A/N: Sorry for the lateness. My muse decided to take most of the day off. The day's not over yet though (at least where I am). Ahahahaha. Thank you for your reviews from the last chapter :)

Disclaimer: Bleach belongs to Kubo Tite.

Warning: New manga characters. Spoilers for up to chapter 429.

Inoue gave him a guilty look as she broke away.

"Tatsuki-chan," she greeted, taking hold of the newcomer's arm with both her hands as Inoue tried to drag her away in an effort to contain her friend's murderous aura. "Let's go back to class, ne."

But the other girl dug her heels to the floor. "Orihime," she began. "Can you tell that guy over there that he better not have been trying anything funny."

Ichigo's scowl deepened. "Anything you have to say you can say to my face, Tatsuki."

She continued to keep her gaze locked on Inoue. "Orihime, can you tell that guy over there that I'm not talking to him."

Inoue nervously shifted her eyes back and forth between the two friends as though witnessing a tennis match.

"Ano..."

"And what's the reason for that?"

"Can you tell that guy over there that there's a very good reason for it. And if he can't figure it out for himself, then he's very stupid indeed."

"Eto..."

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

"Can you tell that guy over there―"

"―Just face me, dammit―"

"―Tatsuki-chan, Kurosaki-kun―"

"―that if he doesn't want me to bash his head into another window, then he better stay away from you!"

"What?"

"Eh? Tatsuki-chan?"

"Come on, Orihime." Tatsuki began to walk away, breathing heavily. After a few paces, she realized the hold on her arm was gone and she looked back.

Orihime stood between her and Ichigo, gazing back at him with a longing look in her eyes, pulling her lower lip between her teeth as she took a small step towards her friend.

"Orihime."

Her expression conveyed her apology and remorse. "Ja ne, Kurosaki-kun," she said softly as she went to join Tatsuki.

Ichigo released the breath he didn't realize he was holding, a sinking feeling in his chest. He wondered why it was Tatsuki rather than Inoue who was more angry at him. He couldn't blame Tatsuki, though, for being overprotective of Inoue, seeing as she was the closest to a family she had now that her brother was dead.

Still, though, winning Inoue over wouldn't be easy at all with Tatsuki feeling the way she did towards him. And he knew that Inoue, despite her feelings, wouldn't go against her best friend. Her choosing to go with Tatsuki was testament to that.

He banged his head against the wall and released a frustrated sigh.

He was back to square one.

"You can't be serious?" exclaimed Ichigo.

"I have some jobs to do, and unfortunately for you, those require a woman's delicate touch so I can't send you off to do them, Ichigo-chan," said Unagiya Ikumi with a shrug. "So you'll have to stay here and take care of Kaoru-chan for me."

"I don't know if you noticed, but that kid hates me."

"He'll come around. You've been here enough times for him to get used to you."

"Well, your kid has quite the mouth on him."

"Just treat this like any other job, okay? I'm paying you to do this."

Ichigo glared at his boss, a muscle in his jaw ticking. "Tch, fine," he relented.

"Great, well, I'm off then. He's napping in the other room. If he wants to go outside later after he wakes up, make sure that he wears his shoes. I've made some croquette for him for dinner, you can help yourself to them if you want. I'll be back as soon as I finish the job. Ja!" She waved as she walked out the door.

Ichigo sat down heavily, leaned his head on the back of the couch and stared at the ceiling. Even though they'd pretty much caught up on the myriad of odd jobs that came their way, he was still hoping there would be something for him to do to help take his mind off of the last few days. He wasn't counting on being asked to look after his boss's son though. Especially now when he didn't have much to do but wait for the kid to wake up and pester him.

Things had not improved at all at school. Tatsuki had taken it upon herself to be beside Inoue at all times like a faithful watchdog, so he hadn't had a chance to talk to Inoue alone. She would always give him a big smile and a greeting, though, whenever they happened to pass by each other, and it eased his tightened chest to know she was open and friendly towards him, if not accessible.

He reached for his bag. He might as well do some homework while waiting for his boss's kid to wake up. He wouldn't really accomplish much if he just sat down, not do anything and just keep thinking about what to do with Inoue.

"Mama? Mama?" The door creaked open to reveal a little barefooted boy, still bleary-eyed from sleep. He blew a raspberry when he spied Ichigo at the couch. "Ichigo the dummy," said Kaoru by way of greeting. "What did you do to Mama?"

A vein popped in Ichigo's forehead, and he rolled his eyes. "She's out on a job."

Kaoru tilted his head to the side and stared at him with a suspicious expression. Ichigo went back to his paper and gave it one last look through before he packed his books and pens back in his bag.

"I'm hungry."

Ichigo sighed and rose to his feet. "There's food in the..." he trailed off, a thought taking root and blossoming in his head. If he couldn't talk to Inoue at school, then...

He could only hope she was working today. He knew Tatsuki would be at the dojo at this time, so they ought to be able to have a discussion without her around.

He turned to the boy. "Say, Kaoru, how would you like some melon bread?"

The child pursed his lips. "Mama said not to take food from strangers."

Ichigo sputtered. "I've been working here for a long time, kid."

"Is it because of a girl? Are you going to visit her and drag me along with you? I'm going to tell Mama."

He reddened. "I'll buy you two," he bribed.

"Ten."

"You won't be able to finish all that, and besides your mom will find them. Three."

"Five, and I won't say anything."

Ichigo narrowed his eyes. "Deal. Now go get your shoes."

Thanks for reading :)
Dec/2010