Sorry for the long wait! I've been busy with school. Yeah, I'm taking classes even on summer. Dedicated to Mizuki's Star, Astalavisbon, sumerrayah, Saiumi, Bokmal14, Kavyle, Icealeena, super1 and hitokiri angel for reviewing, MiserableAttBest, Culeomew, ThatPaladin, 4differentpersonalities, Blu inu, The Silent Cartographeresse, minaseiko1, makarayou, nosebleed15, ArethaHiwatari, anniabella, super1 and Cap'n Awesome for favoriting, Angel Peace, sumerrayah, Tiny Cherie, rimahikoandamutofan, ScarletRed666, MarHeavenAngel, Dhampirangel and HollowSanity for alerting, and to Black-Widow-Girl for alerting me as an author; it's always an honor!
Silent Connection
Ulquiorra was left alone to take care of the human woman in the bed, and he had not been able to deny it was his wish to understand that very woman.
He turned to her yet again and observed her some more.
Why is it that I try to understand this woman? – He would ask himself repeatedly.
It just made no sense to him that a human woman would attract his interest this much. He had no recollection of trying so hard for anyone before, not even Aizen.
Being at a loss as to what to do at first, or what to think for that matter, he limited to dousing his sleeve's rag to keep her forehead cool. The rest of the time, he would do nothing but sit there like a statue. Even Orihime in her condition seemed to move more than he did.
Time ticked by, although it was hard to tell how much since the moon never moved at all from its position in the sky, or perhaps time merely felt longer than it really was. Whichever the case, Ulquiorra just couldn't come up with an answer, not even a justification or a reasoning that could lead to it.
There was something that was the last thing he wanted happening; however, he had given that possibility zero thoughts until after it happened. It started with a soft groan from her. Her breathing slowly changed. She opened her lips as to let the air into her more easily. Her eyelids trembled as the unsteady eyelashes would show, and they slowly opened to reveal dark grey eyes.
Without lifting her head, she turned her look towards the nearest subject. Ulquiorra merely returned the stare. It might have been expected for her to have been surprised or perhaps scared, or maybe for her to immediately sit up and get away from him. She did nothing. Her eyes seemed, as if they wouldn't react to the sight of him even though she clearly knew he was there yet would not judge or fear him; quite the opposite, they seemed to look at him with familiarity. Whether she was already used to seeing him or had somehow sensed he was there even before opening her eyes he didn't know, and that was bothering him greatly, for some strange reason. Neither would utter a word.
As a result, the atmosphere enclosed some tension in it despite not one of the two doing as much as hinting it outwardly.
Her waking up without him yet having an answer to his query somehow felt as a time's-up signal. He didn't feel comfortable about it. It was extremely unusual for him to not be able to figure something out… Rather, it used to be. Lately, a lot of things regarding two particular females were beyond what he could understand without straining his mind.
Orihime felt weak and without energy to sit up. She merely stared at him blankly.
Ulquiorra wanted to break away from that impasse, but he was clueless as to how. She did not look like she'd do it herself, so the trouble was on him.
He decided he'd just speak at first. Then he recalled she had been keen in ignoring him before she ended up in bed. What could he do then? He needed to do something. Anything was good, just something. That is when his eyes landed on the water bowl next to him. He almost anxiously took the cloth from her forehead to dip it in the water. Even that was better than being imprisoned in their awkward silent staring.
Orihime had been taken aback for a moment. She had not until then realized she had something on her brow. She followed his moves with her eyes. She noted the cloth he doused was white with a black line. Curiously enough, the left sleeve of his jacket was ripped.
Why did I have that on my forehead…? – She thought drowsily. - I feel hot. How strange. It's usually cold here… I can't move… I see. I felt weak before. Did I faint…? How long have I been sleeping?
Ulquiorra slowly placed the cloth back in her forehead. Orihime was too tired to make much of a facial expression, but she truthfully was surprised.
I see. I have a fever… Could that be his sleeve? It doesn't make sense though. Why rip his clothes? Was there nothing else to use?
Ulquiorra prolonged the duration of his trivial action as much as possibly, but it was just not possible to make it last forever. Still, he felt disappointed. Now what else could he do?
He turned to her again inevitably. Her factions had changed slightly.
Is she surprised? – He wondered. – That is probably not strange. Not even I would have guessed before I'd end up doing this.
