CHAPTER 3: Day One
Orihime spent the remainder of the morning unpacking her suitcase and one of her several boxes. She dressed the bare bed with her favorite purpley-pink sheets and dove gray comforter. She had brought her pillow from home as well, which pleased her, because the one provided by the rectory was quite unsatisfactory, having been filled with aged fiberfill and covered with drool and sweat stains. She didn't even ask - it went straight to the garbage.
She couldn't believe that Ulquiorra Cifer was a priest. A priest at Sacred Heart, no less. Priests were supposed to be kind and pastoral. Those descriptions did not fit the Ulquiorra Cifer she knew. Priests were also supposed to be old and unattractive. It was very unfortunate that neither of these descriptions fit him either. It was going to be a challenge not to imagine him with his shirt off every time she looked at him. Hopefully it would wear off. She had thought that Ichigo guy was cute but nothing ever came of it, because she didn't want anything to happen. Of course she didn't want anything to happen now, either. It would be wrong. She only had to exercise her self-control and trust in God, and all would be well, she was sure.
She was setting up books and a picture of her with the Rohertys and a ceramic owl on the bookcase when there was a knock at her door.
"Hello, it's open!" she answered cheerfully as she turned around, wiping her dusty hands on the legs of her jeans.
A bald black man with light colored eyes opened the door and looked at his new charge. This must be Aizen's niece. Everyone who lived around Sacred Heart had heard the story of what happened to Barragan and his family, gunned down leaving a little girl in the aftermath. He raised an eyebrow at the decorations she had already adorned the room with.
That was right, this woman was not affiliated with the church in any official capacity. She was Catholic but beyond that she wasn't a nun. He hoped she would be able to stick to the rules. "You are Miss Orihime Inoue? I am Father Zommari Rereaux."
Orihime smiled at him and held out her hand to shake his. "That's right, it's nice to meet you, Father Rereaux. I'm so happy to be back here at Sacred Heart. I understand that you are the head priest here now?" She looked at him expectantly, waiting for him to begin explaining his expectations or whatever he had in mind.
Zommari studied the woman for a moment. "I am," he replied.
Okay, so not exactly a forthcoming fellow. Orihime swallowed. "Well, I understand that my main responsibility will be housekeeping here at the rectory, but that I'm also to assist the other ministries, specifically decorating, music, and youth ministries. Also I'm to assist at the school on an as-needed basis. Is this correct?"
He nodded once. "I expect you know how to carry yourself and how to act. You work for Sacred Heart thus you represent it. You'll be assigned a uniform. You'll have Tuesdays off."
Orihime's face lit up when he had said she was a representative of Sacred Heart. What an honor, she thought. As quickly as her heart rose, it fell at one word: Uniform. Nuh uh. She spent twelve years in a uniform. She wasn't a member of the sisterhood. No way, Padre. "Excuse me, Father Rereaux, did you say uniform? Isn't that rather unorthodox? I don't want to confuse anyone into thinking I've taken the habit. It wouldn't do to deceive any of the congregation."
"It's just a normal grey and white dress to signal that you-" Zommari sighed. The look on the woman's eyes said she was going to fight him on this. "Fine, no uniform. As long as your clothing is appropriate, it doesn't matter. Here is your schedule. I've printed it out for you."
She beamed at him. "Thank you so much, that is very helpful! And don't worry about my wardrobe; I've always been teased for dressing like a little old lady," she giggled. "Is there any kind of food that you can't tolerate? Dietary restrictions? I understand I'm to prepare breakfast and dinner each day but that you'll each be on your own for lunch, although I should be sure to keep the rectory stocked with items for you to prepare simple lunches on your own or for you to request that I prepare them for you. Uncle Aizen sent me a very specific handbook. I don't know that it was written by Sacred Heart though…" she trailed off. The way that the document Aizen had given her was written, it seemed like he had created this position for her and wrote out the job requirements himself. A lot of it was not very… holy.
"I have no dietary restrictions and I do not believe that Father Cifer does either, though you will have to check with him," he said. Zommari paused for a moment. "If need be, I will leave a list of what you can grab at the grocery store each week or whenever you choose to go. I'm rather fond of steaks if it's in the budget."
