Yaaaaaaaaaaay! A new chapter, for you, my lovelies.

If you reviewed, then I love you. I hope you like.

Ch4

I woke with a start and sat up in bed, wondering why my whole body ached. Then I remembered Grimmjow and the fact that he was sleeping in my living streamed in through my window. It must be late.

I sighed to myself and got out of bed, rubbing my eyes and yawning. I opened the door as silently as I could and peeked out. I saw two feet hanging off the end of the sofa and heard heavy breathing. Good. He's still asleep. I noticed the hem of his jeans.

And clothed. Even better.

I blinked and looked around.

There were no peas. All gone.

I checked around the room then looked in the bin and saw them in there with the bag wrapper.

My eyebrows rose in surprise and I smiled. Something swelling in my chest.

I didn't actually expect him to do it.

How…

Civilised.

I tiptoed over to him and leaned over the sofa, checking his face. I could have done a shit job and then I'd have to take him to Ichigo's dad's clinic. And neither of us wants to be anywhere near there.

I tentatively moved the strands of shocking blue hair out of his face and checked the nose.

I seemed fine, pretty good actually. I smiled slightly to myself, proud that I'd done such a good job. It was a little swollen and bruised, a little cut at the top, but overall was fine

I looked down at his sleeping form. The deep scowl was gone and his mouth was slightly open. He had teal markings under his eyes that I hadn't really noticed before. He had a bruise on his forehead, but it wasn't as bad as mine. Seems as though I'd taken the worst of the damage. He also had a cut on his eyebrow going to his temple from where I'd kicked him.

I exhaled and suddenly he sat up, eyes wide open.

There was a smack as out foreheads met and I fell backwards, landing on my ass.

"Shit!" I moaned and clutched my head

He got on his knees and looked at me over the sofa

"What the fuck was that about?" he yelled, fingers digging into the leather, "you got a thing for watching people sleep?"

I brought my hand away from my face and glared

"I was checking your nose, since someone was a whining little bitch and wouldn't let me look yesterday." I growled.

He sneered and rubbed his head

"You didn't have to get so close" he muttered and sat back down on the couch.

I felt my cheeks heating up and I stood up and stretched out my back.

"Whatever." I mumbled in response and headed to the bathroom.

I turned on the shower and stepped in. The hot water soothed my aching muscles and all my worries seemed to wash away. I inspected the bruises and they had worsened slightly, turning more yellow at the edges, dark spots of blue and red in the middle. I quickly washed my hair and dried it roughly.

I wrapped the towel tightly around me and peeked out of the door before deciding the coast was clear.

I walked across the corridor to my room.

"WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING IN HERE?" I screamed and Grimmjow looked around and his face remained passive

"Looking around" he shrugged

"GET OUT GET OUT GET OUT GET OUT!" I screamed and pushed him out the door, slamming and locking it behind me.

I blinked when I was outside, the hard wood of the door slamming against my back.

"Bittch..." I hissed and rubbed my head.

"I was only curious!" I yelled through the door.

"Yeah well curiosity killed the cat!" she yelled back.

I opened my mouth to retort then closed it, not knowing exactly what she meant.

I shrugged it off and went about exploring the rest of the place.

I didn't get what all the fuss was. It was just another room. I didn't even see much.

I went to the kitchenette and looked through all the cupboards. Bright packets of food stared back at me, plates and mugs and bottles. I looked through a big cold white cupboard and saw fresh vegetables and fruit. I pulled an apple out of a bag and bit a chunk out of it. It tasted a lot better than all the other human crap I'd eaten so far.

I stalked around the room, pushing and prodding things. I went to a desk thing, with four black rings on the top and buttons down the side. I was about to press a button with a flame on it when I heard her door open and Tatsuki came shuffling out, wearing an oversized black jumper and some red leggings and a pair of worn out slippers.

She frowned at me then her eyebrows rose

"Oh, um thanks"

"For what?"

"Picking up those peas"

"Oh."

I scratched my chin, feeling stupid for some reason.

I shrugged and tore another chunk out of the juicy fruit.

She walked over to the kitchenette and pulled some things out of the cupboards. A tall thin box that rattled and a bowl. She walked over to the fridge and got some milk out, she smirked at me.

"I knew you'd do it, too scared that I'd follow through with that threat on your jaw"

I laughed sarcastically

"You think you're so clever, don't you?"

She nodded, pouring cereal and milk into the bowl.

"I don't think, I know"
I huffed and folded my arms, thinking of a comeback.

She smirked at me, eyes mischievous as she ate a spoonful of her breakfast.

"Nice comeback"

I sneered and turned away, looking at a clock on the wall, not really knowing what to make of it. We had no need for such things in Hueco Mundo.

"Hey Tatsuki"

"Mmm?"

