Chapter 7

Orihime knew that clearing Grimmjow's name will not be easy. Several months ago, giving up rivalry held no meaning. It was a never ending solid filled with two opposing views. But now, it was a different matter. Orihime wanted a truce. The event of last night still burned in her mind. His love consumed and made her whole again. Life had a purpose. Back then Orihime already knew that he was dangerous, always. And then she thought about what he said to her after he came to her house. He loves her. It felt wonderful to be loved. Despite everything that had happened, it was the happiest time of her life. Orihime knew one thing for sure, seeing him disappear will be unbearable. She sunk into a chair. If she was not able to convince her friends, what was there left for them? Perhaps time will set everything right and they could stat over, at least thats what she hoped for. But one thing was certain, she did not want to lost him, and she wish the same for her friends. She finally stood up, noticed footsteps behind her. Orihime turned around expecting to find either Rukia or Ichigo looking at her, but it wasn't them.

"Inoue." Urahra started. "I need you to come to the office. We need to talk about some business."

Orihime nodded. "What about Ichigo and everyone else?"

"They will also be there."

Fifteen minutes later, nearly everyone was in the middle of the office. Until one last knock on the door was heard and someone coming in. Orihime turned around and saw Ichigo stepping inside the room. And now, seeing all five familiar figures finally arrived, watching each other.

"Everyone should be aware what is going to happen in the next two month ." Urahara began. "The winter war photoshoot shall be coming up soon. Time will be running short. "

"What exactly is the purpose of doing this?" Ishida asked.

"This collaboration is a new approach, surely will grab everyone's interest, our reader's, as well as theirs." Urahara replied. "We have an opportunity to work with new people, experience new environment and further development new relationships. Lets say its always nice to try something new, better than never.

"But why now, can't we work just like before, like how we usually do?" Ichigo responded.

"That is probably not a decision I can make, unless Captian Commander has change his mind." Urahara said.

"Then does this mean we will become friends and ally with them?" Renji questioned in concern.

"Temporarily yes." Urahara answered more serious, looked at the teens standing in his office. "And from now on I do not wish any of you, including them to pick up anymore fights. Aizen will have also notified them about such. We do not wish anything similar to happen like last time. Unlike the past, this time, we shall follow the rules."

Orihime felt relieved. At least no one would get hurt. If it wasn't for the upcoming photoshoot, each group would have continued polish their skills. Whenever they fought, they showed the strength and finesse. And just do what they have to in order to win. But its okay, none of this would happen from now on.

"Alright. Now, to our next business." Urahara held both his hands, looked at one of the young teens. "Inoue, who stayed at your house yesterday night?"

Orihime tensed. She looked at her surrounding anxiously, suddenly felt all eyes on her. I should've known someone would see him leaving with me. She was about to say something and was interrupted by a voice.

"What do you mean, Urahara?" Ichigo sounded dangerous, his gaze switching to Orihime. "Did anything happen after I have left?"

"A paparazzi sent these photos to us this morning" Urahara took out a brown envelope, revealing the items inside.

"What is this...?" Rukia reculatnly collected and yelled, "What is Grimmjow doing with you!"

"Grimmjow was seen in her apartment yesterday night and left in the morning." Urahara notified them. "Am I correct, Inoue?"

Orihime did not hide the fact that she was scared, but she had to face her friend somehow.

"Yes. He did stay with me." She finally replied.

"What were you thinking!" Ichigo raised his voice. "Hanging with Arrancar and letting him to stay overnight. And what's worst, you were with Grimmjow. Alone!"

Renji agreed with Ichigo. "Have you thought about the consequences? What if he tried to do something?"

"He is not a bad guy! Not as bad as we thought he is. Really!" Orihime tried to convince her friends.

"He must did something. Did he threatened you?" Rukia interjected.

"No. He did not!" Orihime tried to defend herself. "He just came to have a talk."

No one knows about him, yet, they are standing there making assumptions, and, not believing in her words. They didn't understand, they couldn't. Orihime felt her anger grew. Everyone deserves a second chance. They did not even attempted to understand him, not even a bit.

"A talk?" Rukia repeated suspiciously. "You could come to us... aren't we your friend?"

Orihime bit her lower lips. "I consider him as a friend as well."

"Are you out of your mind!" Ichigo exclaimed angrily. "What if he was just using you? He probably was! I don't know what happened, but you stay away from him. He is nothing than an arrogant punk. How could you trust a Arrancar?"

