I don't own Bleach or any of its characters


Chapter 7 - School days

Ulquiorra closed the door to Urahara's shop and stepped out into the cold morning air. He was dressed in the uniform that all the other boys at Karakura High School wore; gray slacks, white shirt, blue tie, and a sweater to keep him warm in the late autumn chill. It seemed he had traded one uniform for another, only this one was a great deal more restrictive than his hakama. He gripped the handle on his book bag tightly and turned to head to school only to be met by Uryu Ishida.

The Quincy pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose and said, "Well at least Urahara can't mess up the uniform."

Ulquiorra gave Ishida a quick glance and said simply, "I suppose." They stood in silence for a moment until he asked, "Is there a reason you are here?"

The teen cleared his throat and said, "Kurosaki seemed pretty confident the other day that you weren't going to last through your first day of classes. I guess I just want to make sure you prove him wrong."

"I see." He replied.

Ishida began to walk and Ulquiorra followed. The continued for a few blocks before Ulquiorra asked, "I was under the impression that you and Kurosaki are friends."

"Yeah, I guess you could say that." Uryu replied.

"Yet you wish to see him fail."

"Not fail," he started, "I just want to see him eat a little crow."

His confusion must have been evident on his face because Ishida laughed and said, "It's an expression. It just means that I want to see him have to admit that he was wrong. His ego is really out of control. It would be nice to see him humbled a little."

This made sense to him. Kurosaki was confident to a fault. Whether that was good or bad was beside the point, but he could see how it could be annoying, especially to someone as competitive as Uryu.

They walked quietly for another block when Ishida asked, "So what do you really think about Urahara's plan?"

"I thought I made my feelings perfectly clear the other day." He replied.

"But you agreed to go along with it." Uryu said.

"No other option was given. For now I will do as Urahara wishes."

"You understand that Orihime has just as much to lose if the Soul Society discovers what happened? It is important that we make this work regardless what we believe." Ishida commented.

"I am well aware of the consequences for both of us should this plan fail to succeed." He replied.

"Good, because I don't want any harm to come to Orihime." Ishida said rather protectively.

"You should not fear so much for Inoue's safety. She is a strong woman. She can take care of herself." He replied.

Ishida stopped walking for a moment and stared at him. Ulquiorra paused as well and turning to the Quincy asked, "Do you not see her strength?"

Ishida blushed slightly and replied, "I know that she is powerful, but she's not like the rest of us; she's not a fighter. Her kind hearted nature tends to get her into trouble."

Ulquiorra understood that. He had used Orihime's love for her friends to persuade her to go to Hueco Mundo, yet just by agreeing to go she had demonstrated a great deal of courage. Walking into an unknown place that was filled with powerful enemies took a degree of bravery that he was sure many of her classmates did not posses.

They began to walk again when Ishida said, "You don't seem as stiff today. I guess your injury is healing pretty well."

He brought his free hand to his chest. With a slight frown on his face he said, "She used her powers to reject my injury."

"Inoue healed you?" Uryu asked with surprise in his voice. "So you changed your mind after we left?"

"No I did not." He replied curtly.

"Oh," Ishida replied. Ulquiorra couldn't help but notice a smile creep across the Quincy's face.

"You find her defiance funny?" he asked.

"Orihime, defiant, those are two words I would not normally associate together." He said. "She's usually very easy going."

"It would seem that you do not know her as well as you seem to believe." He replied.

Ishida's lighthearted mood changed instantly. "I know her a lot better than you. We have been through a lot together over the past year."

"It is because you have feelings for her." He stated.

"What are you talking about?"

"The reason my words anger you so. You have feelings for Inoue Orihime." He said.

"I … you don't know anything about me… Inoue is a good friend…" Ishida started but grew silent as he stumbled over his words.

"I see."

"You see? You see nothing. And besides it wouldn't matter anyway…"

"…because she has feelings for Kurosaki." He finished for Uryu.