"Great! I'm going to get some bratwurst to grill for tonight, it's my treat as a "thank you for having me" gift. I'll pick you up a steak for you, too. New York strip? T-Bone? What do you like? Also, is there a parish car I can use or should I look into getting my own? I'm sure Uncle Aizen knows someone who has a beat-up Honda I could buy for cheap," she rambled as she looked over her schedule, which read:
Day Off - Tuesday
5:00 am Wake up, morning routine, prepare breakfast
6:30 am Prayer
7:00 am Housekeeping
12:00 pm Lunch, Midday Prayer. Help with school lunch monitoring if needed.
1:00 pm Errands.
2:00 pm Help with school dismissal if needed. Office/Ministry work. Prepare dinner.
5:00 pm Evening Prayer
5:30 pm Dinner
6:30 pm Dinner clean up and then off-duty or elective ministry work.
10:00 pm Night Prayer and Retire for the night
It all looked fine to her, if a little demanding. But this is what she had been craving. Structure. Dedication to the church. Her soul buzzed with excitement.
"You can use one of the two cars in the garage," Zommari said. "Also it doesn't matter. The New York strip is fine. Any other questions? You'll begin working tomorrow."
"Oh, okay." She had been under the impression that she started immediately but this was fine. It meant she could take her time and explore the rectory and reorient herself with town. "That sounds great. Father Cifer has shown me around the first two floors except the office. Is there anything in the basement? I mean, I will clean there regardless but if it's living space I'd do it more often. Also is the attic just storage or…?"
Zommari should have never offered but she had know where things were. "Laundry facilities are in the basement and there's a recreation area with a ping pong table. They're seperate rooms, so both will need attended to. The only thing in the attic is storage."
"Perfect. So, Father, do you play? Are you accepting challengers?" Orihime asked with a spark in her voice.
He gave her a rather disturbed look and shook his head. "I will occasionally play but that table has been down there for years. The former priest before I took over liked playing. He and Father Tosen often would use it in their free time."
She nodded, squinting her eyes and smiling. "Alright, well let me know if occasion ever strikes. I suppose I ought to go to the supermarket and get ready for dinner. Is Father Tosen going to be joining us?"
"No, Father Tosen is finalizing his move to Boston and will be dealing with those matters," Zommari stated. "If there is nothing else I have things that need done."
"No, that's all. Thank you. Oh! I'll put my phone number on the kitchen table in case you think of something you need for me to pick up, so feel free to call me."
Zommari nodded and retreated from the room. He stopped by the office where Ulquiorra sat behind the desk typing something up. "Did the sink get fixed?" he asked.
Ulquiorra nodded. "Yeah, I'm going to recheck it. The directions on the internet didn't specify everything but I found another site that gives me a step by step thing to-" He noticed Zommari had spaced out or wasn't paying attention.
"You have a list of other repairs that need done in your mailbox," the priest said and then left the office through another door.
The green-eyed priest scowled.
Orihime had looked for Father Cifer to ask whether he needed anything from the store but was unsuccessful in finding him. She looked through the fridge and the pantry to get a head start on the following day, making a list of what was necessary. She figured she could just front the money and submit an expense report later, except that what she bought for tonight's cook-out was on her. She walked to the garage entrance, which took some exploring to find. There was a key-holder on the interior side of the door and she grabbed one and opened the door to the dark garage, hitting the garage door opener as she stepped into the darkness. As the door opened to the outside, she saw two cars, one an ugly tan full-sized van, and the other an old Ford Taurus station wagon. A grocery-getter. Perfect. She hoped she had grabbed the right keys.
She got in and turned the key. Nothing. She got out and tried the other set of keys. Nothing.
Oh poopfeathers.
She got out and walked back inside and made her way to the office. It was the only place she hadn't looked. She knocked.
Ulquiorra looked up at the door. That wasn't Zommari, he was in his office, probably getting ready for his sermons and other church duties. "Yeah?" he asked tentatively. After he left Orihime in front of her door, he'd sat at the desk inside of the office and gave himself a stern lecture about why he was there. It helped.
"Hello? Can anyone help me? I can't get the car started," she said through the closed door.
"Uh, come in." Ulquiorra hadn't had a chance to drive either car. He'd been too busy with Zommari's daily tasks for him to even explore the rectory or the church. The other priest just expected him to know where things were and how to do stuff, so there were times he got slightly impatient and explained things hastily. Things were done differently in Rome.
