Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach in anyway but am inspired by the work created by Tite Kubo

Author's Note: This is somewhat crack so behaviors will undoubtedly feel OOC but that is just the fun of AU's, you can do what you want just to have fun with it. Hopefully it's enjoyed!

Five Life Times, Five Loves: A Series

An exploration into the idea that Orihime Inoue did indeed have five lives but instead of loving one person each time she met a different man each time who stole her heart. AU and just for fun. Rated M overall because most likely there will be some fun lemons to be had.

The Businessman: Byakuya Kuchiki – Rated T for slight physical description but nothing explicit.

Alarm blaring Byakuya raised heavy eyelids before rising from his bed to cross the room and silence the offending device. Stretching lean tight muscles he began his normal morning routine. Throwing on sneakers, already dressed in track pants and a t-shirt so as to save time in the morning, he opened and jogged out the double French doors leading to the garden. After a five minute warm up he picked up the pace heading around the perimeter of the manor. It took him just under ten minutes to complete the circuit before he was back in his room on a yoga mat stretching warmed up muscles. Next came one hundred fifty push-ups, two hundred sit-ups and one hundred squats.

Barely breaking a sweat he wished he had more time for a weight session but he was needed at his father's office earlier than normal that day so the brief simple workout would have to suffice. Moving to the on suite bathroom he took a brief cool shower before drying off and moving to his walk in closet. Selecting a dark green dress shirt, grey pants suit, black socks, shoes and belt he proceeded with dressing quickly. The final touch came in the form of black tie secured with a pin of his family's crest.

A tap at the door signaled the maid was ready to come in and tidy up. "Come in," he commanded coolly. Moving into the room and bowing low the young blonde wished him good morning before proceeding with her duties as he exited towards the dining hall. He, as usual, was the first to arrive taking his seat and picking up the investment timetables left for his perusal by the butler. A few minutes later his sister and mother entered causing him to rise. After pulling chairs for both of them, each thanking him sweetly, he returned to his own just as his father entered.

"Good morning dear," he heard his mother say to his father the later swiftly kissing her head before moving to his own seat. Five minutes later their breakfast was served consisting of toast with raspberry jam, spinach and egg omelets, orange juice and coffee. Normally a silent meal Byakuya was surprised to hear his sister Rukia clear her throat before speaking, "Mom, would it be ok for my friend Orihime to stay with us this week? She's getting ready to fly out to the states for school but her new apartment isn't ready yet and her aunt needed her to vacate since she'd already rented out her room."

Smiling their mother replied kindly, "I was beginning to wonder where she disappeared to; it's been quite some time since we've seen her."

Returning the smile Rukia advised, "Yes, well, she had to transfer to another high school after her brother passed away since her aunt lived so far away but we stayed in contact. Since she's flying out of Tokyo anyway I thought it would be easier on her to stay with us, it would save her money as well."

"That's understandable, I have no problem with it, dear do you mind?" she replied directing the question to her husband. Their father absentmindedly murmured, "Whatever you want is fine," his attention upon the same timetables Byakuya had been reading previously.

"Great, thank you," Rukia responded almost bouncing in her seat. She couldn't help thinking it would be so fun to have her best friend stay with them again as they used to do when they were kids. Noticing her brother's gaze she stopped her fidgeting.

Byakuya noticed the change and wondered again why he had that affect on his good natured sister. She was brightness in her own way and he just always managed to snuff it out somehow. She desired his approval for reasons unknown to him but he could never bring himself to open up properly to her. Being open and warm with anyone was a challenge for him.

The only person to have cracked his shell, at least temporarily, had been Hisana. As memory of her took hold of him he felt the familiar clenching of his heart. She'd been so lovely, so gentle and giving that he'd not been able to resist her charms. They'd begun dating when he was twenty one and she was twenty, the relationship continuing until both had finished college. All had expected them to get married and while Hisana did love and desire that union with Byakuya her calling to mission work had pulled them apart. He couldn't leave the family business and she wasn't willing to stay in Tokyo when there was work to be done on foreign shores.

They'd tried the long distance thing for a short time but Byakuya's pride could not handle being put second to the children in her care. Had they been their own children as a result of matrimony, well then, he'd probably have handled it better. They'd parted ways a year after she left on not the best of terms. Prior to any chance of reconciliation she'd been killed during a raid of the village she was staying in. Ever since the day he'd heard of her death two years ago Byakuya had shut his heart up tight. Hence why, at age twenty eight, he'd not pursued another relationship.

