DISCLAIMER: I do not own 'Bleach'. All rights belong to Tite Kubo. I only own this fanfiction, and any OCs that may appear. Thank you.

I Can Live With That

Daytime really was a pain. Which was why Grimmjow never cursed the lack of light in Hueco Mundo.

It was a Sunday morning, and while the former Arrancar wasn't that fond of being cooped up indoors, he could think of at least a few things he'd prefer over being surrounded by mindless flesh bags, standing and waiting as his supposed 'guardian' looked over a display of fresh vegetables under an awning. Like sleeping, or...sleeping?

Okay, he didn't really have anything better to suggest. But that didn't matter! This was torture, pure and simple! He let out a hiss as another group brushed past him; some eagerly chattering teens, who didn't bother to note his presence, ramming his spine with their elbows and purses. He was briefly tempted to wrap the flashy handbags around their throats, or use them as a makeshift javelin. If he put enough strength into it...

And of course, the occasional stares at his mask. Orihime had invented two excuses to cover it up: either he was into body modification-whatever the hell that was-or, he was a particularly devoted drama student, and the mask was from an underrated play he happened to love. Both sounded ridiculous, and he wasn't about to spout them off at every last passerby who just happened to enjoy a staring contest. If he caught one more dirty look, he was going to answer with his fists.

"Hmm...they both seem good..." Orihime was completely oblivious to the plight of her restrained Espada charge, as she held a carrot in one hand and a cucumber in the other. She smiled at their vivid coloration; they'd make for nice additions to a fresh salad, or perhaps to one of her new sushi concoctions she'd thought up this past week. She needed to change up her school lunches. But she didn't want to spend too much, or buy too much at once either. There was a limited amount of room in her fridge; was this really a necessary expense? As she continued to stare at the produce in her hands, her mind began to wander.

"Oh! I say, what lovely weather we're having today!" In her mind's eye, the carrot was now sporting a green top hat and a monocle, as he looked over at the cucumber, tsking in disapproval. There was a hint of an accent to his voice. "A pity you can't bring your spirits up to enjoy it better, eh old chum? The more you frown, the sooner you'll pickle!" Orihime bit back a laugh.

"Yeah yeah, whatever Mister Snappy!" The cucumber had heavy lidded eyes and a bulbous nose, frowning as it stuck out an olive green tongue. "Like I have anything to be cheerful about. Constantly being picked up and put down by people who can't make up their minds whether they want to eat us or experiment on us! We're just food! How hard is it to decide?" His nasal tones were impossible to ignore, and Orihime let out a soft snort.

The carrot chortled at his companion. "Must you always be so gloomy? We are born primarily for consumption, yes, but I daresay that some personal taste goes into the process of selection. After all, some people may prefer carrots with full tops, while others would rather their carrots be bald."

"And I suppose you'll be telling me next that my texture is a turn-off to some mother saddled with plastic bags and screaming tots?" The cucumber's retort was apparently based off of personal observation. The carrot shrugged. "I wouldn't be so callous in my descriptions, but yes."

Now the two pieces were going at it, sending back one question and reply after another, and Orihime couldn't help but giggle. Maybe she could afford to splurge a little, and buy both? Her gaze briefly darted up to the bags hanging above the display, before returning down to enjoy yet another bout of clever comments.

"Eh?" Her sounds had reached Grimmjow's ears, and he now peered over her shoulder, having no clue as to the reason for it. But he had lived with Orihime long enough to recognize that dopey expression on her face as she stared down at the veggies: she was off in her own little world again. Her headspace, which the male could only thank the heavens he wasn't privy to. She was bad enough as it was. In her imagination, she'd have utter free reign. He had to suppress a shiver.

Whatever. The point was, it was a hot day. And there were too many people around. Standing like this only made it harder to avoid being jostled, bumped, or watched by every figure that went squeezing by. And it was taking all his self-control-who knew he actually possessed any-to keep from lashing out. Had she forgotten he existed? That thought did not sit well with him.

Growling, he snatched both of the vegetables from her hands, and she'd jumped at being thrown from her daydreams. Looking up, her eyes settled on the annoyed expression of her companion, as he gave her a sharp scowl, pearly whites bared and gleaming.