The door opened and a red head popped in. "I don't know what the matter is, I tried both sets of keys," she said, and seeing him sit unmoving, stepped into the room.
"Ah, um, Father Zommari I think drove the van to the hospital. Which car are you taking and where are you going?" Ulquiorra asked.
"The station wagon - I'm going to the grocery store. Do you need anything? Or… do you want to come with?"
He knew he had time to complete the head priest's tasks for the day. Plus he had missed a crucial step in fixing the sink. Ulquiorra had planned on telling Zommari he needed a tool and asking if the priest could go get it. He rifled through a desk drawer and brought up a lock box which he fished a credit card out of. "Sure, I can tag along," he said giving her a hint of a smile. "The only thing I really require is coffee and heavy cream. Uh, while we're out do you mind swinging by the hardware store?"
She beamed at him. "That would be fine! Oh, I'm glad you said yes, I am not sure whether I remember my way around town," she said.
"Uh, I hate to break it to you but I've only been in town since September twenty-fifth and I've not been back here in almost seven years," Ulquiorra said. He stood up and shoved the credit card into his pocket and then his phone. "Let me tell Zommari, I'm going with you and I'll join you in the garage."
"Thank you. This will be nice to have company. Do you want to drive or should I?"
Shaking his head, Ulquiorra replied, "I haven't driven in several years, so why don't you? I'll be just a moment."
He turned on his heel and walked over to the other door that Zommari disappeared through earlier and knocked once before opening it and walking through. He shut the door behind him.
The black priest eyed him momentarily before returning to the bible in front of him. "Yes?"
"I have to go to the hardware store. Orihime is going to the grocery… Knocking out two birds with one stone thing," Ulquiorra said.
"Is it a necessary item?"
"Does it really matter or did you want to replace the entire kitchen when the leak turns into a bigger problem? Is it in your budget to replace the whole kitchen?" Ulquiorra stated.
Zommari shook his head.
"Don't worry about it. I'll pay the bill when the time comes," the dark-haired priest said. "After all that's what I'm here for, isn't it? Just a paycheck to the church?"
"Make sure you keep the receipt."
Ulquiorra nodded and left the room, returning to the front office. Orihime was still standing there. "Uh, Zom-Father Zommari will probably explain the office stuff to you tomorrow."
"Okay. I figured you were going to need to get into the driver's seat to figure out what's wrong with the car, so I waited. Shall we?" she gave him a pleasant face, holding the door open for him.
He glanced at her before he moved past Orihime. Ulquiorra led the way through the rectory to the garage and glanced at the key holder. She had the right set. Giving the station wagon a stern glance, he sighed before going around to the driver's side and opening the door. It wasn't like the cars he had driven in college, the seminary, or even while in Rome. This was like the beater car Yammy had bought his junior year in college. "You still have the keys?"
"Here you are," she answered, holding the set out to him. She stood near the hood of the station wagon to avoid getting in his way.
Putting the keys in the ignition, he went to turn it only to find that he couldn't. He couldn't even turn the steering wheel. Ulquiorra wanted to laugh. "Orihime, the steering wheel is locked," he said, turning the wheel to the right. When he hit the correct spot, the key turned in the ignition. The car was surprisingly quiet when it started.
"Are you sure you're not a magician?" Orihime asked with a teasing inflection as she walked toward the driver's side door.
His cheeks colored slightly at the ribbing. Ulquiorra slid over the seat until he was on the passenger seat. "No, not that I'm aware of," he stated.
She grinned at him and sat down in the seat and clicked her seatbelt in place. She didn't hear a click from his side. She put her arm around his seatback and raised her butt off the seat so she could look behind her as she backed up, whilst reminding him, "Seatbelt, please. Click it or ticket."
Doing as she asked, Ulquiorra had to refrain from teasing her about seeing over the dashboard. She was short. "Can you reach the gas pedal?" He asked.
"Hur dur, yes I can. You may want to get some phone books for me to sit on though so I can see over the dash," she said in a dopey voice, mimicking those who had mocked her in the past. "I'm not that short! I'm 5'2! That is solidly adult-sized." She was clearly used to be teased for her height.
"Fun-sized," he joked. Ulquiorra looked at her and then out the window. "So why are you back here?"
