Chapter 4, Beginning

Why, why, why, why ,why, WHY did he agree to THIS?

"Oh! and then, we went to the next village, but the people there weren't so nice because you see"

Does she ever shut up? She's driving me crazy.

"So that's basically why I don't go there anymore, never ever ever again! Did you know the bread there is always expired? You should never try and buy some bread there, trust me! When I wanted to buy some for the kids"

This is getting tiring... Why did I agree to this? Maybe... Maybe it's because I find her interesting... What's she talking about now? *sigh* I can't even keep up with her babbling.

"Ulquiorra!"

He was thrown out of his thoughts by the pouting girl behind him.

"What is it?" he asked.

"You didn't answer me! I asked if you have a map, so I can help you navigate."

"There's no need for that. I know these roads."

"But what if we get lost because you... I don't know, forget to turn or something..."

"That's highly unlikeable to happen, now seize your talking. It's driving me insane."

"Oh! Ulquiorra you weren't listening at all were you!"

"No." he chuckled.

Ulquiorra made a dreadful mistake by looking behind him. The girl was taking in the environment all while humming. Her fiery hair never seemed to bore him, as he was, again, fascinated by the strands of orange.

"Owwiee!" she whined, suddenly.

"What? What is it?"

"A... mosquito, it bit me..."

"And your making such a fuss because of that?"

"Hey! It hurts you know!"

"Sure it does."

"You're mean." she snapped.

"And you're annoying."

"Oh, yeah? Then why did you agree to have this looooooong trip with me? Huh?"

"That reason is unknown. Even for myself."

Orihime didn't really know how to respond to that. When he noticed she was... quiet... he poked her in the back. What he wasn't expecting, was her wincing.

"Is something the matter?"

"No, nothing. You just surprised me."

"I know for certain that you experienced some sort of pain. What is wrong?"

"It tickled."

"There are no such places on the back that can produce a ticklish feeling, except when touched very softly. And if I recall correctly, I did no such thing, so tell me what is wrong."

"No!"

"Onna-" he warned.

She had, however, fresh tears threatening to spill from her eyes. He didn't like to see her like this, not at all. Not to mention the painful twist in his chest whenever he saw that expression on her face.