"When's noon?"

"Mmm about 2 hours ago" She said with her mouth full

"Oh."

"Why?"

"I was meant to be at work two hours ago."

She choked on her cereal and put the bowl down.

"You should go!"

"Yeah..."

"Out! Go to work!"

I shrugged on my vest and hoody and left, walking casually.

"With a little more urgency!" she called and I gave her the middle finger over my shoulder.

I felt Tatsuki's eyes on me as I walked further away.

I knew she was wondering if I'd go back there tonight.

So was I.

I sighed to myself and closed the door.

Would he come back tonight?

Why I was even bothered if he did or not. I shouldn't be. I mean... He's welcome to. Sure.

I pulled my cereal bowl with me as I shuffled to the sofa, sort of happy when I saw the duvet and pillows still there. I wrapped the cover around me and it was still warm.

It smelt dusky after being unused in my airing cupboard for so long, but it also smelled of something I couldn't quite place. I turned on the TV and smiled to myself, feeling completely relaxed.

Orihime was safe.

My friends are all safe.

I'm safe.

I'm happy.

Everything is as it should be.

Ichigo is a dick, but I'm getting pretty used to that.

I'm warm.

I have delicious cereal.

The TV buzzed onto Jeremy Kyle.

And Jeremy Kyle is on too.

Excellent.

I grinned and watched, the storyline reading 'I walked in on my husband having a threesome with male prostitutes. How Can I trust you to be a good father?'

I cackled and made myself comfortable. This was going to be a good one.

*Knock knock!*

what the fuuuu...

I glared at the door as I stalked towards it.

"Who's there?" I called

"It's me!"

I recognised Orihime's voice and opened the door.

She smiled sweetly at me and I welcomed her in

"Hello Tatsuki-Chan! I just thought I'd-"

Her hands clasped over her mouth

"Tatsuki! Your face! Are you okay?"

I paused, eyebrows furrowed in confusion. Then I remembered my bruises and cuts.

"Oh I'm fine" I waved my hand at her, "I've been in worse"

She nodded slowly then smiled again

"Well, I brought you some cakes I made, they're delicious!"
I eyed the green sponge with blue icing suspiciously and smiled quickly, hiding my true feelings about it

"Wow. What flavour are they?"

"I don't know, I just put green things in it!"

"...wow sounds...great"

She put the Tupperware box on the kitchen counter and looked over to my sofa

"Tatsuki-Chan; did someone sleep over last night?" She asked innocently

I paused and rubbed my chin, glancing over at the duvet on the sofa left over from Grimmjow.

"Ehhh no... There was a good movie on last night, so... I camped I front of the TV"

I lied

Why? Why had I lied to my best friend about Grimmjow? Some guy I'd only just met.

Some guy Orihime and Ichigo knew. Somehow.

Orihime blinked slowly, as if assessing something in her head, and then she smiled brightly. I noticed it didn't reach her eyes. It was that fake one she did in front of everyone.

"Okay then! What film was it?"

"Alien." I answered quickly

A little too quickly

I saw her bite her lip a little and look away before looking into my eyes.

I glanced away and headed into the kitchenette, heat rising up my neck.

"Can I get you anything?" Switching the kettle on

"No, thank you" she answered.

I blinked. She always had green tea when she came over to my house. I turned around and the whole room suddenly felt very small and stuffy. It was awkward. I couldn't think of anything to say. I scratched my head and Orihime looked sad.

She knew something was up.

I looked to the duvet and noticed my mistake

She knew that that was the spare duvet. Mine was red. This was white. It was the one she always used when she stayed over.

I swallowed and looked over to her.

"Ah! I'm sorry! I've got to go! I forgot, I'm meeting Rangiku for lunch"

She hugged my quickly. We barely touched. Then she was gone, without even meeting my eyes.

The door closed and it was quiet.

The auburn haired girl reached his house quickly and knocked on the door with urgency. It opened and she forgot about the feelings she had for this man. Forgot to blush or stutter or act like an idiot. This was important.

"It's Tatsuki…and Grimmjow" she said.

Ichigo's eyes widened and he ushered her inside.

I ran my hands through my damp hair, feeling empty but full of guilt. It ate away at me and I looked at my cereal. I'd lost my appetite. I threw the bowl in the sink and held my head in my hands.

I should ring her. Tell her the truth. I don't know why I even lied. I know I hate it when people lie to me. Like Ichigo. I'm no better than him. I'm such a hypocrite.

I pulled the phone off the wall and dialled Orihime's number from memory.

I paced around anxiously as the line rang.

No answer.

I tried her mobile number.

I rang twice before I was silenced.

Twice.

She'd looked at it and declined the call.

I slammed the phone back on the hook and growled to myself. Pent up emotions were getting the better of me.