Rukia, at age twenty, was barely beginning her adult life but already was showing signs of marriage desires with their childhood friend Renji Abarai, son to one of their smaller business partners. Byakuya knew his father was not exactly pleased with them dating however he'd surprised everyone, most thoroughly his sister, when he'd defended the younger man. The two had worked on a few projects together and though the red head had a fiery temper matching his unique hair color Byakuya had found him intelligent and able to hold true to his convictions. He'd not backed down when a question of ethics had arisen during contract negotiations, sticking his own neck out for what he believed to be right. It had turned out his was correct and had he not stuck to his guns there could have been quite the scandal.

From that day forward Byakuya had watched him with a different critical eye but instead of only noting his short comings focused on his good qualities. In his opinion he was a perfect match for his sister should he ever work up the nerve to ask permission of their father to marry her.

"Byakuya, are you alright honey?" His mother's voice shook him from his thoughts and he grunted an affirmative reply. Standing, he quickly exited the room not before saying to his father, "I will meet you at the car."

A few minutes later the Kuchiki men were en route to their main offices located on the top floor of the Sakura Tower. Tonight was the gala celebrating the merge of their corporation with two lesser but still large business families: Ishida Pharmaceuticals and Kurotsuchi Medical Research and Development. Coupled with the Kuchiki Corporation they promised to usher in the latest in medical technology and medicinal advancements.

"I would prefer if you use this evening as opportunity to not only meet and greet what amount to be our new colleagues but to spend time engaging in purposeful conversation with Nemu Kurotsuchi," Sojun advised.

Years of discipline enabled Byakuya to avoid rolling his eyes at his father's "request". This was not the first time he had pushed a union between himself and the daughter of a man he considered just this side of mad. He wasn't entirely sure the scientist wasn't mad but genius and madness walked a fine line next to each other. Instead he grunted non-committedly.

The day passed quickly with meetings and contracts being signed. Soon enough Byakuya found himself back home changing into a black tuxedo before heading with his mother, father, sister and Renji (who was acting as Rukia's escort to the evening's affair) to whatever lavish hotel was hosting this gaudy event. Despite many years of exposure to this level of luxury the pointlessness of it all frequently bothered Byakuya. Truthfully, he'd felt compelled to follow after Hisana in her work but his family relied heavily on him to take over the helm of the Kuchiki Corporation some day. So for the sake of his family's pride he had pushed aside his own feelings and stayed behind.

All these thoughts passed through his head as he moved on auto pilot into the grand ball room. Half heartedly he met various people, remembering their names purely from practice and technique rather than a true desire to remember who they were, before his father's elbow nudged him in a direct command to go find Nemu.

Mounting a set of stairs and heading to one of the parlors he opened the door a crack only to pull back again shutting it swiftly. He'd entered far enough to catch a glimpse of Nemu Kurotsuchi encased in the arms of none other than Uryuu Ishida embroiled in a passionate kiss. Despite the awkwardness of the situation Byakuya almost chuckled. He'd been hesitant to pursue Nemu not only because he wasn't truly interested in her but because she wasn't his type at all.

In spite of his stoic, cold demeanor Byakuya almost always found himself drawn to warm, open hearted kind women. Nemu was none of these though from the looks of it she could warm up, provided the right flame was next to her. Thinking of what he knew about Uryuu Ishida he figured he shouldn't be too surprised. Both he and she possessed cool exteriors but held fire within. Put those together and well…the results spoke for themselves.

He was fairly sure they hadn't noticed him and not desiring to confront his father with this new information Byakuya continued down the hallway, opening a door at random and entering another room simply to have a moment of peace to himself. It didn't last long though since as he turned he noticed a girl, no, a woman seated on one of the chaise lounges. She turned her head and he could see tears on her lashes. Standing quickly he noticed her uniform; she was one of the servers from the event downstairs.

"My apologies sir," her quivering voice shook out, "I was just…needing a moment to…collect myself." She smoothed the apron, splattered with food remnants, draped over black pants before moving towards the door. Now that he could see her properly Byakuya was struck dumb by her beauty. Hair bright orange with red streaks, almost like a sunset, flowed down from top her head in a high ponytail. Her eyes were light grey but somehow shined despite her tears. She had porcelain skin without mark or blemish and her figure…good god her figure was perfection. Even in such simple clothing of a black button down, black pants and stained white apron she exuded a renaissance elegance more appropriate to be attired in the finest silks to hug her ample curves.