"How many trips to the world of the living did it take you to figure that one out?" Ishida asked sarcastically.

"It was easy to deduce. In the end it made persuading her to come to Hueco Mundo very simple."

Uryu stopped walking and stared at him. Once again he halted and waited for the teen to speak.

"You know I am trying to put what happened in Hueco Mundo behind us for Inoue's sake, but when you say things like that it just reminds me of how unlike us you really are." He paused for a moment and then continued, "I hate to say it but Kurosaki may be right, you may not last a day, especially if you insist on saying crap like that."

"It is only the truth."

"Yeah, well sometimes it's better to just shut up and keep the truth to yourself." Ishida replied angrily.

He thought about that for a moment. He was not use to censoring himself. He was valued because of his ability to gather facts and present them back accurately to Aizen and his fellow Espadas. It would seem that humans did not value such honest observation.

"I suppose you have a point. I will take it into consideration when dealing with the students at school."

Uryu gave him an odd look, but seemed satisfied with his response. They continued walking once again until they came to the school. They hadn't gone that far when they ran into Kurosaki.

"Hey Ishida," Ichigo said.

"Kurosaki," Uryu replied.

"So here we are again." Kurosaki said. Then looking at Ulquiorra he continued, "You know you don't have to baby-sit him. After all he was sent to gather information for Aizen many times in the past. He should know how to find the school fine on his own."

Ishida glared at Kurosaki which only seemed to make the teen cockier.

"Of course it's understandable if you were worried that he'd somehow not show, or worse do something stupid before the school day even begins."

"You know Ichigo," Uryu began, "It's almost like you want to see him fail, but I don't think I need to remind you how dangerous that could be for Inoue."

"This plan is stupid. Besides it's not like I couldn't deal with the Soul Society if they got involved. After all we did take them on to rescue Rukia. This really wouldn't be any different." He replied confidently.

"Why does everything always have to be a fight for you? Why not just try to use your brain for once." Ishida replied.

"I am using my brain, and it's telling me that this plan of Urahara's is going to fail. Better that we have a backup plan when that happens."

"You're an idiot, you know that. Maybe we're all a little tired of fighting. Maybe it would be best for Inoue if we took a break from all the drama."

"Drama!" Kurosaki exclaimed.

He was about to say something more when a teen came running towards them arms flailing and yelling loudly.

"I-chi-go you're back."

Ichigo stepped to the side just as the teen reached him, sending him sprawling onto the concrete.

"Asano, don't be such an idiot." Kurosaki said seemingly unaffected by the teen's actions.

The boy sat up. His face was scratched from where he made contact with the pavement. Crying out he said, "How can you be so cruel. Here I am welcoming you back after yet another one of your strange disappearances, and you brush me aside."

"I'd say I wasn't gone long enough."

Asano rose to his feet. Wiping his nose on his sleeve he continued whining. "You wouldn't say that if you knew what I've been through while you guys have been away."

"Too many video games, karaoke, and role playing games for you to handle," Ishida remarked.

"Role playing would have been a welcome relief compared to what Urahara-san had us doing." He said anxiously.

"Urahara-san; how do you know him?" Ishida asked.

"Arisawa had us follow Ichigo before you guys left. After you went through that big black hole Urahara found us." Asano said in a rush. He paused to catch his breath before rambling on again. "Man that guy is insane. He had us running all over Karakura town fighting off those hollow monster things."

Ishida turned white at Asano's remarks, but Kurosaki just sighed and said, "You know Asano if you continue to tell stories like that people are going to think you're crazier than you are."

"Stories!" Asano said indignantly. "You know I'm not making this shit up. And just a warning, Arisawa is really pissed at you. I would watch my back if I were you Ichigo."

"I can handle Tatsuki." Kurosaki said.

Asano turned towards Ulquiorra, noticing him for the first time. "Hey what's with this guy?"

"He's new." Kurosaki said.

"Yeah, well how come if he's new he's already hanging with you." Asano complained.

