"Later, Orihime" and then he was walking away, through the rain and bounding onto his porch.

Back into his home.

Back to his girlfriend.

Leaving me standing on my porch, watching him disappear away, keeping him still embedded into my mind.

With these new...feelings.


I wanted to be alone, just for a moment. And the best time seemed to just skip lunch, and go to the quietest section of school.

The library.

"Hello Inoue, I haven't seen you all year, how are you?" The librarian, Ms. Ise, or more commonly, Ms. Nanao, spoke from behind the counter as she checked in some books.

It actually felt nice to see her, the library was the perfect place to just find a sane mindset.

"I'm...ok. And how are you?" I took a seat at a table, the atmosphere so silent and calm.

"Well, life could be better" and with that, she was shooting me a smile and heading away to her office. Such a short, sweet and very true answer. I unzipped my back pack, pulling out a magazine, opening it and getting comfortable.

I was beginning to feel, a little odd with how everything was turning out suddenly. Emotions that maybe were dormant for someone now were suddenly surfacing. And feelings that shouldn't exist, were definietly existing. The thing is, I can't really explain why this is happening. And honestly, I don't think I'm fully processing it either.

Suddenly, I was lost in thought, but that didn't put a delay from my heart thumping as soon as the library door opening and reavling, her.

Neliel.

It seemed a bit incompetent to feel this way just at the sight of her, but then again in my mind I was making up my own reasons to feel a slight ill will towards her.

Yes, Grimmjow was growing on me in some crazy way, but he was hers. It couldn't get any more simpler or broken down any lesser.

And then, she was looking in my direction, this odd smile pulling at her lips.

I felt uneasy, was she plotting murder? I couldn't be sure. She lithely approached, her long green hair and big hazel eyes planted on me.

"Hello, um, do you mind if I sit here?"

Yes. But of course, I chose the appropriate answer.

"No" and then she was taking a seat, as though it had her name written all over it. Once again her eyes landed into mines, large and intense, but I didn't look away. In a sort of admiring way, she was quite intriguing, exotic. I could see just what exactly Grimmjow saw in her.

"You're Orihime Inoue, huh?" she questioned softly, obeying the rules of the library. I cleared my throat, uneasiness sweeping over me in unstoppabe tons now.

"Yes, why?" I didn't mean to throw a question back at her, but it slipped from my lips before my brain caught up. She simply giggled with a shake of her head and shrug of her shoulders.

"No reason, well, actually...you were that girl from the hallway with Grimmjow. My boyfriend" for some reason, I couldn't help but feel she was marking her territory with her last statement. My eyes narrowed trying to challenge her due to the abrupt comment, but, I probably just came off looking like I was constipated or something.

"Yes, I'm in hallways with lots of people all the time, what's the big deal?" these slick remarks were just leaving my mouth uncensored, was I coming on too hard? Seriously, it made no sense why I was feeling so defensive.

She leaned back in her seat, her posture suggesting she was getting comfortable yet I felt so tense.

"And you're his neighbor as well?" she ignored my question to ask her own. How did she know, did he tell her, did she see us talking the other day, or was she some secret spy who stalked his every motion?

Such irrational thoughts, it's probably not a big thing.

"I am, is there some place you're getting at, Neliel?" her name sort of slurred off my tongue. Her eyes were then scanning over me, taking in every detail. Just what was she thinking? Right now would be the perfect time to read minds.

"Hm, well, you seem like a nice girl..." she said, re-meeting my awaiting stare "But, I was talking to a friend of mines, Gin, you may know him?" her voice was mocking and I felt my heart thump harder in my chest. I suddenly felt this rage build in my stomach and I sat foward in my seat, elbows rested on the table.

"I met him once, so what?" she was then leaning foward as well, our faces nearly inches apart. If looks could kill, I'm certain we'd both be dead.

"Well he tells me you seem to know Grimmjow more than I expected, way more" she seethed through clenched teeth. My mouth opened, the most slickest of comments just lingering on my tongue, but I was interupted.

"Is everything ok girls?" Ms. Nanao was reappearing from behind the counter, her eyebrows furrowed together in worry. We both turned and simultaneously returned to our previous positions back on our seats.