He was so busy taking her in he failed to realize his own form blocked her means of exit. She stood in front of him, eyes meeting his briefly in confusion before shooting back to the ground, hands clasping in front of her as she asked softly, "Er, is there something I can do for you? If not, perhaps you can allow me to pass?"

Shaking his head Byakuya blinked. It had been quite some time since someone, anyone, any woman had affected him so. His body acted without his consent, stepping forward to close the already miniscule distance between them. He heard her breath hitch as his hand, again without prior permission of his brain, reached out to grasp her chin with his fingers raising her gaze back to his own. From this distance he could see how plump and inviting her lips looked.

Parting said lips slightly she asked again, "Is there some-"but further words were cut off as Byakuya closed the distance kissing her firmly. She froze; completely stunned this handsome tuxedoed stranger was kissing her! But as his tongue swiped quickly over her bottom lip she parted her lips further allowing his entrance, her body becoming compliant to him in an instant. Now she was encased in Byakuya's arms, one hand on the back of her head while the other nestled firmly on her waist. She grasped his shoulders to steady her shaking form.

Then, just as quickly as it began, he pulled away, a look of complete horror on his face as he, one Byakuya Kuchiki, stammered for the first time in years, "Oh my god…I'm…I'm so sorry…please…please accept my deepest apologies." Without another glance or word he backed out of the room, hurrying down the hall and out of the gala, ignoring the calls of his family as he rushed away, completely ashamed he'd allowed himself to basically assault the woman. God help him if she recognized him! It was unlikely considering he mostly stayed out of the limelight and left the press conferences to his father but still the potential for scandal was not unrealized by him.

He arrived home in a state of unrest, berating himself viciously for behaving so basely. Extracting himself from his tuxedo he promptly took a very cold shower before adorning his night clothes and promptly putting himself to bed. Hopefully by morning the nightmare that this evening became would be forgotten.

Such was not to be the case for befuddled man. Upon entrance to the dining hall the next morning he was accosted by his father who demanded an explanation of his rapid departure. Hedging as best he could Byakuya claimed illness due to poor caviar, anything to convince the man his exit could not have been helped. Sojun did not appear to believe him but because he had no evidence to the contrary eventually allowed the subject to drop, particularly because of his mother's insistence he do so.

Later in the day his parents announced they would be taking a long holiday to visit his grandparents. It wasn't too long after their departure Rukia received a phone call.

"What?! But I already put in…yes I understand emergencies happen but can't you call someone else? Ok, ok Urahara-san, I'll be there as soon as I can!"

Byakuya raised an inquisitive eyebrow to her. Smiling sheepishly she replied to the look, "I'm sorry Nii-sama but I've been called in for the swing and grave shift at the shop. Apparently Kurosaki had an emergency and had to back out of the inventory work. Kisuke is helpless without one of us so I have to go. Orihime should be here anytime in the next hour or so, do you mind playing host to her? I won't be back until tomorrow morning but her room is already set up."

He nodded his acquiescence, how hard could it be to greet and get settled an old childhood friend of his sister's?

A couple hours later he found it would be very difficult. Sitting in the library he was reading a mystery novel when he heard the doorbell chime ring throughout the manor. He heard the butler open the front door and a murmur of voices as the guest was brought to his location. A sound knock announced their arrival to the door. "Enter," Byakuya's voice called out.

"Good evening sir, may I present Miss Orihime Inoue," the butler advised. Looking up Byakuya almost choked on his own spit. There, looking just as radiant if not more due to her nicer attire of a pink dress and white heels, stood the same woman he'd accosted the night previously. He could see her eyes were wide with surprise as well but she said nothing in the presence of the butler. Byakuya quickly dismissed him, instructing her luggage was to be taken to the bamboo guest room and he would escort her there himself.

When the servant had vacated and shut the door the man and woman stood staring at each other. Then, it was as if something in both of them snapped. Surging forward at almost the exact same moment they met in the middle of the room. His arms encircled her waist just as hers latched around his neck. One heartbeat later their lips met in a crushing kiss. This time her tongue was the first to seek its partner and he gladly complied. As soon as they met he groaned into her heated mouth, she answering with a whimper of her own as his grip tightened.