Most astonishingly but without much attention being given to, Ulquiorra had guessed right about Orihime being surprised. For the first time, he had gotten it right with her.
He only lasted a few more seconds like that. He decided to speak himself once and for all.
-You fainted. – He informed. – This happened because you have not been eating right.
A sermon was all he came up with. Even he knew how pitiable that was considering the effect it would have was the opposite of what he desired, but who could be encouraged to talk back to him after such words?
Orihime had this sensation of awkwardness as well. She had not fallen sick in a while. The last time she ended bedridden and needed that kind of attentions she was a little girl, and her brother had not died yet. She took a few moments to reminiscence about those happier times. Despite having had to withstand the hits from an impatient drunk father and a rough decadent mother, she still believed her childhood had been happy because her brother was there for her, taking the hits for her whenever possible and smiling to her and teaching her to smile herself.
Ulquiorra misunderstood her silence, thinking she was still resolved to not tell him a word and that his sermon deterred her even more from talking. He could picture for a moment S's reproving stare, shaking her head, maybe hitting his too. He was authentically lost as to what to do. Such a feeling was frustrating to him.
Orihime's mind came back to her white dull cell. She could hardly believe she was so weak she could hardly move by then and that she had been requiring special care and none other than from her capturer.
The last thing I remember is that I was trying to ignore him. – Orihime recalled. – How long has it been since then? Has he been here the whole time?
Suddenly, she opened her mouth as to talk. Ulquiorra looked at her attentively, surprised to see she was actually willing to speak.
For a moment his heartbeat changed. Her initiating conversation would spare him from this unusual silence. He had no idea how come he could feel uncomfortable in silence when what felt both to have and not have been long ago silence was the most natural environment for him. Regardless, he wanted that unpleasant silence to end.
Orihime emitted an unintelligible sound. She paused. Ulquiorra frowned slightly. What had happened? She tried to speak again but still failed. She gave up. She recognized the discomfort in her throat as soreness.
He understood from watching that she was unable to talk. What he felt then, something akin to hope, resulted in disappointment.
Ulquiorra simply didn't like being in that position, unsure of what to do, what to say, how to act.
This is so absurd…! – He thought. - How can a mere human woman make me have this sensation? She's not doing anything extraordinary; she's not doing anything!
His visage, unbeknownst to him, was far from what she was used to seeing. It showed that he was anxious, and she could see it without trouble.
Orihime at first believed her sleepy eyes were playing tricks on her, but she soon understood that was indeed Ulquiorra Schiffer's face, exposed like she had never seen before (that she remembered). It was a tad melancholic due to his frustration, softer than she had imagined it could look. He even pressed his hand against his forehead. That gesture seemed so…Humane. Right now, he looks no different than a human.
He, unwitting of her contemplating him with surprise, couldn't take it anymore. Feeling like a lost soul was worse than asphyxiating to him. He quickly turned his soft expression away and brusquely stood up, which she did not expect.
Ulquiorra didn't stop to note her eyes had suddenly opened wider.
Turning on his heel, he walked calmly towards the door.
I knew it. I can't do it after all, S. – He thought.
A groan from behind him made him stop in his tracks.
He slowly turned his neck but not his body. His green eyes met her in an unexpected position, nearly sitting up while supporting her back's weight over her elbows. She trembled slightly, letting him know she was not brimming with energy, yet her eyes were dissonant from weak. They had a strong appeal in them that drove him to turn around fully and exchange glances with her.
Does she want me to stay? – Ulquiorra wondered confused.
After some more time, he finally walked towards her and sat down by the side of the bed. It was not until then that she let her arms surrender and lied on her back again.
Truth be told, not even herself knew why she had done what she did.
It's like my body moved on its own. – She tried to reason her actions inwardly. – For some reason, I suddenly tried to sit up… I don't know why, but I do not want him to leave… I just don't want to be alone.
Ulquiorra looked at her. He could tell with a glance she still didn't feel well enough to talk. He once again was in the trouble of not knowing what to say. However, strangely enough, it was already different from what it was minutes before. He no longer felt as uncomfortable and the silence was not as nerve-racking.
He noted that, in the act of attempting to sit, the cloth of his sleeve had fallen from her brow.
He picked it up and moved as to place it back there. He, however, did something she did not see coming. He pressed his pale hand against her forehead first, and then he placed the cloth there.
-38.2 degrees Celsius. – He spoke softly, sounding somewhat more natural than before. – Your fever still hasn't gone down enough.
