiveness gave him a full knowledge of who Orihime Inoue really is. She's exceptionally kind and sensitive making her healing ability a perfect skill for her. Her sympathetic nature is not ideal for battling, but faultless to any wounded fighter. Sometimes her benevolence had been taking advantage by many and most dub her as daft because of her childlike innocence and desire. But amidst that, Hitsugaya had seen how well she stands against an enemy even though she's aware that she can't beat them. She stands against them not to protect herself but she yearns to help her friends and shelter them against any more harm. Stupid but admirable at the same time.

Toshiro spend the early part of the evening checking his phone and looking for any signs of Arrancar atop the roof of the building – the moon was bright and the sky clear. When midnight strikes, he lazily went back to the apartment to take a rest and accumulate some spent reiatsu. When he passed by Inoue's room, he heard quiet sniffles. The house was eerie quiet that besides the humming of the refrigerator he could even hear the soft movement behind the door.

He could have leaved her alone, he's not someone who loves to inquire other's businesses. He's not nosy by nature, but something within him kicks in, something he doesn't comprehend. Sympathy? Maybe, but one thing he's certain, crying girls is his weakness.

Without second thought, Toshiro silently opens the door and slid it back close. He's not sure if the occupant of the room is aware of his pressence but when he receives no reaction he saunters in. The room was dark; only illuminated by the bluish light coming from outside the big window and smells like lavender and fresh pine.

The low down bed is untouched and the rest of the room is completely neat. Turquoise colored eyes wonder around until he saw a seating figure huddled quietly besides the window. Long glistening red hair flowing down slouch shoulder and face completely hidden under shapely arms hugging two bended knees. Toshiro took a steps, stoop down in front of her, and he gingerly shakes Inoue's shoulder to rouse her up.

When Orihime raises her head; misty eyes and all, Hitsugaya frown.

"What's wrong?" He asked monotonously.

"I-I'm sorry Hitsugaya-kun, di-did I wake you?" She asks, brushing her tear strained eyes and readily putting a smile on her face.

"Stop doing that," He snaps.

"D-doing what?"

"Pretending you're okay by putting on a fake smile," He explained, with a glare.

Orihime's eyes widen then quickly removes her gaze away from Toshiro's penetrating one. "I'm oka – "

"Okay? You're not okay Inoue-san, far from it. Stop lying and tell me what's wrong." He commanded, as he settles himself comfortably in front of the girl.

"I'm sorry Hitsugaya-kun, I… I'm bothering you with my petty problems and all…," Orihime replied, head tilted at the other side, eyes wondering off at the floor.

"People only say sorry when they've done something wrong with other people, and as far as I remember you've done nothing unpleasant to me," Toshiro replied, still scowling. "Now tell me what's bothering you."

Orihime places her chin on her knees and grips the side of her flowing skirt tightly, her brows furrowed and her tongue licks her lips. "U-uruhara-san says I… I should step out from the incoming battle. Maybe because... because I might just hinder someone or something... I'm not needed, you know? I – I mean it's really okay, I understand it all. I honestly do. I don't want to burden anyone, not you, not anyone from Soul Society, not Kurusaki-kun."

"No one's been a burden to any fight we had recently," Toshiro replied, noticing how the girls' eyes for once look at him.

"Kuchiki-san says the same," She mumbles quietly.

"Rukia is a sensible girl, you should listen to her."

Orihime closes her eyes and hugs herself tighter, "Kuchiki-san is… is always perfect. You know, she's really a good friend, trying to help me and all. And… and I really like her. But… I envy her at the same time. I don't hate her… far from it… I just don't know. I'm jealous of her I guess. I've talked about this already with Matsumoto-san and…well… I can't stop feeling like this. I'm so pathetic, so helpless... so incredibly selfish."

Toshiro just stared at her, wanting the young ningen to continue. Unusual gray eyes peered under long thick eyelashes and look at him. From it, he could see self doubt and helplessness swimming on her emotional gaze.