"He doesn't talk much. It's kind of a nice trait. You should try it." Ichigo said.

Asano took a step closer to Ulquiorra. He stared at him closely and then said, "Why is it that every time you disappear for any length of time, we end up with a new classmate?" Whispering loud enough for them all to hear he asked, "He's not one of those Shinigami guys is he? 'Cos I'm not taking in any one after Ikkaku and Ayasegawa."

"There you go with all that crazy talk. Really Asano you should see someone about that condition."

Asano began to sputter out nonsensical sounds at Ichigo's remark.

"Look I don't really want to be late on my first day back." Waving as he walked away he simply said, "Later."

Ishida turned to Ulquiorra and said, "We should go as well."

Asano seemed to gain control over himself again. Turning his attention back to Ulquiorra he said conspiratorially, "A piece of advice; if you want to be popular don't associate with Ishida too much."

He gave the teen a questioning look. This only seemed to spur Asano on.

"He's all about studying and getting good grades."

"Isn't that the purpose of school?" Ulquiorra asked.

"Augh! He's already gotten to you. And no, high school is about having fun. It's our last bastion of irresponsible living before we are forced into the adult world."

"Wow, those are some pretty big words there Asano." Ishida remarked. "Don't tax yourself too much. The school day hasn't even begun."

"Hey, I don't have to be ranked number one to have a good vocabulary!"

"What do you mean by ranked number one?" Ulquiorra asked; the conversation had finally become interesting.

"The Honor Roll. Ishida's number one."

"So he is the highest ranking student in the school?"

"Highest ranking geek! I mean what good are those grades if you never have any fun?"

"Getting into the best university for starters." Ishida replied irritably.

Ulquiorra continued on ignoring Ishida's comment. "So are all the students here ranked?"

"Just the top fifty. Geez you haven't even gone to class yet and you're worried about the honor roll?"

"Is Kurosaki on this list?"

"Yes, the traitor," Asano said. "He's twenty-third."

"Interesting," he said to himself.

"Interesting," Asano said obviously let down by his interest in learning. "Well I've got no reason to stay here with you two. Hey," he said with excitement in his voice, "It's Inoue-san. She's back! Ah how nice it is to see her big, beautiful…"

Ishida smacked him upside the head.

"Ow! What was that for?" Asano whined.

"You better watch what you say about Inoue." Ishida said heatedly.

"I was just going to say eyes. Her big, beautiful eyes. I don't know where your mind was going Ishida." Asano said.

Ulquiorra took a step towards Asano. Glaring at him he said, "I have known people like you before. You say one thing but imply another."

"I'm not implying anything." Asano stammered.

"You will not speak about her in such a way again or I will have to hurt you."

Asano threw up his hands in surrender. "Ok, whatever you say." Backing away he continued, "You know I think I'm just going to head to class…" the teen said as he backed away. Turning he began to run.

"Just a quick observation." Ishida began. "Asano is not typical of most of the students here, and no one will bat an eye if you push him around, but you may want to go easy on the intimidation. It's a little extreme."

Ulquiorra couldn't help but sigh. "Things were a lot easier in Las Noches. If someone annoyed you you could just kill them."

"Well as annoying as Asano is you'll just have to learn to tolerate him." Ishida said. Then turning in the direction Inoue was coming said, "Inoue-san, good morning."

"Ishida-kun, Ulquiorra-san," she said.

She had a smile on her face and for a moment he feared that she would burst into laughter like she did the other day. Instead she remained in control, and after looking him over said, "Wow, that uniform unexpectedly suits you."

That comment though seemed to break her self control. She began to giggle and then laugh wholeheartedly. Ishida looked at her as if she had lost her mind.

"Am I missing something?" Uryu asked.

"She is simply making fun of a similar comment I made to her in Las Noches." Ulquiorra said. "I see that I am a source of great amusement for you."

"I'm sorry. It just popped in my head, and before I could stop myself it jumped out. Really, it does look good on you."

