Bitter Moon (Grimmhime)

Chapter 15

Tatsuki handed Orihime a can of soda. "So he's your brother's friend from Tokyo ?" She asked as she sat down on her chair.

Orihime had come to study at Tatsuki's house. It indeed has been a while since they had their study parties. Ever since Grimmjow started living with Orihime, their meet ups grew less. Tatsuki was happy Orihime came over. She missed her.

Orihime nodded. "He's living here now." She smiled.

"Eh ? Seems fishy...." Tatsuki furrowed her eyebrows. Tatsuki had always been protective of Orihime. Be it bullies, flirts, Chizuru, Tatsuki would be the first to jump in and protect her best friend.

"There's nothing to worry about Tatsuki chan ! He's really nice and he takes good care of me." She smiled, blushing lightly.

"Ehhh ?" Tatsuki leaned forward and poked Orihime's cheek. "Don't tell me you have a crush on him !"

"Wait, what ?! W-what are you saying Tatsuki Chan ?" Orihime avoided meeting her eyes with Tatsuki's gleaming ones.

"You're blushing !! You usually get like that only when we talk about Ichigo !"
"Waah stop !" Orihime held her hands out. "Can we move on from this subject please ?" She asked, still red in the cheeks.

"Okay, okay, we will! It's just, I find it....odd..." Tatsuki leaned back.

"Odd ?" Orihime asked as she picked her books up.

"Yeah. I mean... This guy didn't even bother showing up all these years after Sora nii-san passed. But now he shows up all of a sudden ? And stays with you to 'help out' ? I don't know, Orihime...I'm just... I don't know... I still find it suspicious." Tatsuki looked down.

She looked up after Orihime's hand placed itself on her shoulder, gently. "Tatsuki chan, I assure you. I'm safe with him. He's a good person." She smiled.

"A-alright... If you say so..." Tatsuki sighed.

"Yosh! I'll be leaving now. Its getting pretty late." Orihime picked up her bag and shoved the books inside.

"Shall I walk you home ?" Tatsuki asked, standing up.

"No it's fine. I'll be alright on my own ! I'm strong now!" Orihime winked and pretended to flex.

"Alright, Ms Muscle." Tatsuki laughed and walked her out. "Goodnight ! I'll see you soon." She hugged Orihime tight.

Tatsuki watched her friend's figure growing smaller as she walked down the street. But she still felt unsure about Sora's 'friend'.

"I need to see him for myself. Orihime is over trusting." She sighed and closed the door.

****

"Ah, good. You're here, Ulquiorra." Aizen smiled from his throne as he looked down on the fourth espada.

"Yes, Aizen Sama. What is it you need from me ?" He asked, bowing.

"Been a while since we saw Grimmjow. Do you know what he's up to ?" Aizen calmly asked, resting his cheek on his palm.

"No, Aizen sama. I shall go and find out." Ulquiorra stood up immediately.

"No need to rush, that's not important. But there is something I'd like you to do for me." Aizen smiled as he sat up.

"What can I do for you, Aizen Sama?"

Aizen smiled and glanced at Ulquiorra. "I want you to get me that human girl. The one with the special ability."

"Aizen Sama, shall I join number four ?" A thin female voice purred from the corner.

"Nevey." Ulquiorra muttered as he eyed the female arrancar.