"If you're gonna buy 'em, then buy 'em. Otherwise, we're moving on, 'cause I got better things to do than stand around being deep fried and prodded under the fucking sun!" And with that, he thrust the produce back into her hands, stomping off. After a few more seconds of indecision, she quickly decided to pick out one more of each, before dropping them into a bag and heading for the register.

She still had other errands to take care of that day, along with her duties as watcher, and an annoyed Grimmjow wouldn't make things any easier. Not that he wasn't normally irked about something or other, but being vocal about it in public could easily lead to disaster, which she wouldn't be able to clean up-not without revealing her powers, or spending all her savings and then some. Plus, she just didn't like the idea of anyone being upset with her as the root...particularly him. But she'd never say this aloud.

Orihime caught up with him a few minutes later. Thankfully, he'd only wandered two shops down. "All finished!" she sang out, and he winced at her cheery tones. How could such fluff be aimed at a guy like him? He looked to and fro, noticing just how thick the crowds were. Maybe he could lose her in them?

"Remember, if you mess this up-even just one step out of line-it's back to Soul Society for you. Or six feet under. Whichever comes first." He wanted to slap the side of his head, hoping that the action would drive away that nagging voice. But he knew it was impossible. He was trapped, hook line and sinker.

"Eh-heh-heh-heh...guess I got a little distracted back there. Sorry, Grimmjow-san!" Her comment brought him back to the moment, and he looked at her, frown now half twisted into a confused grimace. This girl really was a piece of work. He'd been the one to snap! Not that he didn't appreciate her admitting to her mistake, but-

"Whatever!" He turned on his heel. "Just hurry up and get your shit finished, so we can go home already!" Home. That dinky little apartment was now his home. It was a concept he didn't think he'd ever be able to get used to.

The redhead grinned and gave a mock salute, though he couldn't see it. But he could hear the familiar joy in her voice. "Okay! On to the hardware store!" With that, she skipped up alongside him, reaching into her small purse to pull out her errands checklist. He'd glanced down at her briefly, the sun catching on her shimmering copper locks as they'd shifted about behind her shoulders with the movement. The bounce in her step had transferred to more than one spot, most visibly to her well-endowed chest. He looked away again, hands shoved in his pockets.

At least she doesn't carry around one of those stupid-ass oversized 'designer' sacks. Don't have to worry 'bout her whacking me upside the head. When had purses become the subject here? Soon enough, she'd attempt to get him thinking like her, too. This world was trying to drive him mad! He just wanted this day to be over with.

After walking for about two blocks, the pair finally reached the large outdoor supply shop. Orihime was humming to herself again, as she led the way inside. Grimmjow was forced to troop in, shoulders hunched forwards and hands jammed in pockets. At least his human clothes fit him. Where had she gotten them from, anyway? He had no clue, but at least it was one area he didn't have to bitch about. Knowing her, she could've very well dressed him up in a tutu and a helmet. He'd gotten glimpses of both, but combined? That was scary.

"Alright, now...I need to find some pruning shears for Mrs. Naganuma, and some weed killer for the flower beds outside the bakery..." This particular stop wasn't for her own benefit; Orihime was naturally a generous and helpful person, so when her manager and neighbor had made mention of these necessities, but being unable to pick them up for whatever reason, she'd offered to take on the tasks, no questions asked. They'd repay her for her services afterwards, and she'd be doing good for others. That, and they were very nice people too, so she was more than happy to do them favors.

"Okay, so-we need to go down..." Orihime's gaze was no longer trained on the paper in her hand, as she pointed straight ahead, a smile on her face. Her grey eyes looked upwards, at the large hanging sign. It was headed by a prominent painted '8', and a list of articles in smaller print. "Umm..." Her smile faltered slightly. Oh, boy. This place...is really big.