When the need for air became too great to continue their exploration of each other's mouths they broke apart, both panting and eyes wide though shining.

"What is this?" Byakuya breathed out and Orihime shook her head, "I don't know…I just-"then she stopped talking to capture his lips. The male welcomed her in again before pulling back to descend his mouth to the column of her throat, nipping and sucking the sweet tantalizing flesh. Orihime gasped under the ministrations of his teeth and tongue clenching the back of his shirt tightly as he ravished her skin.

"I have never," breathed out Byakuya between his kisses, "in my life…felt this…compulsion to…be with someone…ever."

"Me either," she responded succinctly, hands roaming under the collar of his shirt for her first touch of skin on skin.

Grabbing both her hands in his he pulled back to stare into her eyes before advising, "Should you stay here any longer I will not be able to stop myself from having you. Are you prepared for that?"

She nodded, eagerness present in her gaze, no doubts showing at all. Thrilled to his very core Byakuya maintained hold of one of her hands and pulled, leading her out the back door of the library, down the hall, around another bend and into his bedroom. Slamming the door shut he locked it soundly before turning back to the woman he'd only just met.

He had no recollection of her from any time previously though he found it impossible to think they'd never met at some point given her friendship with his sister. Then again, because of their differences in age, most of the time he was off doing things more befitting a young business man rather than hanging around his kid sister. So it was less surprising than previously believed to think he'd never seen Orihime Inoue before or at the very least had seen her when she was very young.

Their passion had not abated in the interim of the distance traveled from the library to his room and he surged forward, gathering her into his arms, kissing her fiercely. Quickly they shed one another's clothing before landing upon his soft mattress in a frenzy of kissing and touching.

As he wrapped one hand around a bountiful breast and suckled firmly upon the other he heard her rasp out, "Kuchiki-san." Leaning over her he looked deep in her eyes, "Byakuya."

"Huh?" her hazy brain was catching up with his words and he actually chuckled for the first time in years replying gently, "Orihime, I'm touching…kissing…and marking you in the most intimate of fashions. Please, grant me the honor of your sweet tongue caressing my given name."

Orihime's eyes widened as she breathed out, "Goodness, you certainly are an eloquent speaker." This earned her a laugh and once again Byakuya was stunned at the affect this woman had upon him. Kissing her deeply he pulled back to murmur against her lips, "If you believe me an eloquent orator you will no doubt appreciate my other oral talents." Goosebumps erupted along every inch of her skin as a result of that lowly spoken, hot promise.

And she did indeed appreciate his oral talents as well as his other intimate ones over and over again throughout the night as he gave her pleasure she'd never experienced before. Though he could tell she was less experienced he nonetheless enjoyed her returned attentions, his body releasing years of pent up sexual tension he'd not even realized was there until the flood gates were opened. Sated finally as the dawn began to break they fell asleep tangled amongst each other's limbs.

It was with foggy mind Byakuya awoke on his side. Turning over he was surprised when his hand hit mattress. Shooting open his eyes he found his bed partner missing.

"Orihime?" he called softly, thinking perhaps she was using the restroom. When a few minutes had passed he extracted himself from the bed, wrapping a robe about his person before walking to the on suite. Finding it empty he turned again only to finally notice her clothing, which had previously been thrown this way and that, was missing. Grunting in vexation he hastily changed into jeans, burgundy short sleeve collared shirt and black tennis shoes.

Upon entry to the dining hall he found his sister and impromptu bedfellow currently engaged in animated conversation as they ate breakfast.

"Nii-sama!" exclaimed Rukia, "Thank you so much for taking care of Orihime last night. She said you two had a pleasant evening."

"Pleasant doesn't even begin to describe it," thought Byakuya, doing his best to keep his countenance neutral. Clearly Orihime had not disclosed their tryst to his sister for which he was exceedingly thankful.

"It was no trouble at all," he replied coolly, again trying to keep any mirth out of his tone. He could tell having this incalculable woman around was going to be the death of him, even if she was just staying for a week.

However, the week passed without further incident as they were never alone again. Rukia spent any and all time she could with Orihime before her departure for America while Byakuya's duties to the company kept him occupied both night and day depending on the needs. As the week drew closer to an end their encounter seemed almost like a dream, though if he were honest with himself Byakuya found his body, hell, his very soul longing for connection with hers again. Something in him had been forever affected by this effervescent woman and it rattled him.