"Y-Yes, everything's ok" I mumbled yet I could hear this sourness on my voice. She gave a slight nod, glanced between the two of us slowly before turning away. I could feel her eyes boreing into the side of my face, and I faced her, catching a hard glare.

"Listen, we don't have to make this an issue..." she began, retuning to her normal voice, I shook my head.

"There was never one to begin with. You think I want Grimmjow?" she scoffed.

"You're weren't going to have him..." and then she was standing to her feet, pushing the chair in as she did so. I stared up at her, in shock. I mean, who did she think she was?

"So, the little 'relationship' you had going on before, is done now. I'll see you around, Orihime" her eyes were gentle yet this devious smirk lurked on her lips. Before I had a chance to retaliate, she was sauntering away, exiting the library.

I sat there, staring into oblivion. If it wasn't for her and Grimmjow's little escapde a while back ago, none of this craziness would be happening. But now that it was, I couldn't just allow her to speak to me any kind of way. I didn't want her boyfriend.

And well, if I did...I could easily take him from her.


"So why weren't you in lunch? Start to feel sick or something?" Ichigo questioned as we sat in the stairwell of school. Last period was taking place right now, and yet he we were sitting here like we had no place to be.

But I liked it, sometimes skipping class is a healthy thing to do.

"I went to the library, just to see Ms. Nanao and all. It was...interesting" my mind kept replaying the encounter with Neliel, it made me upset just thinking about it.

"Hm, really?" his voice was low, his eyes hard. Jeez, he probably saw right through me. I glanced away with this bashful smile.

"Yes really" I answered simply. He smirked and looked away as well.

"Alright" and then it was quiet. The stairwell echoing even the slightest of movements floors below. Then abruptly he was turning to me, his chocolate eyes downcasted.

"Think I should get to class before it's too late, don't want to get my ass kicked" he stood to his feet, throwing his back pack over his shoulder. Why did it seem like he was such in a rush?

"You can't just skip class part way then go back, why don't you just stay?" I felt like my voice was desperate. Ichigo brought his hand up to scratch the back of his neck, staring down at me with his eyes..those dark eyes..swimming with something I never saw before.

It was dark, intense, and desireable.

"I just got to go Inoue" I wanted to reach out and pull him back down to my side. Yet, I simply sat there, dumbfounded.

"Um...ok" I mumbled. He slowly started down the steps, I watching his every move. He landed onto the turning pass and right when I thought he was going to disappear from sight, he turned back around.

"We should do something...later. Damn it, I sound like I'm asking you on a date or something but, I'm not, just seeing if you're busy tonight or..." his rambling was kind of cute, a smile forming on my mouth as he struggled.

But, I don't know why he was.

"I'm not, busy or anything. Well, I might have homework and go to the store or something but, it's not big stuff. We can do something" I answered and he gave a grateful smile.

"Ok, so...I can pick you up?" I nodded, feeling like I had no control of the muscles in my face. Ichigo returned the nod, and If I'm not mistaking there was a faint blush on his cheeks. However, he was turning and leaving my sight before I had a chance to really evaluate.

It felt, odd, suddenly feeling excited just at the thought of hanging out with him. Then again, everything lately has been...off.


It seemed like deciding on our destination was the most hardest part of spending time with Ichigo. I was undoubtly indesicive and after countless thoughts, debates and confuion, we finally ended up on a simple place.

The movies.

"I hate to ask but...what movie are we going to go see?" Ichigo questioned, hands in his pockets. I face planted my face with my palm.

Maybe the movies wasn't such a great place.

After a few people before us ordered their tickets, we approached the booth, my mind once again in a frenzy.

"Can I help you?" the old woman behind the glass questioned. I glanced at Ichigo with worry.

"Should I chose?" I questioned, and he didn't seem the slightest impateint.

"Whatever" he was nonchalant. I turned and looked to the listings, so many choices, so many time slots. I didn't want to pick a movie he'd end up hating and the whole night would be ruined, then again I didn't want to waste money on a crappy movie either.