Grimmjow wasn't paying any attention to her confusion. His blue eyes were wandering around, lingering on a display to his far left of the latest model in chainsaws, complete with instructions. He grinned slightly. That sucker looked like it could cause some serious damage, if in the right hands. He mused over whether or not he'd be able to get away with revving it up, then claiming afterwards that it was all for a 'demonstration'. It would certainly be fun, but...again, it was a no-go. Didn't need the Soul Society, much less a bunch of orange-vested stiffs on his case. And then, there was that woman to think about, too.

"Ano...it's settled, then! We'll go this way! Come on, Grimmjow-san!" Without warning, her tiny hand was wrapped around his wrist-jeez, it didn't even reach the whole way across! But it sure was warm. She gave a yank, attempting to lead him down the aisle before them. Of course, he didn't move, and the smaller girl let out a yelp as she wound up springing back, bumping into the front of her companion. He let out a low grunt, but didn't flinch as he looked down at her slowly. Orihime let out a nervous giggle, rubbing the back of her head.

"Whoops...I forgot, you're a lot heavier than me! I can't really lead you at all!" She grinned. His expression didn't change.

"Woman...get off of me. Now." She blinked, before glancing down, to see that her hand was still holding him tightly. Letting out an "Eep!", she released his arm, and for just the faintest of moments, he missed the contact. But then again, he hadn't initiated it, and he had told her off, so...

His brow furrowed. As if I really want to touch some human sap, much less want them touching me. Feh. He rolled his eyes.

"Sorry again...anyways, can you follow me?" Her gaze returned once more to the sign above them. "I think what I'm looking for is down this row, or maybe the one after it." Grimmjow huffed, before brushing past to walk ahead of her. "Like I care."

"Okey-dokey!" She jogged after him, apparently satisfied with the answer. He was glad that she at least had enough sense not to goad him for 'proper' responses. Besides, if he didn't follow her, who knows what would happen? Maybe Soul Society was monitoring them from a distance? Or perhaps she'd wind up getting lost in this gargantuan maze of gardening and hardware. The thought wasn't as amusing as he'd thought it'd be.

Mainly 'cause knowing how klutzy she is, that's a disaster all on its own. And they say I'm destructive. It was a valid reason. He managed to keep all of these thoughts to himself, merely following the redhead from aisle to aisle, as she searched for the items on her list. After ten rows or so though, the former Espada was feeling his previous aggression begin to rise once more.

Sheesh...how can it be so hard to find two fucking things? Orihime didn't seem to mind the time and distance involved, simply leading them down a new row when the one they were perusing turned out to be a dud. And always, always, always it was with those chirpy vocals of hers. Grimmjow could feel his canines grinding.

"Oh, well. Let's go this way!"

"Aw, bummer. Let's try this aisle!"

"Whoops, looks like this isn't it, either. We'll go here, then!"

"Another wrong turn? Maybe we'll have better luck on this side!"

When they'd seemingly traversed through half the store, the male decided that enough was enough. As Orihime was about to guide them down yet another aisle, he reached out, grabbing ahold of the back of her t-shirt. She walked in place for a few moments, before realizing that she wasn't getting anywhere. "Ah?" Looking up, she saw the reason for her lack of movement. "Grimmjow-san, what are-"

"Shut it. You need a fucking map, and I ain't a patient guy. We're getting directions." Spying one of the employees a few displays away, Grimmjow marched over, dragging a protesting and pouting Orihime behind him. With a forceful jab, he managed to get the clerk's attention-and then some. Letting out a cry as he jolted, dropping his labeling equipment on the floor, he whirled around, ready to tell off a rude patron...only to come face-to-face with six feet of Grimmjow.

Now he was sweating. "Y-y-yes?" He squeaked out. "Can I h-help you?"

"Oi. Gimme the list." Without question, Orihime handed over the crumpled paper from behind him. He still had a tight grip upon the collar of her top. The clerk raised an eyebrow, bewildered at the thought of such a sweet and innocent looking girl being involved with a thug like this. But his worries were interrupted as the male shoved the sheet in his face.