"As did the dress on you," He replied.

This stopped her laughter and caused her face to turn a brilliant shade of red.

"Well, I feel a little awkward." Uryu commented.

Turning to her friend Orihime said, "Oh Ishida-kun, your outfits are always spectacular."

"That's not quite what I meant, but thank you anyways Inoue-san." He replied.

She nodded and smiled at Ishida's response and then turning to Ulquiorra she asked, "So you are feeling better today?"

He couldn't help but still feel anger over her disregard for his wishes the other day. "I am sure you are quite well aware of how I am doing physically."

Her expression grew concerned and she said nervously, "You're angry aren't you?"

"I explicitly told you not to heal me and yet as soon as I was asleep you snuck in my room and did it anyway."

Now it was Ishida's turn to blush. "Honestly, this is really awkward."

"Maybe it would best if we talk in private. I have a few things to say to Inoue and I am sure you want to get on to class." Ulquiorra said.

"I don't know if I should leave you two alone…" Uryu began.

"It's ok Ishida-kun." Orihime said. "I don't want you to be late."

Uryu looked torn as to what to do.

"You do not have to worry. I will not harm the woman." He said.

"Somehow that doesn't reassure me." Ishida said.

Placing her hand on Uryu's arm, Orihime said gently, "Really Ishida-kun, I'll be fine. Ulquiorra has never hurt me before."

She had a way of glossing over the facts, but he wasn't going to comment about that. It was obvious though that Ishida was thinking the same thing, yet something in her gaze caused the teen to capitulate.

"Alright, just don't be too long. You don't want to be late on your first day back."

She nodded again and smiled. Ishida shot him a look as he passed, but continued on to class.

Inoue turned her attention back to Ulquiorra, her expression hopeful.

Still angry he said, "You should know not to go against my commands."

"We're not in Hueco Mundo anymore. You're not in charge of me. I can do as I want." She replied obviously angered by his words.

He returned her statement with a stare. She tried to hold her own against him, but eventually she looked down.

After a moment she said softly, "I just wanted to help. I couldn't heal you in Las Noches and you almost died."

"It is because of that that I forbid you healing me. You couldn't reject my injury because you had exhausted yourself."

"But I was rested." She countered.

"It took you four days to recover your strength. You could have done yourself even greater harm."

This brought a smile to her face and she said, "You were concerned for me?"

He stiffened at her question. Concern never fueled his actions in the past. He had given up caring for other people's needs a long time ago.

"You are placing more value in my words than was meant."

With a dreamy look on her face she said, "You were being kind."

"I was doing no such thing," he responded uncomfortable with her train of thought. "If something were to happen to you, Urahara would have no reason to protect me from the Soul Society."

She eyed him skeptically. "Urahara-san would never do that, but if you want to use that as your excuse then I won't say anything different."

"I do not rely on excuses."

A bell began to ring across the school yard and Inoue jumped. Panicked she said, "Oh no we're gonna be late!" Grabbing his hand she began to run. "We need to hurry. Maybe if we're not too late Sensei won't be angry. After all it is your first day. She'll go easy on you."

Inoue tore through the halls, stopping long enough to trade out her shoes at her locker. Stopping outside the door to their classroom she paused and took a deep breath.

Turning to him she said, "I'm sure everything will be fine."

She opened the door and walked in the room with him following closely behind. He couldn't help but notice the room grow silent as they entered.

From her place at the front of the room the teacher called out to Inoue. "Have you forgotten the starting time for school while you were away Orihime?"

He stepped forward and gave a bow. Holding out the paper that Urahara had given him that morning he said, "I apologize. It was my fault Sensei. Inoue-san was just helping me find my way to class."

The teacher walked over to them and took the paper from him. "So you are my new student." Walking back to her desk she said absently, "Maybe you'll last a little longer than my previous transfer students." She then looked up and said, "Inoue you can find your desk."

"Thank you Sensei." She said and walked away.