Orihime blinked. She remembered her brother yet again.
-You won't recover fast at this rate because you are lacking nutrients in your body. You need to eat. – He told her.
She was surprised to say the least. Before, he would utter words like those, and they always sounded as reproaches for her not making his 'duty' easier, but that time was different. His tone wasn't scolding, it was even soft. Moreover, his face was not the usual. The way he looked at her made it seem as if he authentically cared for her wellbeing rather than her wellbeing being his obligation for Aizen's orders. She had been confused about him for a while already, but right then she was absolutely lost.
How can it be? – She thought troubled. – How can it be that the same person is giving me such a different feeling right now compared to before? It… It doesn't make sense. It's so fishy, but I still can't suspect him… And his face seems so different too. His cold face is no longer indifferent or strict. Somehow, he doesn't scare me or make me shudder. Somehow.
X Flashback X
-Remember your place, woman. – Ulquiorra scolded.
-Of course. I am the prisoner and you are the captor. How could I forget that?
Orihime had gotten Ulquiorra Schiffer speechless with her insolence.
-I am merely doing what I was ordered to, woman. – He retaliated.
Is he trying to defend himself? – She thought. – That's ridiculous. Why bother? He kidnapped me. How could he believe I'd excuse him because he followed orders…? Moreover, why would he care? Didn't he say before that I'm trash?
-I still think it's not alright. – Orihime replied, not exactly sure why she even tried to express herself to him.
-What is?
-You told me you follow orders because you must in order to live. You live to obey. I still don't agree.
-Your consent is not necessary for Aizen, woman. Remember I am your captor but he is your master.
Orihime turned her face to the wall again and remained silent again.
-It's true. – She said, surprisingly. – Aizen has my life in his hands. – She then turned to him. – Just like he has yours.
She could tell by glancing at him how troubled he felt by her words. It was a rare sight to her. It was as if she held some power over him, an Espada. Did her opinion matter to him that much? If she was just trash, why did he not just shrug off her words? That Arrancar had given her the impression he was a logical being but recently he seemed more nonsensical than anything; she couldn't understand him or figure him out.
-I do not mind being in my position. – Ulquiorra answered.
His usual stance was not present in him there. The way he talked was more insecure than convicing. She didn't believe him, and the way she looked at him emitted that clearly.
-I have no interest in being 'free' as you would say. – He said.
-Freedom is something many people have died in order to get. I cannot believe there is someone who would not think something is wrong if they were prisoners.
Making him as uncomfortable as she had ever seen him, he left without another word.
X End of flashback X
Back then, she herself didn't quite know why she said all that or why she insisted in speaking without regard for his notable discomfort. She didn't consider herself sadistic enough to enjoy that, but part of her really wanted her to listen to that, as if she had been wishing to tell him that for a long time. She really didn't understand that man, and the way she acted when he was around was even less comprehensible.
Ulquiorra stared at her quietly, not being good with conversations, especially the type in which he was the only interlocutor.
A silent pause occurred. It was surprisingly peaceful and tension-free unlike a little while agone.
She'd continue thinking about how she hardly believed how much he had changed in the short while (or at least she thought it was short) that she was out. Simultaneously, he would think about her. For hours, he had appreciated her every sleeping feature, every one but her eyes because they had been closed until then.
What color are those eyes? – He thought with unexpected concentration. – Brown? Dark green? Dark grey? A mixture of navy blue and brown? That color is rather unusual. What color did I use to think they were before? Did I even think about it before? Of course I didn't. There is little benefit or point in knowing her irises' color. Then how come I can't stop thinking about that? How come I can't look away from them? What is it about them that could make them any more special than any other human's? Why do they seem to have a hypnotizing effect when they couldn't possibly? What are they seeing right now? I can see my own reflection in them. They are focusing on me. What exactly do they see in me? What is she thinking concerning myself? Is it something good? It is something bad? What exactly would be good or bad? Rather, why does she give the impression she's amused while thinking of me? … Why do I have to ask myself all these questions? This amount is ludicrous, especially when they are hardly relevant. I also have no idea as to how I could find those answers. Her muteness is of no help either.