"I had been working at Holy Hill Basilica in Wisconsin, but they didn't have any ministry positions open, so I was just serving soup and sandwiches in the cafe there. Then Uncle Sousuke called and told me about the position at Sacred Heart. My major was religious studies, so I really wanted to work for the Church," she answered as she backed up. "And really? Fun-sized? You think I haven't heard that before? If it wasn't rude I'd tell you to eat me. So I won't. But whatever," she laughed, making it clear she was really only joking. She knew she was walking kind of a fine line, but she didn't have any friends and wanted to be on friendly terms with Father Cifer. She thought since they were around the same age, some ice-breaking conversation would help.
The mental images her words conjured did not help. He sat there with a stone-like expression, staring straight ahead, unblinking. Ulquiorra had difficulty swallowing for a moment, feeling his heart race. Reaching into the pocket of his jeans, he found the rosary bracelet that he kept on him at all times. He held it for a moment trying to think of anything but what she said and her.
Ulquiorra was definitely going to see his father on Tuesday. Since meeting Orihime again some hours ago he'd questioned his faith and his sanity many times over. He clenched the fist that was resting on his thigh. This hadn't been an issue while he was making his way through the seminary nor was it an issue in Rome. He sighed. "Do you think you'll like working at Sacred Heart?"
"It's my home. It's where I said goodbye to my mother and brother. I love my foster family, don't get me wrong. But it was not the same. I feel my real family's presence here. Plus being closer to Uncle Sousuke is nice," she said, pulling out into the street. "So, why did you want to become a priest?"
Silence. There was no way he was going to be able to answer that truthfully. It was better to stay silent than lie, wasn't it? "Why didn't you become a nun?"
"I was never called to be a nun. I don't think it's God's plan for me. And honestly I'd like to keep my options open for a family of my own in the future. I mean, don't worry, I'm totally devoted to my work at Sacred Heart now, but you never know who you're going to meet." She realized that maybe this was insensitive to talk about with him. "Oh, I'm sorry, I'm not trying to say your choice was the wrong one. I mean, I'm sure it was right for you. It's just not right for me." She blushed as she drove, embarrassed at herself for potentially putting her foot in her mouth.
"I, uh," he fumbled over the words. "It's complicated why I became a priest."
She exhaled, glad that he didn't seem outright offended at her faux pas. "I believe it. I'm sure it wasn't an easy decision. Are you happy though?"
Years ago when he made this decision he thought he would be happy. This was what he wanted. Why did he feel the complete opposite of that now? Ulquiorra cleared his throat and gave her a fake smile. "Sure," he replied.
She smiled back. "So, which way to the hardware store?"
He'd gotten the chance to pick out his own coffee but decided on half and half for his coffee instead of the heavy cream. The way he made his coffee was probably wrong in many ways to those who were coffee snobs but Ulquiorra didn't care. He got what he wanted without anyone telling me that it was over budget or not needed.
"Half and half? Nice! Oooh, do we have a percolator? That's the best way to make coffee."
"Nope, it's a regular old coffee pot I think. It hasn't been used in a while. Tosen said he didn't like coffee and Zommari doesn't like stimulants."
"Hmmm… I'll put it on my list. What if parishioners stop by? We should have a pot brewing," she winked at him. This was obviously just an excuse to buy the small appliance.
Ulquiorra gave her a brief grin before he shook his head at her. "Good luck getting Zommari to get off the money for one. There could be one in storage or in the basement. I don't think either priest entertained parishioners much. It's all business with them."
"Not even for sacrament counseling?" She clicked her tongue in disapproval. "It's only hospitable to offer a drink. When we get back I'll look for it and if there isn't one I'm buying it on my own. Drip coffee is great, but perc'd coffee is divine."
His shoulders raised in a shrug. "I'm used to Italian coffee. Small cups and in small cafes with people clustered around tiny tables," Ulquiorra said. "Coffee pretty much got me through university and while I was at seminary."
"Oh yeah? Where did you go to school?" she asked, her eyes flicking from a row of jars of sauerkraut to his.
"I went to the University of Illinois for Art History," he explained. Ulquiorra was raising his eyebrow at her studying the labels of the jars. Was she looking for something?
She hummed under her breath as she reached for a jar. "I hope they have some Düsseldorf mustard… U of I? So you were a FIB?" she laughed.
Ulquiorra rolled his eyes. "After I got my bachelor's degree I went to The Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology; it's in southwest Milwaukee or somewhere around there. I didn't pay attention much. I could have went to the seminary in Boston but-" He stopped and cleared his throat. "You don't want to hear about me."