"Alright," she continued with her eyes on him. "Why don't you introduce yourself to the class?"

He turned and faced the students. "I am Ulquiorra Cifer."

"Yes." The teacher said. "Is there anything else you would like to share with us, your family, hobbies, clubs you may be interested in…"

He looked at her and then back at the class. "I don't really have a family." This brought a few sighs from some of the girls. He paused and then said, "I am living with my guardian. And though I have no real hobbies, I was told by a friend that I should join the Karate Club because I'm a pretty good fighter."

This elicited a gasp from Asano, who was slouched over in his seat.

"Well then you should talk with Tatsuki after class. She's our resident black belt and one of the best in the entire school."

"Thank you Sensei." He said. Tatsuki was the same person that Asano had warned Kurosaki about earlier. This could get very interesting.

"Why don't you take a seat over there?" She pointed to the empty seat next to Ichigo. "I'm sure Ichigo will help you if you have any questions."

She then turned back to the board and continued the lesson.


Orihime sat daydreaming at her desk. She knew she should be focusing on the lesson, but her mind kept going back to her conversation earlier with Ulquiorra. She would never have guessed the reason why he had refused her help was out of concern for her safety. Oh he could try to deny it, but she knew that he lying.

She glanced over at him. He was engrossed in the lesson, or at least it looked like he was. His expression was so serious that she almost felt another case of the giggles come on her. Suppressing them she looked away. As she looked around the room she noticed that many of the girls in the class were stealing glances at him as well.

She looked back at him with wonder. Did they all find him cute? This caused her to take a more critical look. With his dark hair and green eyes, she supposed that he could be considered attractive. Definitely the green eyes; you didn't see eyes like that every day. Almost like having orange hair.

This caused her to turn her attention to Ichigo. He was so different than Ulquiorra. As far as looks went they were like night and day, but the same could be said about their temperaments. Ichigo was so hot headed and emotional. He wasn't afraid to show how he felt, where as Ulquiorra kept everything hidden. He was so controlled and unemotional.

She thought back to the time when she lost control of her anger and slapped him. He had held back, she knew it. Any of the other Espada would have punished her severely, she understood that. But he had simply walked away.

Still she had sensed the anger there, just below the surface. She knew he worked hard to keep his detached appearance, but she saw cracks in that armor. He had shown it in front of Aizen when he refused to kill her, and then again today when he had voiced his concern for her well being.

Once again she shifted her focus to Ulquiorra. He was still following the lesson, as should she, but she couldn't get her head into it. With her head resting in her hand she sighed. What was wrong with her?

Suddenly Ulquiorra's gaze changed. He barely moved his head, but his eyes shifted her way. She jumped slightly and looked away, embarrassed to be caught staring. Facing forward she tried to look like she was listening to the teacher, but it was hard to hear her over the loud thumping of her heart.

Eventually she was able to calm down. Before long the lesson was over. The morning seemed to fly by and as they broke for lunch, Tatsuki made her way to Orihime's desk.

"What's the deal with that new guy?" she asked.

"Huh?" she asked.

"He looks real familiar. Somehow I know I've seen him before, but how can that be?"

Orihime hadn't thought about that. Tatsuki had been at the park that day when Ulquiorra had first appeared in Karakura town. If she remembered him it could be disastrous for all of them.

"He must just have a familiar face." She said nervously.

"No, that's not it. Augh, this is going to drive me nuts until I figure it out."

"Maybe you should just forget about it for now. We haven't had much time to talk since I got back."

"Yeah, I guess you're right, and believe me we have a lot to talk about."

"Then let's go." She replied enthusiastically. Pushing Tatsuki to the door she said, "How about we go outside?"

"It's a little cold don't you think?"

"Really," she said scratching her head. "I think it's refreshing."

"Only you," Tatsuki said. "Fine let's go."

She smiled, relieved that for now she had averted catastrophe. Still how long could she keep her friend distracted before she discovered the truth, and when she did, how would she keep her from killing Ulquiorra?