Ulquiorra wasn't aware of it, but he was, as others would call it, captivated by those eyes. His mind was dancing to those orbs' will. Her thoughts, all concerning the subject of her eyes, would also be disordered, and more chaotic than his. True enough, Ulquiorra's questions were not really relevant as far as anyone else's opinion would say, but Orihime's confused thoughts and interrogatives were a dilemma, for they presented her a conflict between the perception she had of the Cuarta Espada from the time he abducted her to the present. She had seen radical changes in him in that short lapse of time. It felt as if she had seen more sides and angles in him than she could remember seeing. Nothing made sense anymore. Like the Arrancar, she too couldn't understand why her mind wouldn't stop rambling about him. She didn't get how she could find him fascinating in the least.
That was a moment in which they were each analyzing the information they had of the other while their gazes communicated silently but very openly that they felt an interest for one another, that they cared to understand what the other thought. It was the strangest of mental games any of them had yet played.
Having too many questions motivates even the less talkative ones to speak out in order to obtain answers more quickly than they could be obtained with silence.
-I do not understand why you'd want me to stay… - He began.
She looked away for a second. She feebly shrugged.
-Do you even have a reason to want me to stay? – He asked.
She shook her head with half-closed eyes. Much to her surprise, he didn't stand up and leave after calling her an illogical woman. How come he had accepted that as an answer? That didn't feel like him.
-I find that irrational. Although to want something for no particular reason is characteristic of humans… – He commented. – I have thought about that before, but I could not see an answer as to why that happens… I should be able to. That's what she would say.
Orihime was not sure who he meant by 'she', but she got the idea that he meant some woman that ought to be extraordinary in order for Ulquiorra Schiffer to express himself that way about her.
Does that mean that he can relate to others? – Orihime wondered.
He then stood up. Orihime followed him with her eyes, lifting her head as well. Her look questioned him as to where he was going. She didn't want to be alone, and that showed in her eyes. Ulquiorra could only wonder why she'd seek his company after everything that had passed. Does this have anything to do with her physical condition? – He reasoned.
-You need to eat. I will have something made for you. – He said with a static face before walking to the door.
As he was about to close it behind him, he turned to see she still had her ineffable eyes on him.
-I will be right back. – He added out of nowhere, catching himself by surprise.
He closed the door. For the first time in hours the object of his eyes was not her. He still found it strange how he tried hard to understand Orihime Inoue although he had already come to accept as a fact that he was interested in knowing Orihime Inoue. (He needed strong convincing from S in order to finally accept it as it was, though). As to how he would do it or why he wanted to do it, those were different issues he was far from answering then.
He arrived to the small kitchen, occupying only a little more space than Orihime cell did. There was not a large amount of food stored either, and it being there seemed futile yet since Orihime refused to eat. The main reason of that room's existence was her humane needs, after all.
He met there the one he least expected to meet. He should've already been used to the sight of her, though.
S wore black pants and shoes, a white overcoat with long sleeves and buttons in the front and a tomato red apron around her waist. To compliment her cosplay, she wore a chef's hat, though her loose hair stuck out from it clearly, making it obvious she was a cosplayer, not a cook.
She greeted him with her usual smile, though at that point he no longer knew if that smile was her true one since he had seen a much more innocent and carefree one on her before.
She approached him wordlessly and patted him on the shoulder with more strength than her appearance would let know she possessed.
Ulquiorra wasn't sure how to react even after seeing her wide grin showing her nice and white teeth set.
-Do you even conceive how proud I am of you, Ulquiorra Schiffer? – She proceeded to explain without showing emphasis in her grin as a sign of the truthfulness to her words.
Ulquiorra blinked. Other than that, he was still at a loss.
-I do not understand what you're talking about, S.
S sighed, but her grin didn't vanish.
-I guess I really shouldn't be surprised you don't, should I? – She shook her head to tease him.
There was a time only hours before in which her teasing was very effective to annoy Ulquiorra Schiffer, but his current attitude that did not react at all to her comment showed it had come to the point where he was already used to it. Moreover, regardless of how hopeless it seemed or how he had more than enough work already trying to communicate with a human teenager, part of Ulquiorra simply and unconsciously refused to give up figuring out S. It was his nature to be analytical, so he couldn't help it. Instead of letting the small teasing comments get to him, he would observe her keenly to get more information from her, though that purpose usually ceased when S's word play came forth.