She turned her head to face him again with wide eyes and her mouth hanging open. "No way!" She said slowly, then grinned, raising her hand up for a high five. "Wisco represent! Your FIB sins have been redeemed."
"Oh yeah?" he asked, smirking. "I wanted somewhere different after Idaho."
"Never been, so I reserve judgement. Don't leave me hanging," she said, waving her hand slightly.
He glanced at the hand and then at her face. He could tell her that he didn't like touching people or that whole priest thing and he took his vows seriously but instead his forehead furrowed. Ulquiorra's brain was working overtime. He didn't want it to. His father was right. If she knew what he did then she would hate him. Frankly, he was surprised she was even being civil to him. He brought his hand up and gave her palm a light tap.
"There ya go!" she cheered. "I went to college in Milwaukee too. Alverno."
How old was she? There was no way they were in the same city at the same time. Ulquiorra slid his hands into the pockets of the jeans he wore. Zommari had told him he'd start work on Sunday and to use his first week fixing stuff, so he hadn't bothered unpacking his cassock. "I had a lot of universities to choose from. High grades and my father was willing to pay for my schooling since Grimmjow and Nnoitra didn't make much of their lives. My sisters went off to college. Tier's a lawyer, Nel's still in school, I think. I've not talked to either of them in a long time."
"Nel… She was in my class at Sacred Heart," she shook her head. She didn't want to remember that. It led to other unpleasant memories. "Anyway, not exactly humble, are you, Padre?" She laughed and pushed the shopping cart into the back aisle to look at meat.
"My apologies. I am still struggling with that," he said quietly.
"Hey, nobody's perfect," she said, holding her palms out to the sides of her shoulders, then looked at a meat cooler. "Huh, not a lot of choice out here. Guess we're stuck with Johnsonville. Don't even get me started on the abysmal cheese selection. Hey, did you ever go to Mars Cheese Castle?"
"The what?"
"Come on, you must have noticed it on the drive up from Illinois. How could you have missed the huge castle on the border dedicated to cheese? It's a national treasure," she argued as she picked out a steak for Zommari. "Are you a big eater? I'm making steak, too, so I can grab one for you if you want."
Ulquiorra wanted to argue that he had flown into Milwaukee after having one last hurrah in Vegas with two of his college friends so there was no way he would have seen it. His fingers pressed against that portable rosary in his pocket. "Probably wasn't paying attention," he offered. "And I'll eat whatever, except liver."
"Eww, same. Shoot. I forgot about the stupid puritanical laws in this state. We're gonna have to stop at a liquor store," she stated in a matter-of-fact manner.
"A liquor store? For what? Do you think that Zommari is going to-You know what, it's not my business."
"It's for the sauce, calm down. He seems like the kind of guy who doesn't drink, though. Super uptight. How about you? You went to seminary in the Badger State; surely you have a beer now and then?"
His head shook back and forth. "I didn't go out when I was studying to become ordained. I was tempted but that wouldn't set me on the path that I needed to be on. Besides," he said. "I had enough of that stuff in high school and college."
"Too bad," was her noncommittal response before she turned the cart toward the registers.
He wanted to know what she meant by that but didn't want to ask. Why was it too bad? If she knew what he did before he gave up all vices and sin she'd be absolutely shocked. "I mean that might change in the future. My father runs a pub and a chain of clubs, I'm probably going to have to have a drink with him soon."
She nodded. "I'm not judging. I like to have a nightcap now and then, that's all. I never partied much, and… I don't know why I'm telling you this, it's not confession time!" she laughed. "I was surprised when you told me that you were a priest but I'm starting to see how it works for you know, I think," she said with a smirk. "You are like, sneaky. You act all cool and unconcerned but really you're just waiting for my defenses to fall and BAM! I start confessing my sins like I'm on my deathbed." She laughed at herself, shaking her head.
"I would listen to your sins at any time." Once those words were spoken Ulquiorra's eyes widened. He couldn't take it back. The least he could hope for was that the meaning flew over her head and she didn't get it.
She took his words at face value. "Aw, thank you, that's very kind. I don't know if I should though, you don't want to have to know all the bad things I've done," she said in a foreboding tone.