"Got any of these?" Stepping back, the employee-his name tag read 'Akio'-took the paper in trembling fingers, to quickly skim over the contents. "Uh, yes-yes, we do. We do! Aisles twenty-seven and thirty-three!" Grimmjow nodded, looking back at his companion. "See? That's how you get shit done." And without a mention of thanks, he'd snatched the paper from Akio's hand, nearly taking the whole appendage with it. The man fell against the shelves, panting hard.

By this point, Grimmjow had let go of Orihime's top. She waved back at the clerk as she ran to catch up with her charge. "Thank you, Akio-san! Have a nice daaay-!" He could only lift his other hand in weak recognition.

The man wasn't a thug. Far from it. He was a monster. How could that girl survive in his presence?

"And, done! Another errand crossed off!" Now standing outside of the shop, Orihime was putting the list away in her purse once more, and Grimmjow was ready to tear out his hair. They still weren't finished? "Just how many goddamn places are ya gonna drag me to, woman?" And what new terrors were waiting in store for him?

She beamed. "But you're doing so well, Grimmjow-san! And besides, I like-" The words froze on her tongue, before they could come tumbling out. "I like being out with you!" Her heart had just skipped a beat, and now the restrained Espada was looking at her as if she'd suddenly grown a pair of horns. Hmm...how would she look with horns, anyway-

No, no, no! I can't afford to daydream now! Shaking her head furiously, she strode past him, bright smile upon her face. "Just one more shop, I promise! And then, we can go home for lunch!" Orihime was thankful for the change of subject.

This chick...I swear, was she dropped on her head as a baby? He groaned. "Fine! Just hurry up, before I lose my mind!" Just one more stop. One more stop, and this would all be over. After the madness in that 'hardware' place, nothing could possibly be as bad. Right? There were only so many times one could be misdirected in a single day.

Unfortunately, Grimmjow was about to learn that there were worse things than being lost with Orihime. She actually knew her way to and around the destination this time, but the shop itself...it was...

"Are. You. Fucking. Kidding. Me."

The blue-haired male was gaping, at the new shelves and displays that graced his vision. So much pink...and confection...and ribbons, sugar, and big eyes that stared at him like a begging puppy as he was resigned to following Orihime down the sweet-scented aisle closest to the door.

The girl had brought him into a bloody trinkets shop. And it was making him want to hurl.

"Hmm...what to get..." One of Orihime's schoolmates had a birthday coming up. She liked this kind of stuff-as did Orihime herself, though it had been a good while since she'd last been inside the shop-and she was now looking for an appropriate present that wouldn't set her too far back. Maybe a pen set, or some stationary? A couple of cell phone charms, or a keychain? Maybe a small plushy?

Meanwhile, Grimmjow was trying not to gag on the candy-laced air, as he attempted to find something in here to focus on that wasn't completely frilly and eye-searing. It was worse than her own scent! Seriously, what was she thinking, dragging him here? Was she thinking at all? I ain't one of her little friends that'll just go trooping every which-fucking-way after her! He really should've put up more of a fight.

So then...why didn't he?

"Uh?" As he tried to back away from a display of fruit-shaped scented erasers-did they want the kids to study, or eat the damn supplies?-his elbow bumped into something soft, and fuzzy. With a jingle and a faint thump, it fell to the floor behind him. Looking down, he tilted his head, before kneeling to pick it up. He had told himself that he wouldn't touch anything in this place without gloves and a stick, but...

It was a cat. A stuffed cat. It fit in his hand, paws and tail tip just barely reaching the base of his fingers. It was pale blue, with a little tuft of fur atop its head. Almost the exact same shade as his hair. Its face wasn't one of those sad 'pity me' expressions; it had small, round blue marble-like eyes with black centers, a faded pink nose, the lightest outline of a mouth, and whiskers. At the very end of its tail was a little golden bell.

He shook the stuffed toy, hearing the tiny ringing once more. He shook it again. Then again. He smirked. Not nearly as freakish as the rest of the shit in this store. Kinda reminded him of-

"What'cha got there, Grimmjow-san?" He nearly bit through his tongue, and shoved the toy back upon the rack. He'd almost forgotten who had dragged him into this hell-hole in the first place: her. Standing beside him with a wide, imploring smile upon her heart-shaped face and a small package behind her back, Orihime glanced over at the display that the male was now trying to disassociate himself from. "Nothing! It fell down, so I had to put it back up! I swear, this store is a fucking train wreck! I can barely move around, and it-"

But he was cut off by a squeal of delight and a stream of giggles. Orihime had gotten her hands on that little blue kitten, and was now cradling it to her chest. Inwardly, Grimmjow wanted to murder something. Outwardly, a vein was twitching in his forehead. She found it...shit.