"Stop it! You didn't even tried to know him, and not to mention to understand him better, but I do!" Orihime protested and immediately regretted yelling at him. "Grimmjow is different than the others..." With those words she hesitated before headed for the door.

"Do you still remember the order that I had given you two months ago, Grimmjow?" Aizen asked.

Grimmjow smiled to himself. He was almost sure to be expecting a full interrogation, and especially being summoned to Aizen's office. He was aware what Aizen will be asking him about, and within the next second his and Orihime's current relationship would be discussed. For gods sake. Whatever has happened between them today was not part of the plan. But his job was done, he did get close with her. Nothing else matter.

"Yes."

"How far have you progress it?"

"Not bad."

"Meaning?"

"We're in good term."

Aizen chuckled, satisfied with the answer. "Do whatever it takes to take her down. Do you understand?"

Grimmjow narrowed his eyes at Aizen's demand. He never really disliked or even hated Shinigami before. He simply did not care. Rivals were rivals, it was all about fighting and nothing else. He never had a reason to bother anyways. Then she happened. It didn't took Grimmjow much to realize, but seeing Aizen been planning something big and now she is part of the plan. His impatient grew, but Grimmjow did not betray a single emotions in front of Aizen.

Grimmjow remained silent, listening to Aizen next order and was soon dismissed.

He existed Aizen's office and started down the corridor. Everything was quiet, white and identical. He didn't care what Aizen said and why was it important for him to win, yet, he notice that unlike the other, he will not let Aizen or any of the Arrancar or Shinigami get in his way because he wants Inoue Orihime, all by himself. His mood has slightly improved. He finally knew what he wanted now and will do whatever he could to get her.

Yes. He will not let her go. He will fight, for both of them.

Grimmjow was leaving the agency. He went downstairs hearing distant voices coming from the corner. Nnoitra and Nel were arguing about something, Szayel read a book looking up at them from time to time, and Ulquiorra sat at the end of the corner silently observing the scene in front of him. He continued his pace heading to the entrance and ignoring people from behind. It took Grimmjow a little to realize that he wanted to see Orihime, even if its a glance.

Before he turned and left to the carpark. He found himself coming face to face with a girl. She panted trying to catch her breathe and looked wearily at him. He didn't know what she was doing here, and why she seemed sad, yet he noticed that her eyes were slight puffed and red, as if she just cried. Grimmjow took a few steps closer, closing the gap and finally reached her. As soon as he stood next to her, she reluctantly drew her gaze up at him.

"My friends found out... " Orihime said gravely. "They were upset thinking you could be using me. No one would listen to me."

"Do you hate them thinking in that way?"

Orihime shook her head. "I'm just mad at them. What can I do to make them stop thinking every Arrancar are bad?"

"You can become one of us."

"Are you serious?" Orihime stared at him in disbelief.

"Why not." Grimmjow raised his brows. "The fact that you came to us, proved that we are not bad."

"I wish they can think in this way. If only Ichigo could or even tried..."

"Of course its possible. It easy. Just become one of us. Everything would be sorted."

"I..." She paused gathering her thoughts. "My friends would blame you, and you would hate them. This solves nothing, but would only deepen and worsen the rivalry."

This was not the answer he expected to hear. "What if you had to make a choice between your friends and I..." He pressed on. "...which one would you choice?"

Nothing ever surprised or shock him. Even under the most intense circumstances he would still remain complete confident and self assured, even if the world ends tomorrow. He was his own king, his own master, always not opening his heart and acting on his own.

Orihime looked at him with uncertainty. Even though she did not show it, Grimmjow knew his question touched on a sore subject. He did not expect to her to confess her love to him. And neither did he expect an approve of any kind. He just wanted to know what went on inside her head.

"I can't..."

"You sure are a cruel woman." He replied quietly, with a hint of sadness in his voice.

"I don't know what to do already." She sighed lowering her head. "Why do you expect me to say?"

"I expect you to be honest with me, and with yourself. To acknowledge your thoughts and feelings."

"It doesn't make sense to any kind. Nothing make sense when something is totally nonsensical."

"Are you just going to give up your heart, pretended nothing happened and leave after everything is over?"

Realizing that she will not get an answer out of her. Grimmjow shifted and finally pulled away.

"Grimmjow!" She called,

"This is all meaningless. Go back, woman."

Even though his words startled her. Orihime remained quiet. She couldn't tell whether it was anger or disappointment in his voice, but it made her wanting to reach out for him. Her emotions were pulling her into many directions. She wanted to be with him, yet she can't turn her back against her friends and turing herself into a betrayer.