He could have wept in relief. Instead Ulquiorra ran a hand through his shaggy hair then blew out a sigh. He would punish himself by studying his bible instead of working out. Maybe he needed extra instruction. Deciding on that gave him some peace. He gave her a somewhat toothy smile. "My door is always open and I don't think you have a bad bone in your body. You seem too sweet," he said.
She gave him a bit of a withering look as she paid for her portion of the groceries and then started scanning the the rest of them. "Yeah, I wish. Anyway, I guess we all have our crosses to bear, right?"
"Some are heavier than others," he murmured. When she was done scanning the items he handed her the credit card. "Make sure you keep the receipt, okay?" Ulquiorra said.
"Sure. I guess you're too new to know the protocol yet? I assume we just submit typical expense reports."
"It's what Zom told me to do. Keep receipts is all he told me." Ulquiorra shrugged. "I'm an art history major with an accounting minor… so..."
"Good to know," she said, grabbing the receipt and pocketing it. "Shall we? We need to get to the liquor store and then head home quick; I have a lot to do. I may have been a bit too ambitious."
"Ladies first," Ulquiorra said.
"Why thank you kind sir," Orihime said, heading out to the car with the cart, her hair swishing behind her as she walked. She had somewhat of a peppy gait, bouncing on the balls of her feet much of the time. Not always, but whenever she was happy, or pretending to be happy.
The priest pulled on his ear for a moment before he followed after her. Ulquiorra helped her load the car up and then got in, making sure to fasten his seatbelt when she was watching. "What else do you have to do? I could help."
"Can you get the grill started for me? After than you could help with the salad?" she was making suggestions instead of giving him assignments. She wouldn't overstep her boundaries, especially on her first day.
He nodded. "I can try to start the grill. I'm sure there's directions on it somewhere that will tell me how to do it," Ulquiorra said.
She smiled and widened her eyes. "Maybe I better do it. Do you know whether it's gas or not?"
"Dunno. Zommari has kept me busy so I've not really looked around."
"Okay. Well, it won't hurt for you to check it out anyway," she said as she pulled into the liquor store parking lot. "Do you want to come in or wait in the car? This shouldn't take long."
He gave her a look like she was crazy. He was a priest if he was caught inside of a liquor store, he probably wouldn't hear the end of it. "I'll stay out here," he replied.
She was glad to hear it. She didn't want him judging her selections. She went inside and bought a bottle of Knappogue 12-Year, a bottle of Jameson, and a bottle of Italian table red wine. She would have bought more but she thought she could possibly justify three bottles for cooking. She threw the receipt away though. She didn't need anyone asking any questions. Besides, the Knappogue was going up to her room.
Ulquiorra sighed. What was taking her so long? It'd been a while since he bought alcohol though so she probably had weird tastes or something. She was probably looking for cheese flavored vodka. He didn't know. Just as he was about to get out of the car and go into the store, Orihime came out. The paper bag she carried was large. He raised one eyebrow but smoothed his features out before she got into the vehicle.
"Oh, don't give me that look. This is for cooking. I'll hide it above in the cabinet above the fridge."
"Cooking? Is that like one shot for the pan, two shots for the cook, kind of cooking? I'm not judging." He wasn't either. With what she went through, he wouldn't be surprised if she was an alcoholic.
"Maybe more of a 1:1 ratio," she said with a nervous chuckle.
Ulquiorra sighed. He wanted to tell her how sorry he was for what she went through. He'd never known his biological parents. Having Aizen beat him down before being kicked out of the state felt like betrayal but he could still see the man if he chose to do so. "You have no obligations to the church, so you're free to do as you please," he said in a flat tone.
She nodded silently, pressing her lips together. She didn't want him knowing how much of a mess she truly was. It wasn't his fault. She had known her stepfather was a criminal; that he had enslaved people and made them do horrible things for his own pocket, and that she had been the beneficiary of his crimes. Yes, she had been a child, but their suffering dirtied her hands. It had been Barragan's fault that her mother and brother had died. Someone must have finally had enough of his wickedness and needed justice. She understood that. She wanted it for herself. It was her one constant sin: the desire for vengeance.
"Like I said, my door is always open," he said as she pulled into the garage. "I mean that. I'll listen at any time."
"Thanks. I'll be in the kitchen." Her voice was a bit darker, as though a cloud had blotted out the sun that usually shone through it.
