Guardian Devil
Written by: BethanyG101
Orihime x Ulquiorra / Ichigo x Grimmjow
Author of Strange Sensation
Summary: Orihime is haunted by the death of Ulquiorra as he reached out for her only to fall short. Is he really gone forever? Will Orihime reconcile with her greatest regret or will she fall short again? All the while Ichigo is facing the same problem with the memory of a certain blue haired arrancar. FLUFF! ORIHIME X ULQUIORRA and ICHIGO X GRIMMJOW
xXxXx
Chapter 1
Orihime POV:
I am a haunted by the ghost of my past every single night as I lay here in bed, asleep. His pale hand ever reaching for me in the distance. He was so close and yet oh so very far away. So calm and serene, even when facing death.
How could so many emotions be seen on such an emotionless face? Hidden behind those large emerald eyes that seemed to be always be unknowingly weeping through tears of jade. A gaze truly out of this world. Completely unlike any other. Even when silent their voice carried far. Reigning loud and clear to my unsuspecting ears.
Casting their spell of immaculate beauty and enchantment. Enslaving my gaze to his silent calling. Reeling me in with such an unknowing and understanding desire. A desire that I too wished to share. But, by the time I realized it...I was too late.
When I finally reached out my hand...he was gone, and I never felt so alone.
I awoke from my slumber with a gasp. My hand covered my mouth in sadness and in horror while the other reached for what wasn't there. For who wasn't there. Tears began to swell until my eyes could no longer contain them. Slowly my hand fell to my other across my mouth as I closed my eyes. My tears trickling down the sides of my face as they leaked from uncontrolled orbs, mourning the unforgotten.
"Ulquiorra..."
If I had been faster...If I hadn't been so hesitant...maybe things could have been different. Even though he was an enemy. Even though he kidnapped me and took me away from my friends...I often find myself longing for him. A man whom I had barely known. A man, not even human, but an arrancar. A beast in his own making. Unnatural and evolved, but still...so beautiful.
All he wanted was just to understand. What it is to be human. What it is to belong. What it is...to love. Not reaching out and touching you... is my greatest regret.
xXxXx
The next morning when I awoke the sun had just barely rose. The morning dew still pressed against the window. Slowly, I rose out of bed, a slight chill in the air. I shivered and pulled my knees into my chest, bringing the covers with them. My mind wandering adrift, contemplating and envisioning the arrancar devil in his final moments.
His creamy white skin and raven hair rivaling that of a fairytale princess. Perfectly sized lips that complimented his face. Brows that rendered absolutely no emotion whatsoever. And those eyes...so large and enticing. Mesmerizing and yet, so sad. Just piercing through my very soul as if they could really see inside me. Reaching for what he could not find and searching what for he did not understand.
Even now, I can still hear his voice as if he were standing right in front me. His hand to my throat and my back against the cold wall. A touch that at one point sent chills down my spine and bumps to my flesh. A touch that I now long to embrace.
"Do I frighten you Woman?"
The more I remember, the more I see his face and hear his voice...the more it starts to weigh. "I'm not afraid." I answered quietly to myself as I placed a hand over my heart. "I'm not afraid..." I whispered one last time, giving myself the strength I need. With that. I took a deep breath and jumped out of bed, daring the day and what lied ahead. Quickly, I changed into my school clothes and rushed out of the door, baring the faintest of smiles.
Today was a new day after all.
xXxXx
School was its usual self. I found myself staring out of the window daydreaming and watching as the first few drops of rain began to fall. The sky darkened as the clouds swirled overhead. A gust of wind whistled past the trees in the school yard, making the leaves dance violently.
Looks like it's going to storm. Hmm...Did I remember to pack an umbrella? I hope it lets up by the time school gets out.
By the time lunch had come around, it had only gotten worse. So, we all decided to eat in the classroom. Ichigo and Uryu were knocking heads as usual. Chad was sitting quietly to himself with the occasionally grunts and Tatsuki was fending off a rather lecherous redhead. Eventually, she managed to chase her out of the classroom and then sliding the door in her face. I could help but giggle at the sight.
Seeing things go back to normal after such a short time since Aizen was defeated made me feel so happy. We attend school more often now and take turns going out on patrol every night. Or at least Chad, Uryu and Ichigo do, along with that weird Afro guy. We usually kind of forget about him.
But, even though we were victorious against the battle with Aizen...it came with a heavy price. A price that Ichigo paid for the safety of us all. I always hated being reminded of it because it reminds me of weak I am. How I couldn't do anything to protect the people that I love. With Ichigo slowly losing his powers we all have no choice but to get stronger.
It's our turn to protect the world and prevent another incident like this last one. It's our turn to give it our all and sacrifice whatever it takes to keep everyone out of harm's way. It's our turn...to protect Ichigo. I just wish he'd see it that way.
"I'm just saying you should be a little more careful from now on Kurosaki! We don't know when or how long it will be before you lose your spiritual powers completely! What if it happens in the middle of a hollow fight?! You could get really hurt! Try and be a little more considerate!" The Quincy screamed just inches away from orangette.