Orihime closed her eyes. Ichigo's words still bothered her. Even though Grimmjow was still a part of Arrancar, strangely, she felt comfortable with him, felt secure whenever he's with her and happy to see him. For the first time in her life she finally realized how much she wanted to experience this affection, to feel the familiar ache in her heart. Was she wrong thinking like this?

"Why did you say that you love me?" She asked, looking at his back.

He stopped, then slowly titled his head to the side. Orhime felt her resolve crumbling. What if the answer is already there, but she was too blinded and stubborn?

Thump.

She watch him turned until his gaze shifted to hers and managed a faint chuckle. Her heart was beating rapidly.

"Because I have found my heart."

"It would've be better if there were never Shinigami or Arrancar being invovled..."

"That is not true. I would have never met you otherwise."

"This love could have killed us. Are you even aware of the consequences?" Orihime responded. "Don't you understand how much this would have put you through? What about your friends? Your career?"

Those questions sounded like questions she has been asking herself. Grimmjow understood her persistence. She was worried, this much was obvious and it gave him certain pleasure to think that he was important to her.

Before she had a chance to continue, Grimmjow walked to her, puts his hand on her head and his touch was very gentle, it was as if he was comforting her that everything is fine.

"Everything is meaningless, except you."

"You don't understand..." Orihime hesitated. "How could you be so blunt and not care about anythin-"

"You're all I care about." He cuts her off. "Is it that difficult for you to accept..." He paused. "My love?"

Grimmjow felt like making it clear once and for all how he felt about her. She was getting under his skin faster than he could control it and he did not know how to stop it. The only way to keep her was to pull her against him and to make her believe that he wanted nothing else but only her. But then, he needed her to say it, her to accept it and her to acknowledge where her heart lies. He wanted her to say those four words. And no matter what, his love was absolute and it was all for her.

"What the hell is going on here?" They heard a very angry voice behind them.

Orihime pulled away from Grimmjow, seeing a very pissed Ichigo glaring at her.

"No. Please don't hurt him." She pleaded.

"Come here, Orihime!" Ichigo demanded.

Orihime hesitated, looking down with guilt.

"I said come here Orihime."His gazed switched to Grimmjow. "Leave her alone. After what you've done to Rukia."

Grimmjow was about to respond, but Orihime came in between them. "Stop it! You should leave now, Ichigo."

"What are you talking about Orihime!" Ichigo raised his voice.

He felt like his anger rising. Why was she defending Grimmjow? Grimmjow wasn't some helpless weakling who couldn't fight back. He didn't like what he is witnessing. Yet here she was absolutely determined to stop them from fighting. How could she ever shield a Arrancar? He looked to the side biting the corner of his lower lip. Her silence protest made him worry once again. This is impossible. He must've done something to her!

Ichigo turned his attention back to Grimmjow. "You must really feel good having a woman standing up for you, just as I thought you're as weak as a kitten."

"Be careful not to bark up the wrong tree." Grimmjow warned dangerously. "I've beaten you once, there will be a second time and third."

"Shut up!" Ichigo yelled. How dare he talk down to me!

"You'd be better to be a live dog than a dead lion, Kurosaki."

"Thats it!" Ichigo was trying to grab Orihime, but Grimmjow was a move quicker.

"She's not leaving with you, instead you're the one who should leave."

"Shut the hell up!"

Before Ichigo could ran up to Grimmjow trying to attack. Grimmjow pulled Orihime back and easily blocked the punch from the fool. Ichigo glared at Grimmjow and saw the side of Grimmjow's mouth curved slightly then rammed his fist into his jaw. Ichigo fell backward crashing to the ground. He quickly got up and ran up to Grimmjow next second, changing positions and delivering a back kick. Grimmjow was a little taken aback yet dodged it and came back with a kick, putting all his strength into it. Kurosaki sure was a fool who assumed to be able to defeat him. But no matter, who looks at him like they're underestimating his power, he'll smash every one of em into oblivion.

Orihime was restless especially witnessing the fight. Their movement were fast and effective. She looked at the two in front of her. They were so different. Ichigo was panting and sweating while blocking each strikes delivered to him. But Grimmjow's expression changed with every move and his attacks seemed as powerful as the first one. Ichigo continued blocking while Grimmjow kept on attacking. She hugged herself nervously. She heard their cursing and voices from a distance. She was worried they might actually kill each other.