Dinner surprisingly had been delicious and delightful. Somehow whatever had turned the woman's mood dark had vanished and she smiled and joked around. Ulquiorra found his eyes wandering to her face far too often. He added on another hour of bible study for him. There was no excuse for his thoughts or his feelings. It was just-What was it? He couldn't even explain how he felt. He was lost deep in thought that he didn't even hear Zommari.
"Father Cifer?"
"Huh? Sorry. Was just reflecting on-"
"Tomorrow is your last free day. I wish to see most of the tasks I've assigned you completed. Thank you for your hard work today. Thank you Miss Inoue for the meal." Zommari pushed his chair back and then grabbed his plate, taking it over to the sink. He left it in there and then walked out of the kitchen.
"I wish he would call me Orihime. I know it's kind of an unusual name but it makes me feel like I've been naughty and am being punished to hear my surname," Orihime said as she stood, taking her plate and holding her hand out to Ulquiorra for his plate.
He stood and grabbed the plate. "I can do it. I've been cooking and washing the dishes since I got here. That was only a couple of days ago but I can do it," Ulquiorra said. "And don't feel bad. Zom is particular about how things are done. I found this out when I got here."
She nodded. "How about you wash and I dry then? I don't want to get it wrong."
There was something in the woman's eyes that made it seem like she was defeated or deflated. He wasn't quite sure and couldn't put his finger on it. "Are you sure? I can do it on my own. It's not like you made Christmas dinner. It's only a few dishes."
"You are a sweetheart. But, I said this was my gift to you as thanks for welcoming me to the rectory. I have a better job for you if you want to help, though. You can sit there and keep me company, how about that? Tell me all about… Grimmjow. What is his deal? He was kind of weird at the airport."
Ulquiorra chuckled. He had never been called a sweetheart before. It was strange hearing it roll off of the woman's tongue and directed towards him. Instead, he walked over to where the coffee pot sat on the counter and decided to make a pot of coffee. He rummaged through the cupboard and sighed. "You didn't happen to pick up any coffee filters, did you?" He asked.
"I did. My sunny attitude may suggest otherwise, but I am not a morning person. I don't take chances when it comes to coffee. I may have put them in the wrong spot, here—" she walked towards him, intent to pass him on her left. They both dodged the same direction and she ended up walking right into him and bouncing off. "Whoops! That was embarrassing. Use your turn signals next time!" she said loudly, trying to make the awkward contact seem like a joke.
She was glad her cheeks didn't flare until she was past him. She was flustered and confused suddenly. That accidental contact made her entire body feel out of whack; unbalanced and fuzzy.
If just her presence made him feel lustful thoughts and the little hand contact that had made him feel warm, fuzzy, and slightly irrational, Ulquiorra was not ready for the full body contact. His brain seemed to short circuit, awakening whatever he had suppressed years ago. He had to stop this. "Excuse me, I have something to do," he said in a monotone and emotionless voice.
It was Friday which meant it was pretty much a free period until it was lights out. There were repairs that needed done to the rectory but Ulquiorra had decided his penance for these thoughts about that woman was extra study time. He decided he needed something harsher than that.
He knocked on Zommari's office door and opened it when he heard the man speak. He wasn't surprised to see the man's surprised expression. Ulquiorra probably looked like a wild man. "I'm going to the sanctuary."
Orihime cleaned up the last of the mess in the kitchen in silence, reshelving the coffee Ulquiorra had removed from the cabinet, and wiping down the table and counters, all while feeling confused and worried. She hoped that whatever adverse reaction Ulquiorra had to her would just wear off. Clearly he was furious with her for acting so casually. Yes, they were similar in age and had, surprisingly, quite a bit in common, but still. He was a priest. He had… what was it? Appearances to maintain. Boundaries to keep. She was only a member of the parish who happened to also be his housekeeper. She ought to know her place.
It was after sunset, but there was still light on the horizon, when she decided to just go up to bed. She didn't want to tempt fate. Her job could be on the line. And if it was between herself and Father Cifer, she would be out the door so fast that the door would fall off of its hinges. He was Aizen's son, and a priest, which were in high demand these days. Orihime was completely replaceable.
She gathered her things for the bathroom and got cleaned up, taking a quick shower and changing into very modest pajamas and a bathrobe, her hair up in a towel turban, as she padded back to her bedroom, closed the door, and took out her bottle of whisky.