Chapter 4 - No Estas Enamorado Con Ti. [I'm Not In Love With You.]

Wherein peace is made.

An enemy is tolerated.

And ones heart is broken.

-o-

Ichigo walked into his home with a grimace that hadn't been wiped off since the night before. His fury grew tenfold compared to a few moments ago when he opened the door to his room. All of a sudden it seemed very cramped inside of the small space. The reason for this was probably because of the extra bed that had mysteriously appeared on the opposite side of his own bed. Though it would be a bit far-fetched to say the piece of furniture 'mysteriously' appeared, he knew just who was responsible for this.

"IIIIICHIIIIIGOOOOO!" Shouted the perpetrator and Ichigo ducked swiftly to evade a roundhouse kick to the face. The old man was switching up his tactics, something he would applaud, if it didn't irritate him so much. When his father lifted himself up off of the ground, goofy grin in place, the orange haired teen's frown grew deeper.

"What the hell is this?" After picking himself up from the ground last night and trudging into the house he overheard his recklessly impulsive - much like himself - father accepting the former espada's proposition to stay with them. Even Ichigo couldn't see the harm in allowing a person to stay a few days if they were terribly in need of the shelter, regardless if they were an enemy or not, but his father made it seem as if the blue haired male was going to be living with them for an extended period of time and viewed the man as anything but a threat. Perhaps the fact that Grimmjow attempted to kill Ichigo on several different occasions never registered within the former shinigami's small brain. Isshin simply laughed his loud, boisterous, annoying laugh.

"I picked up a few things for our visitor." He exclaimed. Ichigo was not amused.

"Care to explain why he has to stay in my room with me?" As always, Ichigo retained the impeccable patience he had with his father... for now. The father of the orange haired male frowned.

"Well where else could he have gone. It wouldn't be proper to have him room with Yuzu-chan and Karin-chan and I don't think Grimmjow would appreciate my loud snoring at night." He reasoned, large smile never leaving his whiskered face. Plus you're the only one who could handle him if he got out of hand, he added silently. "Besides, I think the two of you are going to get along great." Isshin chirped, skipping down the hallway and past a curious faced Yuzu. She gave her brother an apologetic look before shrugging and heading downstairs after her father.

Ichigo entered his room and slammed the door shut, glaring at the new article of furniture that now adorned his room. How he managed to get caught up in this little predicament, he couldn't particularly grasp, but he could say one thing in his defense at least, this wasn't going to be the least bit enjoyable. Isshin had admit to knowing what the blue haired male was and still is and gave no more than a second thought to it after readily inviting him to their home. Not even when Ichigo had begged and pleaded, telling him of all the things the arrancar had done both in the human world and in Hueco Mundo, Isshin just shrugged it off. It irritated Ichigo; feeling as if everyone knew something that he didn't. He almost felt wrong for worrying, but it was the right thing to do, if he didn't then who would? Not his father, that's for sure.

"He doesn't seem that way now... maybe he's changed." The man replied and Ichigo remembered scoffing and turning away. What an idiot, he thought bitterly of his father.

Speaking of his visitor, Ichigo realized he hadn't seen the blue haired male since earlier that morning before he had to leave for school. Not knowing where the man was unnerved him but it wasn't like he could got out and follow him around to make sure he didn't destroy and/or murder anything or anyone in sight. The gigai Urahara gave the espada cloaked spiritual pressure... and god knew what else, he made a mental note to drop by Urahara's Shoten the soonest he had the time to, he and the Mr. Hat and Sandals had an overdue conversation regarding his lack of judgment. Ichigo couldn't wait to laugh at the man's excuses. Turning over to his side, Ichigo reached for his remote control and flipped on the TV. If he's out there, there has to be something on the news by now to tell me where he is and who he's killing.

The substitute shinigami flipped through channel after channel but found nothing but children afternoon programs, a variety cooking show and the only news show that was on, their main story was focused on a pop superstar's latest stalker scandal. He stared at the screen for another few moments before sighing and turning it off. Something's wrong... If Grimmjow was still alive, then there was no reason why he shouldn't have been out causing trouble for someone, namely him.

Trouble. That was all the espada had been since the Kurosaki met him nearly four years ago.

Isshin rubbed at the back of his neck and greatly accepted the mug of steaming coffee that his youngest daughter offered him. He gave her one of his smiles and patted her head before sitting down on the couch, watching her scamper off into the kitchen in her miniature version of a nurse's uniform. Isshin grinned to himself more and took a sip from the steaming cup. Promptly he spit out the dark liquid, managing to soak himself and part of the couch.

"Yuzu, angel, I think you forgot the cream... and sugar." He pouted into the cup, wiping his tongue with his tie. A patient 'tsk' came from the kitchen where the young girl was tinkering with a few pots and pans.

"No, daddy, no sugar or milk in the middle of the day; you know how it upsets your stomach." She said in a tone that was years too mature for her age. Isshin frowned, sinking into the pillows of the sofa and sulked, placing the cup on the coffee table and crossing his arms over his chest like an insolent child.

