Chapter 2
Author's notes: I just want to say, thank you for those who've read this and not flamed me down. I was really nervous writing this story, but you're all helping me get over that. Thank you Jazzyward for the sweet compliment, and I hope this update came fast enough. And thank you so much Bloodybelle, I was really worried about staying in character for Ulquiorra. And Russa-chan, I love you! I promise not to be to mean on your story. ; )
Questions about the heart
Direct me to you
Can you answer them
And show me what to do?
The next morning
"Kyaah! Ice cream with hot sauce and, is that red bean paste!" Orihime smiled broadly and the Arrancar, and hugged him before she realized what she was doing. "Go-gomen nasia, Ulquiorra-san."
"Just Ulquiorra. And I expect you to eat the rest of this as well. Or I will shove it down your throat." He began to walk away, but turned back. "If you need something else, ask." Then he left her again, her eyes following the door as it closed. 'That's a change. Did he eat something weird before?' Orihime shrugged and quickly ate the rest of her food, noticing the condiments placed around the omelet and rice.
"Wasabi paste and chocolate sauce!" Orihime gasped. She glanced to the door as a blush crept across her face. "How did he….?"
Later that same day
"Woman, have you changed?" Ulquiorra stood outside her door, waiting for sounds of a reply.
"Ummm, yeah. You can come in now!" Ulquiorra opened the door swiftly and was slightly stunned to see the moonlit silhouette of the orange haired maiden. Ulquiorra swallowed the lump that formed in his throat down quickly, disturbed by its sudden appearance, and kept his face blank of emotion.
"That ensemble becomes you." Orihime felt a light blush paint her face pink. He crossed quickly to her and placed a hand on her forehead. "You feel warmer. Are you falling ill, perhaps?"
"N-no! I just…wasn't expecting a compliment from you." She spoke quietly, hoping to dissuade him from continuing. Her blush deepening to crimson and she glanced away from his intense gaze. A puzzled look flashed across his face before he can council his emotions otherwise.
"And that caused a large amount of blood to flood your cheeks?" He turned her head back towards him with his hand as he spoke. Orihime nodded quickly then turned away again, dislodging his hand from her cheek. "This sensation must be unpleasant then, am I right?"
"No, not at all!" She turned to him and was captured by his all knowing eyes. Her blush began to fade with her newfound confidence. "It's a nice feeling I suppose, but embarrassing too." His eyes seem to widen slightly at this, and she thought how he might look if he were to smile. The blush returned in full force as the image flooded her mind.
"So it feels 'nice', but causes you to be embarrassed as well? Then what purpose does it serve?" Ulquiorra asked, his eyes shifting to view the flush of her ears. His chest throbbed painfully, but he refused to acknowledge his weakness in front of this human.
"Well, I'm not sure, but I know that blushing is really common back home. Everyone does it!" Orihime beamed up at him, remembering all the times she's seen Tatsuki-chan and Kurosaki-kun blush. Then the smile faded as she was released from her memories and back into Hell.
Ulquiorra noted this, and the effect it had on his hollow hole. He shifted his gaze to the door, hoping to ease the agony. "Aizen has sent for you." Orihime's face went blank and her body rigid with fear. "I don't believe it is anything that will take too long, so I will walk you around the grounds afterwards."
"Thank you so much Ulquiorra! I've been dying to get out of this room!" Surprise and excitement laced her voice and filled her eyes with a beautiful gleam. Ulquiorra felt the pain increase and thought to himself 'I really should go to the infirmary. I must have a wound I didn't heal all the way.'
