Thanks to everyone who reviewed. I am glad to hear that so many people enjoyed the first chapter and the idea of Grimmjow and Orihime as kids. This concept was my beta's idea and a continuing gift for her birthday. Admittedly I take inspiration from my two youngest children - I can relate to poor Ulquiorra as this story progresses.
Please let me know what you thought of this chapter as well. I love to hear from my readers!
As always - I do not own Bleach or any of its characters.
Chapter Two ~ "As long as you live under my roof, you'll do what I say and live by my rules!"
"You do not need to remain in your release form," Ulquiorra finally spoke as they made their way back to the woman's – shit that wouldn't do anymore – what was her name? Orihime - that was it. "Are you even listening to me Grimmjow?"
"Yes," he said with exasperation. "But I'm choosing to ignore you."
"In your current state I do not believe it is wise to remain in a form that requires so much reiatsu…"
"I don't have any fucking pants!" he stopped walking and yelled at the Fourth. This brought a new round of giggles from Orihime, but he ignored her. "Remember I left them in Aizen's throne room."
Ulquiorra stared a moment and then gave a small nod. So much for a response. The guy had as many expressions as a blank wall.
"I like the kitty form," Orihime spoke from her place on Ulquiorra's other side. She reached around the Fourth and before Grimmjow could stop her, tickled his ears, "So soft and furry."
He swatted her hand away and growled, "Get your hands off my ears. And I already told you I am a panther…"
"Pretty blue kitty," she touched his hair that hung down his back, almost to his knees.
"I am not a goddamn kitty," he pushed her back from him. Looking at Ulquiorra he said, "If you do not keep her from touching me I will kill her."
"You will do no such thing," Ulquiorra reached down and lifted the girl, positioning her safely against his hip once again. "Aizen-sama still finds her useful, and until he says otherwise, she is to remain unharmed."
"You wouldn't hurt me Ulquiorra-san?" the girl placed her hands on the Espada's cheeks and forced him to look into her eyes, "Even if Aizen-sama gave the order?"
"In a fucking heartbeat," Grimmjow laughed, "If I don't beat him to it first."
To his horror she began to cry; loud, obnoxious sobs.
"Grimmjow-chan said he's gonna kill me," she whined.
"I did not," he stated.
"Yes you did," she choked on a sob and then began to wail even louder.
"Grimmjow is not going to kill you," Ulquiorra said coolly. "Aizen-sama has placed me as your caretaker. If anyone will be responsible for ending your life it will be me."
This brought screams as she struggled to break from the Fourth's grasp.
"Way to go, brainiac," Grimmjow said sarcastically. Walking away he said, "Your way of dealing with small children is a thing of beauty."
Ulquiorra, still holding the squirming, crying child, followed behind him.
"You will stop your crying now, girl," Ulquiorra commanded.
She wailed louder.
"If you don't stop he'll give you to Loly and Menoly to play tea party," Grimmjow said without breaking stride.
The stupid girl grew quiet.
Grimmjow smiled, "You either have it or you don't, and you Ulquiorra are completely inept when it comes to children."
Ulquiorra gave no response which made Grimmjow laugh. They continued until they came to Orihime's cell.
"I don't see why I should have to hang out with you two," Grimmjow said as Ulquiorra opened the door. "I can take care of myself."
"You heard Aizen-sama," Ulquiorra deposited the girl on the over-sized couch and turned to face him. "Now a few rules before we get started. I am in charge here, regardless of your rank, you are merely a child at the present, and it is through Aizen-sama's good graces that you were even permitted to remain an Espada…"
"You can stop the ass kissing crap," Grimmjow crossed his arms in front of his chest, "No one's here to impress with your loyalty."
Ulquiorra gave him another of his blank stares.
"As I was saying - a few rules; and you will do as you are told."
"Fuck that shit."
"And you will stop with the mindless cursing," Ulquiorra continued nonplussed. "It is inappropriate and only makes you appear more the idiot than you are."
"Thanks for that pearl of wisdom, mom," Grimmjow shot back. Orihime began to giggle from the couch.
"Do not encourage him," Ulquiorra turned and gave her his infamous cold stare. She shrank back and lowered her head. Satisfied he turned back to Grimmjow, "I expect compliance."
Grimmjow shook his head.
"I could always call Nnoitra to hang out with you when I am away," Ulquiorra said, "I'm sure he will be very understanding of your new status."
"I bet you feel very clever," Grimmjow grew annoyed as Ulquiorra used his own strategy on him. He walked over to the couch and sat down. "You aren't my master."
"I never said I was," Ulquiorra replied, "But while you are in my care you will do as I say."
Grimmjow felt a soft touch and turned to find Orihime had scooted closer so that she could pet his long hair again.
"Get away from me you freak," he pushed her back.
Tears welled up in her eyes and she looked to Ulquiorra.
"Do not push the girl."
"Tell her not to touch me."
"Orihime, do not touch Grimmjow," he looked at the girl.
She nodded her head, but as soon as Ulquiorra turned to speak with the arrancar that had entered a moment earlier, she reached out for his mane once more.
"She's touching me again," Grimmjow yelled.
Ulquiorra turned and stared at them both, his eyes ice cold. "Move," he said to Orihime as he pointed to the left side of the couch. She scooted over slowly. "And you move there," he pointed to the far right. Grimmjow stared in challenge, but finally gave in and moved. "Now, you each have your own section of the couch. No one is to cross over from their side."
"Or what," Grimmjow asked.
"Or I will tie you to a chair and allow the girl to pet you to her heart's content."
"You are a nasty son-of-a-bitch," Grimmjow drew his legs up and sat back glaring at Orihime. "And what if she crosses the line?"
"Then I will kill her precious Kurosaki as soon as he enters Hueco Mundo to rescue her."
Orihime shrieked, but Grimmjow yelled, "You can't do that. Kurosaki is mine."
The girl recovered enough to giggle at his words.
"I don't mean it like that," Grimmjow growled. "I want to fight him not fu…"
Ulquiorra appeared at his side and quickly covered his mouth.
"I said to lay off the cursing."
Grimmjow glared at him and grabbed his hand, trying to pry the Fourth's fingers back, but with little success.
"Now," Ulquiorra spoke coldly, "I am trying to arrange for clothes for the both of you, so leave each other alone and do not speak until I am done."
He released Grimmjow and stood. Walking back over to the arrancar from earlier he began to talk. Orihime stared at Grimmjow and he stuck out his tongue in reply. This only caused her to laugh again, making Ulquiorra turn around and glare at them both. Grimmjow pointed at the girl in accusation, but the Espada had already turned back to the arrancar.
"I'm going to kill Kurosaki," he whispered.
"No!" she screamed and Ulquiorra once more glared at them. "I am at the limits of my patience," he said coolly. "You two will stop now, or there will be hell to pay."
Grimmjow tried to hide his smile and when he looked to Orihime he noticed that she was smiling too. Maybe he was approaching this wrong, divide and conquer may not be the best strategy here. If they were to team up against the uptight Fourth, this situation could actually prove fun.