"So, what am I supposed to do?! Sit and twiddle my thumbs until they go away?! Like hell I'm gonna do that!" The fiery tangerine spat back.
"I didn't say sit and do nothing. I just...let us take care of things a little more. Save what strength you have. We're just looking out for you. We don't like this anymore than you do." The raven with glasses clarified. His voice softening as he continued.
It wasn't rare for them to fight, but it was rare for Uryu to use such a soft tone. He may not act like it most of the time, but just like the rest of us he really cares for him. Sometimes, I think he cares for Ichigo more than even he realizes. Ichigo has always been too dense to notice things like that though. Trust me, I know. I tried for a long time to get Kurosaki to notice me, but he never did.
And that's okay. As long as he's happy everything will be alright. I'm sure he'll notice someone eventually. Who knows...maybe he already did, and he just didn't realize it. Boys are stupid that way sometimes.
"Damn Uryu you keep talkin' like that and I'm gonna have to take you out on a date." The orangette playfully mocked, seeming to have lost interest into the previous fight. I don't think I've ever seen someone blush so quickly in my life. Let alone Uryu of all people. It was actually a really nice sight. He was almost as red and Renji's hair and his glasses seemed to slightly slip down his nose.
The Quincy raven quickly spun around to avoid eye contact and adjust his glasses. His hand subtly remaining near his face to cover his apparent blush. "Don't be ridiculous." He sputtered. "That's hardly appropriate."
Even Chad couldn't contain his smile at the sight of those two and Tatsuki just folded her arms and shook her head. I merely giggled. A moment later, Tatsuki sat down next to me. "Could he make it any more obvious. He should just ask Ichigo out. What's the worst that could happen?" She mumbled.
"I'm sure someone like Uryu is far too proud to just simply ask." I smiled. "Besides, if Ichigo saw Uryu that way I'm sure we would have caught on by now."
"Ya, I guess, but he is pretty stupid you know."
"Well…" I awkwardly chuckled and flashed back to all the times I practically threw myself at him.
"My point."
"He and I are just good friends." I tried to counter but she still seemed to look unpleased. "I'm sure he'll meet someone that gives him that special feeling that even Ichigo won't be able to deny."
"Ya right. Who in this world could even come close to breaking something that dense? Not to mention, who in this world could put up with him? Just thinking about someone being in a relationship with him makes me feel exhausted." She said.
I just laughed, trying to picture it as well. "Even if someone did just openly confess to him, he's too much of an idiot to know what to do afterward." She went on.
"You're probably right." I agreed. "Romance isn't really his strong suit."
"Oh, I just thought of someone." The girl beamed. "What about that red-headed hot-tempered guy? You know, the one with the ponytail."
"You mean Renji?" I clarified.
"Ya, that's the guy. He seems like he'd be a suitable candidate. They way those two are always fighting and everything. Ichigo loves that."
I hadn't really thought about it, but she was right. Ichigo thrives off battle and loves to bicker and fight amongst his friends. It's kind of like his way of showing affection.
"I think you're right about that last part but Renji has his eye one someone else." I said as I looked around, not so sneaky-like, to make sure no one was listening. "Renji has a thing for Rukia." I whispered, my hand covering the side of my mouth.
"What, no way. I totally thought he had a thing for Ichigo." She said stunned. "Well, shit there goes my only candidate. Who else is there?"
Who else is there? I mean the only other person I've seen Ichigo get that riled up over is...I felt like my brain just short-circuited at the very thought. That crazed sadistic grin and those bloodthirsty eyes. Hair that rivaled that of sapphire and a laugh that made my insides curl. The Sexta Espada, Grimmjow Jeagerjaques.
They both had many times to kill each other, but they never did. It was almost like they just enjoyed fighting one another. Grimmjow even broke me out of my room to go and heal Ichigo so he could fight him. Any other espada would have just let him die, since he was an enemy.
But, now that I remember the fight…
"You know, now that I think about it there might have been one other." I said quietly, casting my gaze over to the playful tangerine. "But...he's gone now."
I guess, Ichigo and I have something in common. We both lost someone we would have liked to share more time with. I can't believe after all this time...I didn't even notice until now. He always seemed to come alive when he was fighting Grimmjow. It was like he two were one and the same. Connected. Just like me and Ulquiorra.
After lunch, school carried on like usually, regardless of the raging storm outside. The teacher handed out a few assignments, but nothing too discouraging. When it was all finally over, and that final bell rung, I couldn't have been happier. It wasn't like I hated school or anything. In fact, I actually quite enjoyed it, but I had a lot on my mind and wanted to go home.
Tatsuki waved goodbye as she exited the classroom whilst I gathered my things. I looked up to see tuff of orange hair standing beside me with a smile. "Hey, Orihime. It's pretty bad out there. You sure you don't want me to walk you home." He offered sweetly.
"No, that's okay. You go on ahead. I still have to grab a few things." I politely declined.