"Uh um, well..." I was lost in thought, my brain going over and over the choices when then...

"Could you hurry the hell up, other people are waiting" Oh God no, I know that voice. It rang through my ears like a broken record as I turned around, a smirk and blue eyes hitting me like an electric current. And then, my eyes were shifting and catching a harder, more deadly gaze.

She again, Neliel.

Just Great, what are the odds?

"Don't rush her bastard, who the hell are you talking too?" Ichigo suddenly exploded, pulling me from my trance. Grimmjow immediatly glared in his direction, a smug look on his face.

"Relax orangey, I was fuckin' with her" Ichigo narrowed his eyes, he looked angry, beyond angry. This wasn't going to end merrily.

"Go fuck around somewhere else" he seethed through a tight jaw. I don't when it happened, but they were inching towards each other, their stances hard and battle like.

No, not here, please no, not here.

Quickly I was stepping between them, my hands on Ichigo's chest, stopping them.

"It's ok Ichigo, don't worry about him" but as the words left my mouth, I didn't like the taste it left on my tongue. Ichigo's expression calmed, backing away and giving me an assuring smile.

"Um, I don't want to interupt, but if your buying a ticket, do it now. You're holding up the line" the old woman was impatient. Ichigo simply pulled away from me, heading to the counter and effortlessly picking a movie. I stood there, staring at the couple before me. Neliel carrying this annoying mocking smile, gripping into Grimmjow's arm protectively. Grimmjow staring at me, this...this...look on his face that I'm certain only I could see.

I can't really say I knew what it was, or how it made me feel. But I wanted to get out of there quickly as possible...fast.


"I'm sorry for earlier tonight Ichigo, none of that shouldof happened" If I was counting correctly, this had to be the 80th time I've apologized to Ichigo. I felt obligated to. He simply sighed, this tired look on his face.

"Forget it about it alright? The movie was nice and we had fun, right?" he quickly changed the mood. I nodded in agreement, it was a good night, better than good. However, somewhere in the back of my mind, that look on Grimmjow's face lurked there all evening.

"I'll see you tomorrow then" he nodded as I opened up the car door and got out, slamming it shut behind me.

"Later" I waved slightly, Ichigo gave a one sided grin and pulled off from the curb. The night making him disppear before my sight.

Oh man, what a day. But, it wasn't over yet.

I turned, heading onto my walk way when a faint flicker of light caught my eye. Staring harder through the darkness, Grimmjow's figure became more apparent, a cigarette lingering between his lips. I stood there, continuing to watch him as his hand rose, and with a motion of his fingers, he called me over.

I silently cursed myself but that didn't stop me from heading over to his home. I had to go see him, I needed some type of explaination for what happened today. I stepped onto his porch steps to also see he was in nothing but sweat pants. My eyes betrayed me and scanned his body slowly before reaching his face, just as a puff of smoke left his mouth.

Gross.

"Have a fun little day huh?" he teased, flicking his ashes. Last thing I needed was to be mocked.

"What was with your stunt today?" I questioned. He stared at me, silent. Blue bangs falling into his eyes. I wanted to feel strong under his gaze, but sudden weakness was over taking.

Gosh...what was with this?

He then took one last inhale of the stick before flicking it off his porch and arising from his seat.

"Stunt? I don't really recall any stunt on my account, but that little punk of yours sure did" he retorted, staring down at me. I rolled my eyes.

"You just had to open that mouth of yours, there was no reason for it" suddenly his eyebrows were coming together hard, a stern look in his eyes.

"There was a reason for it Orihime..you were with him"I stared at him, silence swirling around us. Finally, I shook my head.

"So, what, you just have a bad thing going on for Ichigo...why?" he shook his head and turned his back to me, heading for the front door.

"No, not a problem with him in general. Just when he's with you" and I swear, I could hear jealousy on his voice. Suddenly, I felt this rush come over me, and once again my mouth was blurting off things it shouldn't have.

"W-Well...maybe I don't like seeing you with her" and he glanced over his shoulder, those pericing blue eyes seeing straight into me. Oh gosh, I can't take that back now, it's out there in the open.