The day of her departure dawned and soon he along with Rukia and Renji were speeding her to the airport. Byakuya was unsettled at the prospect of her leaving and it irritated him. He barely knew the woman! Sure, she'd been a great lover, giving but also enthusiastically receiving. And through listening to her conversations with his sister he'd learned of her large heart for people, her generous spirit, the proof that she was not just beautiful outside but also in. But still that did not explain the very large hole he felt being punch through his heart…

He was called out of his thoughts as she hugged him goodbye, a momentary lapse in decorum causing her to embrace him after she'd done the same for Renji and Rukia whom he stood next to.

"Thank you for your hospitality Kuchiki-san, I look forward to seeing you again someday," she said sweetly, her bright eyes shining. Instead of relief at her leaving with no further mention made of their encounter, pain and dissatisfaction hit his heart unexpectedly. Was she truly so unaffected? He felt his whole world had shifted upside down and yet here she was, waving cheerfully goodbye as she passed through security before turning a corner and disappearing. That was it, she was gone. He'd probably not see her again unless she came to visit during holiday time which was debatable given the expense of plane tickets and her being on a college students' budget. He could pay for her, of course, but he had no reason to, not in anyone eye's but his own.

A month passed and Byakuya was no nearer to forgetting about Orihime than the first day of her leaving. He became more withdrawn and sullen, so much so his sister believed he may be ill. Then, a ray of sunshine burst through the clouds of his melancholy. His father announced plans to open a division in America, small but with potential for significant growth. Without hesitation Byakuya volunteered to take the lead.

"Son, while I appreciate your dedication, I believe your talents are better suited here-" his father had admonished but he insisted, "Father, what better way to groom me further for taking over one day than the opening of another division? I have been taught all I can here, please, let me spread my wings a little."

Smirking his father had finally agreed and Byakuya was named CEO of the new division. Prior to his leaving Rukia had provided him with Orihime's address. Through her womanly intuition she figured out that whatever was going on with her brother had something to do with her best friend. Smiling at him before he walked through the same security gates which the orange hair had gone the month prior she said, "Take care of her, ne?" He blinked but then smiled, hugging her tightly before planting a kiss on her head. He then hugged and kissed his mother, shook his father's hand and just managed not to run to his gate.

Upon arrival he wasted no time finding her apartment, knocking soundly on the door. When it was opened by a dark haired male he frowned.

"Can I help you?" the tattooed man asked.

"I'm looking for Orihime Inoue, it appears I have the wrong residence, my apologies," Byakuya replied but before he could move away the man replied, "No, you've got the right place, Orihime lives here. Hime! You have a visitor!"

Moving aside he ushered a now fully irritated Byakuya in. "What am I doing? It's not like I have any say in what she does or who she has in her life?!" he thought bitterly. But his bitterness washed away the moment she exited the hall and their eyes met.

"Kuchiki-san?" she asked breathlessly.

The tattooed man raised his eyebrows, "So you're the one? Um, guess I'll leave you two alone. See ya Hime, call me later yeah?"

"Hai, Shuuhei-kun," she called out as the man left.

Moving forward slowly Byakuya asked, "What did he mean? I'm the one?"

Orihime blushed deeply but managed to whisper, "You…I…oh Byakuya...it was never…I missed you so much."

Heart leaping for joy he gathered her in his arms hugging her tightly, inhaling her scent before kissing her soundly.

"I was so afraid I'd never see you again," she whimpered against his chest where he held her securely, "It wasn't a one night stand for me but…I never thought…" she trailed off looking back up into his face.

"You've ruined me for life in the best way possible, Orihime Inoue, and if you would have me we will have many nights and days together," he murmured against her lips, pecking them lightly as he spoke. She nodded enthusiastically before kissing him more thoroughly.

"Was that your roommate?" he asked gathering her up into his arms.

"Shuuhei-kun? Oh no, he's just a friend from school. We knew each other as kids and reconnected at university. I don't have a roommate yet."

Laying her down on her bed he breathed into her ear as he began to divest her of her clothing, "You do now." Then all speech was ended in favor of kisses, touches, and other such affections as the lovers had much to catch up on given their month apart from one another.

Author's note: Like I said at the beginning, definite OOC but it's still fun to image these two together. I blame Hardly Fatal for really imprinting this pairing in my mind. If you have not read "Become A Ghost" yet GO READ IT! It's a brilliant sweeping story of these two that is one of the best fics I've ever read.