"But I want sugar..." He mumbled. Suddenly he was greeted with the sight of a more than irritated Grimmjow walking through the door. The man glanced around and noticed the older shinigami pouting on the living room couch. He didn't plan to stay too long and thought it to be no harm if he sat on the couch and waited with his enemy's father. Isshin looked up and grinned at the blue haired hollow.

"Been keeping busy?" He directed towards Grimmjow who frowned in confusion.

"Meaning?" He sighed as he finally bent to sit down on the coffee colored sofa. Isshin chuckled mysteriously.

"You know Urahara has told me everything."

"Yeah?"

"Mmm, and it's all fine and well with me…" He started, face growing serious. "But Ichigo… well, he's not the brightest crayon in the box." He motioned vaguely and leaned against the soft cushions of the couch.

"You think I should tell him why I'm here." He stated blandly, eyes darting towards the kitchen door as Yuzu walked out carrying a tray that looked like her father's lunch. He didn't return the smile that was thrown his way.

"Well…" Isshin mused. "That would make his life a little easier." This time Grimmjow did laugh.

"And what makes you think I want to do that. I hate your son, Mr. Kurosaki."

Isshin sighed but his smile was still in place. "Yeah, he is stupid. Strong, but stupid nonetheless. And he is my son… Just remember that." Grimmjow couldn't misunderstand the slightly threatening tone that laced Isshin's words and he nodded, giving a lopsided grin of understanding.

As if flipping a switch, Isshin went back to his bright and seemingly dense side. "Good, now that we understand each other," He announced loudly. "Why don't you stay for lunch, have you eaten yet?"

"Thanks, but no. I have to go anyway."

"Wahhh? But you just got here." Isshin whined, picking up a fork and moving the contents around on his plate. Grimmjow merely shook his head and walked out the front door. Isshin watched him go, his face serious once more. I really hope you know what you're doing, Urahara.

Grimmjow wasn't stupid, he knew why Urahara had suggested that he ask to room with Kurosaki and his family. Ichigo was a soul reaper - substitute didn't matter - and he was a damn strong one at that. Managed to kick my ass more times than I'd like to count. He smiled. And so was his father. Two captain rank shinigami watching over him was just about more protection than he thought needed but whatever made the green hated man feel safe. It wasn't like he could complain much about the situation, he had agreed in the first place. But what eluded him was the fact that Urahara told Isshin and not Kurosaki. Why does he have to be so fucking weird all of the time?

He didn't like Ichigo but he could tolerated him longer than anyone else the blonde man might have suggested. At least if this arrangement didn't work and he tried to kill the teenager, Ichigo would be able to fight back.

With his thoughts all a jumble and his brain confused for most of the day almost to the point of not being able to function correctly, Ichigo was startled when his father yelled at him to come downstairs, announcing that he had a visitor. Looking back on the day he couldn't remember asking anyone to stop by for anything, vaguely he thought it to be Rukia or somebody from Sereitei, but that would be too good to be true. She was patrolling a different district of japan and everyone else was swamped with their own duties, or so they complained.

Reality suddenly hit the orange haired teen as he made it to the living room and found Orihime standing near his father. He gulped thickly, berating himself for being so stupid and forgetting that he had asked her to stop by so they could talk. Seeing her in front of him was a bit overwhelming and he gave her a nervous smile.

"Hey, Inoue..." He scratched the back of his neck nervously.

She smiled, but it seemed a bit forced, something he chose to ignore. "Kurosaki-kun, good to see you."

"Now, now," Isshin's voice boomed. "No need to act like stangers in my presence." He pushed the two teens closely together. "Don't be ashamed to show your love, it is a wonderful and natural thing!" Isshing narrowly missed the fist that was aimed for his face as he backed away from the couple, taking in the deep blush from his son's girlfriend as well as Ichigo's frustrated glare.

"Get the hell out of here, dad." Ichigo growled.

His smile suddenly grew wider.

"Or perhaps my beautiful son has not yet experienced the joys of the acts of love?" He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively. Ichigo's scowl faltered as his face turned a few shades redder and his father flitted out of the room before the chair could be lifted off of the ground and thrown at him. "Make me proud son!" He sing-songed as he left.

Running his hands down his face, Ichigo took a deep breath. Just what I need, the old goat making those kind of assumptions. He looked over at Orihime who looked as if she was just about ready to die from embarrassment. Her soft gray eyes turned towards him and she forced another smile.

"Sit down, Inoue." She complied and smoothed out the pleats of her skirt nervously. Kurosaki took a deep breath, wondering where to start before she beat him to the punch.

"I was so worried when you weren't answering your phone." A stab of guilt went straight through his heart and Ichigo smiled apologetically at the girl. "I didn't know what to do... I thought that maybe..." She didn't finish, she just let the words trail off.

I know what you mean. "Yeah, I'm sorry, I just needed a little time to get my head together. I'm sory if I hurt you, Inoue."

"You could never hurt me, Kurosaki-kun."