He simply let his trademark smirk decorate his lips with a nudge of his head.

"Come on, I want you to come inside" he stated before reaching out for the door knob and opening the door, revealing a playing TV and dim lights. My heart thumped loud in my ears.

"Why?" my voice was hardly audible. Grimmjow left his position in front of the door and approached, wrapping his fingers around my chin and pulling my face up towards his. I gasped at the sudden contact.

"Because I said so, now come inside" his tone deep and husky as he spoke. Then, he was dropping his hand away from me and fully entering his home. I stood there, like I always do, contemplating.

But not for long, because I followed behind him, feeling as though there was some part of me I was betraying and another part I was pleasing.

I shut the door behind me, standing in his living room which was vaguely familiar to my senses.

"Thristy or anything?" I heard his shout come from the kitchen and faint fumbling around. I shifted on my heels, glancing around the room.

"Um, sure" and my staring came to a stop as my eyes landed upon a partially opened door. A room that was closed the last time I was in here.

Hmm.

More interested than I should have been, I slowly made my way over, narrowing my eyes to look more inside. There was a canvas, a paint canvas, with a poster resting on it's ledge. I stepped closer, curious and carefully, my hands resting on the knob as I took a longer and more detailed look.

On the ground rested old newpapers, covered in various colors. Old and new buckets of paint cans layed out randomly on the floor. Paint brushes, used and unused, posters fresh and others decorated in shapes, portriats, and other masterpieces.

It was...it was...

"What are you doing?" I was quickly pulled from my thoughts, gasping as I turned around meeting a suspicious glare.

"I...I...I'm sorry. But..." I glanced, looking back into the room, then back to him "You paint, Grimmjow?" but before the words could fully float from my mouth, he was grabbing my forearm, shutting the door with his other hand and pressing me back into the door.

"You're really fucking nosey, you know that?" he seethed angrily. I shook my head quickly with an apologetic face.

"I am sorry yes, but, why are you so angry? You shouldn't be Grimmjow, I think it's amazing you have such a talent" I praised him, excitment on my voice. And I was excited. Grimmjow...a painter? It seemed unreal, but I liked it.

I liked it a lot.

Where did his inspiration come from? And what exactly did he paint?

"Really huh?..." he leaned into me, tilting his head slightly, our noses grazing and lips mere inches apart. I felt weak all over again.

"And would you like to see some of my paitings, Orihime?" as he spoke, his lips feathered mines gently. I closed my eyes momentarily, reopening them to land into a sea of blue.

"Yeah" Grimmjow then gave a wild grin before pulling him me from the the door and swiftly opening it behind me. I turned around, facing the inside once again.

Somehow, I found myself more than anxious to take a dive into Grimmjow's world...


Oh god, why does my body feel all weak...and...and, what is this hard stuff on me?

I was waking up, sun shining like a laser straight through the window and landing upon me. And as I looked around, I wasn't in my home, or comfortable in my bed.

But in Grimmjow's...art room?

My hand rose to scratch my eyes but, there was all this red, yellow, green and blue stuff all over me...wait...

"Oh my gosh!" There was paint, tons of it...everywhere. Decorating my whole body, the floor, my hair.

It was a mess.

Quickly I was standing and as I did so it hit me like rapid fire, it's only Wednesday!

"Grimm..." I began to shout and turning around in panic, but he was standing right in the doorway, as well drenched head to toe with paint.

We stood there, staring at each other in silence, until he started laughing and pointing. It seemed like the appropraite moment to feel uncomfortable, but I didn't. Instead I simply joined in, my eyes scanning how ridiculous he looked. And how idiotic I probably looked as well.

It was kind of...nice, just laughing like that. And he wasn't doing his usual mocking, maniac chuckle, it was hearty...real.

Suddenly, it came to a descending stop, and reality came rushing back.

"We're um, not at school right now" I said, stating the obvious. He nodded with a clear of his throat.

"Yeah, we must have feel asleep, after our little...you know" I glanced down at my multi-colored body. I began to think back to hours ago, and a small smile crept to my lips as I remebered just what had happened...