"Alright, just be careful. Call me if you need anything. I mean it. It worries me that you live all alone. You positive you don't want me to walk with you or better yet just stay at my house? At least until the storm blows over."
Kurosaki-kun is always so generous and he's done so much for me. I couldn't just impose. It's just a little wind and rain. But...when he looks at me like that it's almost hard to say no.
"I promise I'll call if I need anything." I smiled. He nodded and went to join the others. Shortly after I headed out just the same. The wind nearly blowing me over the second I stepped outside. Luckily, I did remember to bring an umbrella so that's a plus.
But, sadly that was the only plus. For the rain seemed to have had brought about more depressing memories of my time in Hueco Mundo. And the time I spend with the green-eyed devil.
Flashback:
"Are you afraid?"
A line that I had heard oh so many times and each time my answer remained true. I was so full of hope that my friends would come and rescue me. Even as the days went by and there was no sign of them. Still, I had faith. And when they finally crossed through the gate and I felt their reiatsu that hope only brightened.
But, as I listened to the arrancar's words and felt the slowly disappearing reiatsu of all my friends...my heart began to falter.
"With your friends gone there is no one to protect you. You will die here. Alone and by yourself."
xXxXx
"I don't even understand why you care so much."
Because they're my friends.
"They should have realized that this was going to happen from the start."
No, stop it. That's not going to happen.
"Before this battle is over, all of your friends will be dead anyway."
"Stop it!"
"Mere lambs to a slaughter."
I don't know what came over me in that moment. All I remember is the pain in my hand when it struck him across the face. It was the first time...I had ever done anything like that. I just got so angry. I only wanted to prove him wrong.
xXxXx
"I know my friends will rescue me." I said softly, reaching from deep within to bring my everlasting hope to the surface. A faint smile tugging at my lips as I spoke. "Because my heart...my heart is with them."
"Your heart, you say. You humans always toss around that word so casually. As if it's something you can hold in the palm of your hand. It's simple a meaningless human delusion."
Maybe. Maybe he was right. We as humans do tend to treat that word as if it really meant nothing. But...I still can't help this feeling that I get when I think of the people close to me. The ache in my stomach when I feel one of them is in danger. Or the butterflies I get whenever Ichigo is close to me. How can that be a meaningless delusion?
"You may be right." I started off slowly, my gaze to the floor before I looked up and became ensnared in a sea of emerald. "But, when you truly care about someone your hearts grow so close that you can't tell the difference between them."
"Tell me, what is a heart?" He asked, raising his pale hand to place a boney finger to my chest. It was the first time he had ever touched me in such a way. Though his words may have been threatening his touch...his touch was not, but rather curious. It was as if he truly was trying to understand.
"If I tore a hole through your chest, would I see it?" He continued as he raised his fingers to my eye, causing a slight shudder to my breath. "If I split open your skull...would it be there? I ask you again. Are you afraid of me?"
"No...I am not afraid." I whispered through the quivering tears. "Really...I'm not."
But in that moment...I really was and I didn't know why.
End Flashback.
"I'm not afraid." I whispered to myself.
A slight shiver went up my spine as a gust of wind blew past me, nearly knocking me off my feet and causing my umbrella to fly out my hand. I watched as it disappeared out of sight and faded into the distance. Gently, I wrapped my arms around my body to shield myself from the cold, but it did little good. My body quickly became drenched and my clothes slung to my womanly figure.
As I turned to face the other way I gasped at what was just probably an apparition, conjured up by my own wandering memory of the past. There, stood a man of ghostly pale skin, raven hair and beautiful green eyes. The most beautiful pair of green eyes I had ever scene. His expression blank as he cried tears of emerald. His clothes of white outlined in black whipped in the wind and his hands were shoved casually in his pockets. The rain seeming pass right through him.
"Ulqui..." I stopped as the apparition turned away from me and began walking in the opposite direction. My heart ached as if it were going to burst out of my chest and tears swelled up in my eyes pouring down my face, blending with the fallen rain. "No! Please don't go!" I managed to squeal out. He didn't stop. "Please come back!" I cried as I took off after him. "Stop!" I screamed over and over again.
Please. Please stop.
I kept running after him. My eyes blurred from the rain and profuse crying. Suddenly, I found myself at a park surrounded by trees. I continued to splash through stumbling a few times, until I came to an abrupt halt. The apparition had stopped in the middle of a clearing. He turned ever so slightly to cast his emerald gaze back at me and then...just as I dove to reach out to him...he vanished.
I looked around frantically for the apparition but...he was longer there. I was alone. Cold, wet and muddy. All I could do was cry and sink beneath the muddy earth. Strands of dampened orange cascaded over my face as I leaned over and wept. My voice shaking with his frail breath as I quietly mourned his name.
"Ulquiorra."
To be continued…
Hey, so that was chapter 1. Thought I'd give UlquiHime another shot. Turns out I'm better at writing yaoi than this kind of stuff lol. It's weird I know, I have no idea why my brain works like that. Maybe it's the whole taboo of it all. Who knows. Anyway, I hope you guys enjoyed and please feel free to review. I have more on the way.