"It's adorable! I can't believe I didn't notice it before!" She let out another giggle, before turning back to face him. "And it looks just like you! Well, minus the mask, and the hole...oh, but you don't have the hole now! So it's just the mask-ah, you could add one with paper! Or cloth! They even have pens for fabric, so you could draw in the teeth!" Now Grimmjow was looking at her as if he wanted to commit her. Or sew her mouth shut. Maybe both.

"Woman...what the fuck are you on?" She blinked, looking at him with that smile of hers, as if she didn't understand. "That-that thing looks nothing like me. And no, I am not adding a fucking mask to its face! Hell, I'm not even buying it! I don't want it!" He reached out, to take it from her and toss it once again onto the shelf. But Orihime drew back.

"I saw the way you were holding him, Grimmjow-san!" Since when did the stuffed animal have a gender? And how was he holding it? He was shaking it to hear the damn bell! That's all! "Does it remind you of your released form?"

The male wanted to scream. His released form was bad-ass! It was not cute and cuddly and made of fluff and fucking stuffing! He was the motherfucking Pantera, not a kitten with a bell growing outta its tail! It reminded him of jack squat! "It does not-"

But Orihime wasn't listening. She had already taken the plush figure to the counter, and was pulling out her wallet to pay for it. As much as Grimmjow was tempted to throttle her, there was a bright side to all of this. It meant that they were leaving this place, and returning to the apartment. He may not have been able to yet call it home, but right now it was looking way more inviting than usual.

As they headed for the exit, Orihime attempted to give him the bag with the toy in it. He responded by roughly shoving it back at her. "I ain't holding that thing. You keep it-add it to that fucking mountain in your room, why don't you?" So he'd gotten a peek at the inside of her bedroom when he'd been particularly bored one night and wandering the hall. She'd left her door open after heading for the shower. Big deal.

Orihime bit her lip, looking down at the bag. She held onto it the whole walk back, but once they'd stepped inside the complex, she proceeded to place it on top of his fold-out bed in the living room, before heading to the kitchen. The male growled at her actions, and was ready to throw the blasted thing at her head as she made her way to the fridge, to put away the previously procured vegetables.

But instead, he found himself simply tossing the package back onto his sleeping space, then stomping over and sitting on the couch in a huff. He wanted food. He wanted to forget all that had happened that day. Picking a fight with her was no fun...well, not here. It had been back in Hueco Mundo-and scratch that thought. He didn't want or need the Shinigami swooping down to deal with him again.

And, as the day drew to a close, he wound up pulling the plush cat from the bag, eventually setting it beside his pillow as he forced himself to try and sleep. He was such a predator; he loved the night. He glanced over briefly at the toy, whose side was facing him. I wonder if this guy's a hunter, too?

There was silence for a few moments. Then...

"Aw, fuck! She did it again!" With a rough turn, Grimmjow had rolled over, back facing the figure. This torment was never-ending. Seriously.

A/N: :) Hee hee. Yes, it ends on something of a fluffy note.

Chapter two here of 'ICLWT'! We have two more installments to go after this! How are you all enjoying the misadventures of Orihime and Grimmjow so far?

Again, I did my best with the characterizations, as well as trying to invent some memorable [and, to a certain extent, cute XD] situations between the two of them. How is it turning out, in your opinions? Please, please, PLEASE-don't be afraid to drop me a line! The feedback is welcomed and appreciated, SO much! I won't bite! I promise! [I'm not like Grimmjow. ;p Jeez, I'm torturing the poor guy. Is it wrong if I'm having fun with it, too? ^^;]

Next chapter should be out in another week. I hope you'll all be looking forward to it!

=^.^=