While defending attacks, Ichigo unknowingly had his back hit against the wall. There was no space for him to dodge the upcoming attack, but before he could move to other side, he saw a fist coming in his way. Although he was able to block it, he wasn't able to block what was coming next. Grimmjow knocked Ichigo off his feet and a knee came slamming into his stomach. Ichigo's eyes widen. He fell down holding his injured stomach in pain and coughing vigorously.

Grimmjow watched him laying hopelessly on the ground, smirking down at him with an air of victory.

"Is that all you've got, Kurosaki?"

Ichigo glared from the corner of his eyes.

Grimmjow observed his reaction. The fool will never give up and was greatly angered by Ichigo's belief that he can defeat him no matter what.

"Its useless. Give up."

"Stop talking bullshit!" Ichigo sneered. "We're not done yet."

"You will never beat me. Even if you tried again and million times. "

"What...?"

"You're no match to me. You cannot beat me."

Ichigo ignored him in annoyance.

"You cannot win against me..."

"Grimmjow."

An icily cold voice suddenly interrupted. He immediately turned to the location of the new voice.

"Ulquiorra." Grimmjow narrowed his eyes. "Mind your damn business."

"Its forbidden to pick up fights with any Shinigami now." Ulquiiorra walked with one hand in his pocket. "Have you forgotten what Aizen had said?"

Grimmjow sneered in response, leaving Kurosaki alone.

"Your mission is complete already." Ulquiorra continued, glancing at Orihime standing at the other side.

He turned his head back to Ichgio, with a hint of loathing in his eyes." It seems that you've attained some sort of new training, though is that all you can achieve with it?"

Ichigo stared back to Uquiorra in cautious.

"This is the end." Ulquiorra declared. "There is no way for you to intervene because the sun will soon sunk into our grasp."

After leaving Hueco Mundo, the Shinigami and Arrancar separated to each modeling agency. But, despite, the anxiety, the next few months would be extraordinary as the expectation would be high for the upcoming collaborate photoshoot. Grimmjow and Orihime, both carried complex yet different emotions stirring up their sense but the lack of communication increased the distress even further.

Ichigo did not say anything. He was breathing hard as his mind raced trying to come up with an explanation. No matter what he did, he couldn't shake off the feeling if this continued he was surely going to lose her. He moved his head observing his nearby. Rukia apologized to Orihime for her previous outburst and now, the girls are busily chatting. But truthfully, he wasn't even sure what is happening. For the past thirty minutes he was too busy thinking about the incident between Grimmjow and Orihime. However what bugs him the most, was the words Ulquiorra said. What is he referring about and who is he applying to? Could it be that they are aiming Orihime?

"Orihime." Ichgio went to her table. "We need to talk."

When they've left the room, he finally turned around looking at her.

"What is happening between you and Grimmjow?"

Orihime was a little surprised by his straightforwardness. "We're just friends. He is not bad as he seemed to be. Really!"

Ichigo studied her for a moment before speaking.

"Listen. I'm sorry for yelling, but I was just worried about you. And when it comes to Grimmjow."

"I really think theres something more to look beyond this rivalry and him."

Ichigo gave a frustrated sigh. "But it bugs me that it had to be Grimmjow. After all these years I've known him."

"Everyone deserved a second chance."

"What if he turns on us again? Have you consider that?!"

Ichigo didn't know what to do with his raging emotions. He simply cannot accept the fact that Orihime was still keen to make them see another side of Grimmjow. He couldn't talk to her for the fear of scaring him off. He was such a coward, a pathetic idiot desperately in love. Once he came to that realization, he couldn't deal with it.

"What are you hiding and why would you defend him? Something must have happened!"

"Ichigo..."

Ichgio grabbed his hands on her shoulder squeezing it tightly.

"What exactly happened between you two?!"

"What are you talking about? Ichigo."

Ichigo did not hear her. An image of Orihime smiling happily at Ulquiorra and locking their hands together, followed by another, of Grimmjow and Orihime sharing an intense kiss. His grip become much stronger on Orihime and deeply lost in his own fear. Nervousness became unease, and unease turned into fear. Panic with the fact that he will let her slip from his grip.

"It hurts. Stop it! ICHIGO."

Suddenly coming back to his sense. He released her, panting unevenly.

"What is wrong? Your face looks pale."

"I'm so sorry." He said to her. "But promise me, just be careful. Okay?"

Orihime reluctantly nodded.

At least he felt slight relieve right now. Ichigo apologized once more and quickly left.