The way that she said it, as if she believed that more than anything in the world was what pushed the knife of guilt into his heart a little deeper. Being angry about Grimmjow had made him really forget how terrible he felt because of this situation. He didn't know where he would rather be at this moment; having this conversation with Inoue or sharing rooms with Grimmjow Jeaggerjaqes. You dug this ditch for yourself, Kurosaki, you have no one else to blame.

Orihime fidgited, worry overcoming her. For the remainder of yesterday and all of today she had tried to continue convincing herself that all was well, Kurosaki was still himself, they would still be together. But she was a woman, and she did have instincts despite her being blatantly air-headed at times. She almost ran away from their meeting today, she found herself at the substitute shinigami's doorstep, afraid to knock, ready to turn hide and run because she was so desperately afraid of the conversation that would be had once she intered. Ichigo didn't meet her eye, he moved around restlessly and had this look in his eye that made her almost wish she had just run away.

"Orihime... there's something I need to tell you... " The words, his voice, the weight of them pulled on her heart and caused it to ache fiercely. "...But I'm not sure how..."

Inoue allowed another smile to attach itself falsely to her face. "You can tell me anything, Kurosaki-kun." She tried to hide her trembling fingers.

"It's about the other night..."

So that's it... "Oh? Was there something wrong? Was Kurosaki-kun not pleased?"

"No, that's not it, I mean, yes, it was... but... uh... argh." He grabbed his orange spikes in frustration before lifting his head to meet with the girl's gray eyes once more. "It's not about that, you were, I mean everything was... wonderful." He saved, eyes averting momentarily to hide his blush. "It's just that..." I feel like I used you.

Orihime watched patiently as he struggled to find the words but even Ichigo wasn't sure what he was going to say. How in the hell can I tell her. I was never one for words, but how the hell do I tell someone, a person that I'm suppose to love, something that's going to break her heart. He was brave, but there were some things that he just couldn't do. He was strong, but Ichigo didn't think he could endure this. A small sob broke him from his sullen thoughts and he looked over at Inoue; her head was bowed low and her shoulders shook slightly. He opened his mouth to ask her what was the matter - Stupid question - before she looked up at him and he saw the tear glide easily down the side of her heart shaped face.

"How come you never say you love me?" She asked in a broken voice, not bothering to wipe away her tears. "I say it so much... all the time... but you never say it back to me. Why?" Orihime pleaded, bottom lip trembling. Ichigo felt his heart drop.

"I... " I haven't said it because I don't feel the same. But the look in her eyes stoped him from finishing the sentence. Her eyes flashed with hurt and he mentally kicked himself.

"I love you Ichigo." She waited.

Silence.

She cried harder.

"You... c-can't say it back?" Her voice was broken and from her tone it sounded more like an accusation than a question.

"I... I do, love you, Inoue." Ichigo tried to comfort her but was helpless in this situation. He had never had to console anyone through tears before. He couldn't decide much else to do than to sit back worriedly and allow her to cry out her feelings. Orihime shook a little more and clutched her forearms, bent forward slightly. The knot in his gut tightened as he realized that this was the first time he's ever seen Inoue cry like this.

"But you can't... you can't say it..." She sniffed.

Ichigo frowned. "I love you Inoue, I just..." can't be with you. "I just don't love you the same way you love me."

In that one instant Ichigo felt as if time stopped. The look on Orihime's face froze, the hands ticking away on the clock hung against the wall slowed down and he had to catch his breath for fear that he was going to have an anxiety attack. All at once Inoue's tears stopped and she looked him right in the eye, her face confused.

"What do you mean, Ichigo." Please no...

He sighed heavily and ran his hands through his short spiky orange hair. "I mean my feelings towards you, the way I love you... It's not deep and romantic... You're a dear friend Orihime, but I don't think it would be right to continue this." He gestured vaguely.

Orihime pressed her lips together and shook her head. "Wh-What?" Her eyes threatened to tear once more. "What do you mean?" She asked again pitifully, but she knew, her worst fears were being realized. Ichigo tried to withhold the look of guilt on his face to her reaction, but he had expected her reaction to be an unfavorable one. Just, please, don't start crying again...

"I... shit... I don't know how else to say this, Hime..."

"Don't call me that." She said through her tears. "I... I thought you l-loved me. That's why, that's why I gave you everything... You were suppose to feel the same way about me... We were suppose to be happy together, I wanted to make you h-happy. I love you so, so much, Kurosaki." She sobbed and hiccuped through her words and it was painful for Ichigo to watch.

"I'm sorry, Inoue."

"So that night meant nothing to you?"

Don't ask questions you don't want to know the answer to... "It did..."

"You don't sound too sure about that."

"I'm sorry..." Pitiful.

This was too much, all of her greatest fears realized in just a few short minutes. There was no turning back, not going back to the way things were and pretending that this day never happened. Ichigo was breaking up with her and that was a tough pill to swallow. At this point, due to the shock, she couldn't tell if her heart was ever going to be the same, time has a funny way of changing things. Still... she didn't think she could live a life that wasn't close to Kurosaki.

Isshin walked away from the hallway, ashamed of himself for listening to the conversation his son had just had, shaking his head.