"…I'm dreadful, aren't I, Hitsugaya-kun? I'm awful, dense, helpless, weak… simply wretched." She said, laughing bitterly to herself, "Who would want me to be around when all I did was to weigh down everyone?"

Tears started to fall down her eyes, "Kurusaki-kun… He's lively when Kuchiki is around. I'm happy when he's happy; I think I tend to be alone for the rest of my life since the person I lo… care the most likes someone else."

Toshiro took a deep breath, somehow he understands her. Hinamori had been the same, worshiping Aizen even against the evil deeds he's doing. And the only thing he can do is to watch her, protect her and make sure she's fine while he watches her from the distance and made a fool of herself out of the person she loves.

Without hesitating, Toshiro slowly moves and gather the surprise girl on his arms. He's not really good consoling others, but at that time he believes Inoue needed it. A touch of reality. Someone who would hold her and made her feel wanted and protected.

"You're nothing next to that Inoue, you know that. Everyone knows that." He whispered, pointing out the blatant description the girl perjures on herself. "One day, you'll find someone who would care for you the way you cared to Kurusaki. Future will tell, besides you're far to young to think like that."

They ended up somehow in an intimate position, he was leaning on the post of the bed, legs sprawled while Inoue quietly sobs on his chest, cradled on his lap, hand clutching his dark blue shirt. His hand slowly stroke her long hair, it was soft and smelled of fresh strawberries. After sometimes, the sobs quieted and her trembling body calms down.

Both of them could have let go, move and went back on their respective bed but none made an attempt. Currently, they feel so comfortable like that. The whisper of the wind only lulls them to relaxation/

Toshiro knows she's not asleep though.

Orihime knows he's watching her.

A couple of hours before midnight it was who Orihime finally broke free, slowly detangling herself from the very young looking captain, a light blush creeping on her cheeks.

"T-thank you Hitsugaya-kun… Thank you for listening with my whine... and, and for holding me when I needed it the most." She said softly, not meeting the captains' gaze. She slowly stands up on her feet and walks toward her bed, staring at it with hazy look.

She feels him move too behind her and walks quietly toward her door. Swallowing the lump on her throat and gathering her conviction she called him. There are no ill intentions on that request, no malicious or sexual urge on that plea; it's only a call of companionship. She had never done that, because whatever may people think of her she's modest and morally upright. She would only give herself to the one who would lead her down the altar, may it be Kurusaki or not. And Hitsugaya Toshiro is a perfect gentleman; she just wanted an assurance, that she's not alone. Even just for that night.

"Hitsugaya-kun…" She called. A pair of bland looking eyes meet her.

"Uhm, could you possibly…" She mumbles as she bits her lower lips, thinking how she could relay her request without making it sound as though she's offering something beyond her bed. "... I'm so sorry, I know it sound and appears to be... to be... I mean, for a girl and... and... but... well... uhm..."

"Tch. Fine."

Orihime's eyes widen for a bit, and then a sincere smile graces her comely face, a blush caresses her cheeks. "Thank you Hitsugaya-kun."

"I just hope Matsumoto won't see this," Toshiro groan, but nevertheless made his way on the wide soft bed and settled down on the other side, making sure not to touch the other person that occupies on it as well.

The clock ticks and tacks, the cold late evening wind touches the occupants of the bed. A girl with long reddish brown hair scoot closer to the young looking man, who unconsciously spooned her from behind. A thick white cotton blanket covers them, and the boy snuggled his face closer to that sweet smelling, pale smooth neck in front of him

When the rooster greets the morning, the two late sleepers can still be found tangled with each other. Orihime's face was resting on the nook of a certain silver haired boy's neck, a contented expression lingering on both of their faces. It would have been a good day to greet the morning, but unfortunately for the two, a certain vice captain already managed to take an evidence of that said snuggling, in a form of picture that was currently on her evil, evil hand.

~owari~

A/N: Apology if you guys find it OOC. Again pardon all my error.