A/N: It's been one year today since I started this story! I'm so sorry! I should've been updating more regularly. I should've been more disciplined! Forgive me! And this chapter is so short and honestly just a filler! But it leads to the next chapter perfectly! And next chapter will be what we have all waited for! The first date! That's right! The first date will come soon! Anyways, keep reading and enjoying!

While we walk, she tells me the latest news in Soul Society. She also informs that Rangiku-san is still worried about Hisagi who is still in a comatose state. She tells me that Hiyori is thinking about coming back here. Apparently, Hiyori still doesn't feel comfortable around so many Shinigami, according to Hiroko. Akon told her that that freak captain still wants to keep Izuru in that zombified state for future research.

Inoue then tells me that Rukia and Renji were out recruiting workers and funds to help rebuild the Seireitei which is why they didn't stop by to say hi. She says this with a pout.

"We just saw them," I state gently. Her pout grows.

"I know…but I wanted to tell them about," she trails off with a blush.

I smirk.

"About what?" I ask with feigned innocence.

She blushes more as her eyebrows pull together.

"You're teasing me again!"

I snicker.

"You make it so easy. I can't help it."

"I don't!" She denies before smiling.

"What?"

She shakes her head.

"It's just…I like being teased."

I raise an eyebrow.

"Are you an 'M?'" I ask without thought, and I immediately regret it.

She mouths the letter a few times before tilting her head in confusion like she is asking me for clarification.

I blush.

"Never mind."

She frowns at being denied.

"I'll just ask Tatsuki-chan when I see her."

My eyes nearly pop out of the socket. I can just imagine how that will go: she'll ask Tatsuki. Tatsuki will find me. I will be punched. Or killed.

"No! Don't do that," I nearly plead.

"Why? Tats—" she cuts herself off.

"What's wrong?" I question her as she stops walking.

I look around, trying to sense any hidden danger that made her pause, but I see nothing. Although, I notice that we are near her apartment complex.

"Do you-do you think Urahara-san told everyone that we would be gone tonight?" She asks nervously.

I shrug.

"Why do you ask?"

She lets out an apprehensive chuckle as she slightly moves behind me.

I glance at her over my shoulder to ask her about her sudden fear when I hear a shout.

"Don't think you can hide from me, Orihime!"

I turn back to see a fuming Tatsuki approach us.

I now know why Inoue is so scared.

"Tatsuki-chan!" Inoue greets in a sweet tone that barely masks her terror.

"Don't 'Tatsuki-chan!' me!" She yells.

"Oi! Quiet down! People are trying to sleep," I scold.

And like gas to a fire, Tatsuki's rage grows. Except it's directed at me instead of Inoue.

"You! You good-for-nothing punk! You couldn't call me before going after her?! Do you know how worried I was?! One second I feel her, and then in the next, I don't, and it's just like—"

She doesn't finish her sentence, but we all know what she means. It was just like last time.

Inoue shuffles forward and hugs Tatsuki tightly.

"I'm sorry! It was all unexpected, but I'm fine. And so is Kurosaki-kun!" I see her squeeze Tatsuki tighter. "Everything is okay!"

I peer closely at Tatsuki's expression. Judging by the decrease tension in her, I assume that she has forgiven us for her sudden disappearance, but the sound of bone meeting bone disproves me quickly.

"Owww," Inoue whines as she rubs her head.

"Don't think you can just hug me, and all will be forgotten!"

"But Tatsuki-chan~"

Inoue stops as Tatsuki sends her a glare.

I frown.

"Okay. I understand that you are upset, but…"

Demonic waves of anger radiate off Tatsuki as I try to intervene.

"But?" She whispers.

"Nothing. Nothing at all," I remark quickly. It seems like any comment from me will just anger her more, so I decide to keep my mouth shut. I give Inoue a guilty look and mouth sorry because it seems like I'm a coward since I'm not defending her on her behalf, but she just smiles and giggles like she understands my silent reasoning.

But Tatsuki hears the small laugh, and she whips her head back toward Inoue.

"Oh? You think something is funny?"

"Noo," Inoue whispers. "Nothing is funny ever," she clarifies with wide eyes.

Her terrified expression nearly forces me to laugh, but I cough to keep it from coming out.

"Is that sarcasm? Are you being cheeky right now?"

Before Inoue can deny anything, Tatsuki is pulling Inoue by her ear toward the stairs.

I scowl at the rough treatment Inoue is undergoing, and just when I'm about to protest, Inoue looks directly at me. And despite the pain she is probably experiencing due to Tatsuki's unforgiving grip, she gives me a wide grin.

"Bye, Kurosaki-kun! See y-ow in the morning!" She whispers loudly while cringing.

They both ascend the stairs, and I wait in stunned silence until they appear at Inoue's door. I squint to see that Tatsuki is still mad, and Inoue is still smiling and laughing. And is only when they enter Inoue's apartment that I let out a shaky chuckle.

Is she really an M? Why was she smiling while being punished? Why did it look like she enjoyed it?

I shake my head vigorously as I walk to my home. To even entertain the idea is ridiculous and dangerous, but…

"I'm so happy that you are scolding me." "I like being teased."

Her previous words echo in my head, and then I remember that she was happy when we were arguing, and now this? It's all pretty damning evidence, but there's no way that she is one. I mean, she didn't even know the meaning of it! And I only know because Keigo is too perverted and Mizuiro is too experienced. Yes, those two idiots are the bane of my innocence.

Maybe she is not one, but why was she happy?

The answer to my question comes to me when I enter my home, and I'm greeted with scolds of my own from Karin and Yuzu who somehow noticed my absence. Even dad gives me a wary expression despite our recently strained relationship. And as I ease Yuzu's worries and deflect Karin's teasing about me sneaking off to be with my secret girlfriend, I realize why Inoue was so glad: she liked being fussed over. She liked coming home to someone. She liked being treated like a kid by Tatsuki.

After a long interaction with my family, I head upstairs to my room. And even though I have only a couple of hours left to sleep, as soon as my head hits my pillow, I'm lulled into sleep by the comforting fact that Inoue is safe and happy.