Maybe the phone was in her bag and unlocked.

I didn't believe my own stories.

I scowled over at the white duvet, messy on the sofa.

I inhaled sharply and grabbed my coat from the back of the door and pulled on my trainers.

The door slammed shut behind me.

I ran to her house. I knocked urgently on the door but there was no answer. I peeked through her windows and it seemed empty, even though she was meant to be sharing with that woman and white haired kid.

I doubted very much that Orihime had gone to lunch with that Rangiku. More likely she's gone to-

Ichigo's.

I ran across town to his.

I panted and banged angrily on the door. I felt my jumper sticking to my body from sweat. My muscles really weren't ready for me to be running around just yet.

I scowled at the door. I knew they were here. I could feel it.

They knew I was here too.

I growled.

"Come on! Open up!" I yelled to his window

His door eventually opened and I fixed Ichigo with a glare

"Is she upstairs?"

I pushed past him and ran up the stairs.

I barged into his room and saw Orihime sat on the floor. She looked surprised. I went over to her and knelt by her side.

"I'm sorry Orihime" I said, not meeting her gaze.

"I lied to you. Someone did stay over."

"Grimmjow" I heard Ichigo say coldly behind me, I turned and he was leaning against his now closed door with his arms folded and a scowl on his features.

I nodded.

"Yeah, he stayed over." I said.

"Why? Did he follow you home?" Ichigo asked

"Did he hurt you, Tatsuki?" Orihime said softly

I looked from one to the other with a bewildered expression

I realised they were waiting for an answer.

"What? No! He wouldn't- no, I asked him to stay"

They wore similar expressions of surprise.

"I invited him to stay over because he was living in a fucking tree! What was I supposed to do?"

"He's dangerous, Tatsuki, you shouldn't affiliate with the likes of him." Ichigo scolded.

I rolled my eyes, irritation seeping through me.

"Oh really. And since when have you cared who I 'affiliated' with? I should be warning you, Ichigo. You're the one with the sword wielding friends" I hissed, folding my arms.

His mouth opened then closed.

"Tatsuki, I don't want-"

I stood up and walked over to him.

"I'm fed up with you Ichigo. What, are you going to tell me that it's none of my business again?"

I was seething.

"Well, Ichigo, you can't decide what it is I can and can't do. You're allowed to say who I can be around, who I can talk to, what I can know. But When I want to know something, it's none of my business!" I felt my fists clenching at my sides.

"No, Tatsuki! It's not like that!" I heard Orihime assuring behind me.

I turned to her

"What is it like, then?" I spat.

Her mouth opened but no words came out. She looked to Ichigo for help. I turned back to him

His face softened.

"I don't want you to get caught up in this, Tatsuki. I don't want you to get hurt."

Now, anyone else would be assured by this, see it as a suitable answer. It showed he cared about my wellbeing, right?

Wrong.

So fucking wrong.

I hit him in the face. My fist colliding with his skin didn't give me any of the pleasure I had hoped it would. It just made me feel worse. Like a parent that hits their kid.

"I'm not weak, Ichigo!" I screamed at him, "I don't want to be protected by you!" my voice was reaching hysterical.

"I'm a protector! I- I'm strong, I shouldn't need to be protected!"

"I thought you'd realise that" I said quietly, my throat felt red and raw, my eyes stung.

I realised I was crying.

I can't cry

I wiped my eyes fiercely, looking away.

I can't cry in front of him

It's a sign of weakness.

I looked him in the eyes. His were wide and hurt

"I don't want your pity, or any friendship that's based upon that pity." I pushed past him.

"Tatsuki-Chan!"

"…Tatsuki"

I walked out of his house and I looked at my feet.

I felt empty again

And cold.

My heart felt like ice.

I trusted my feet to take me somewhere safe. I vaguely noticed the ground underneath had turned from concrete to grass.

I looked up

I saw my tree

My haven

I sniffed and stumbled towards it. My movements felt heavy and slow.

I touched the rough bark softly. It was hard. It was strong.

It was alone, it didn't need friends.

It was strong by itself. I people knew it was strong, from looking at it.

I want to be like the tree.

I fell to my knees turned and leant against the tree.

My fingers brushed lightly over the marks I'd made. My name in the tree. Trying to combine us. No. I wasn't like the tree. Not yet.

I wasn't worthy to be there.

I picked up a rock and pulled it through the bark, scratching a line though my name.

Tatsuki Arisawa

There you go. I dunno how I feel about it. The last bit was meant to have a line through it. I though you could do it on here. You probably can, I'm just being stupid.

Also, in case you don't know, Jeremy Kyle is like a chat/help show thing that is funny as fuck. It's like Jerry springer or maury or judge judy.. I think.