-It's because you are finally showing your worth. – S explained. – You were about to resource to your cowardly habits, Ulquiorra. Because you naturally dislike not knowing how to proceed, you were about to run away and leave a sick girl behind. That was cold, you know? I was already sighing, thinking I'd have to begin recurring to methods I do not want to use, in order to get you to stay but a couple of hours with her…
Is she saying only 2 hours have passed since I was in that room with her? – Ulquiorra thought, interrupting. – Could it have been that little when it felt like 2 days' worth of hours?
-…It took one groan from her, but at least you listened to it! – S continued nonchalantly although aware of what his thoughts were. – Ulquiorra, you turned! You went back to sit with her. You were in an uncomfortable situation, but you were willing to go through it because she wanted you there… I am so proud of you! – She repeated, unable to hide her glee, or maybe she didn't even try to hide it.
Ulquiorra felt a little surprised at her words. He remembered all the words that specific woman had told him in the recent days' hours, which were more numerous than any number of words he could recall having been told as far as his memory went. After that all, he knew well S had put her share of effort in that lapse of time too. He couldn't understand why, but she truly tried as best as she could to make him open up 'for the sake of his happiness', as she justified. The excitement she was reflecting that instant was the product of pride for having done something and gotten a good result; it was proof that her effort was heartfelt. He couldn't say honestly that he could look at her and tell her true feelings, for he considered himself far from understanding her that deeply, but he could at least tell that her blue eyes were not those of a liar.
S turned to pull a stool to sit on. Her chin was propped up by her elbow over the bar.
-S, why did she ask me to stay with her? – He asked pensively. – As far as she remembers, I am but the one who placed her in her situation, although I was merely following orders.
-Orders or not, you cannot expect her to sympathize with you and try to understand your motives. Humans naturally lean to see every bad thing in their wrongdoers as much as they lean to see every virtue in the people they love. – S responded calmly with inklings of a grin still present in her visage.
-That is nonsensical. – Ulquiorra replied serious.
-Of course it is. However, you yourself are fond of thinking humans like to act irrationally, right? – She teased, and her grin then widened. – As for Orihime's motives, I cannot say.
He frowned at her reply. However, he was still skeptical about it.
-Has it come to the point in which your help is limited? – Ulquiorra asked with a tone that proved he didn't believe she'd suddenly stop lecturing about his incompetence to communicate like a regular human.
S laughed briefly, confusing him and bothering him further.
-What are you saying, Ulquiorra? Of course that's not it. I said it hundreds of times already. I am here to help and for no other purpose… You really overestimate me, did you know that? I might have powers you do not comprehend, but by no means does that mean I know absolutely everything. I cannot say what Orihime – San's motives were because she herself is confused about it. As we chat, she's in her room-slash-cell thinking more seriously than we this instant. Although, I'll admit I have an idea of what her motives could be while she is clueless about it. I can't blame her entirely though, for I did erase part of her memories of the first days she was here.
She turned to him. His frown that time conveyed a different type of confusion than the previous one he wore.
-She doesn't know? – He asked. – How could she look at me so intently as if she really wanted me to stay if she didn't know in the first place?
-Why, that is completely irrelevant to her wanting you to stay. There is not a logical explanation behind every desire we have. Sometimes we may want something badly but the reason why we want it is blurry to us in the beginning or at some point, even while we're trying to obtain it. Motives can be quite vague and still be enough for us to act upon them. If what we want can be obtained with relative ease, we might not even need any other motive than wishing to satisfy our petty wish. Orihime – San does not understand why your presence soothed her, but it did. That is all there is to her request and nothing more.
-My presence soothed her? – Ulquiorra asked skeptical.
-It did. – She confirmed.
-Although blurry, she did have a reason, correct?
-Correct. – S replied amused. – In this case, there is a reason why, but she doesn't know what it is.
-Why would she go so far, even trying to muster energy to sit up, when the reason is unclear to her?
Upon listening to him, S guffawed, taking him aback. She was much more loudly than she had expressed humor before. Moreover, her shaking shoulders and her struggle to not fall off the stool lasted a good twenty seconds. Tears of laughter began forming in her eye corners. Ulquiorra stared but not with his usual callous self. His scowl was formed and his curled lip spoke for his displeasure.
At last, S recovered her composure.
-May I ask what you found so hilarious, S? – Ulquiorra asked offended and sounding as such, and that was a first.
-Because! – S giggled. – You actually asked that! You of all people asked that question. Ulquiorra you've been for several hours dealt with this trial beyond the ordinary in these extraordinary circumstances for an objective you merely know you want for no clear reason, and you still asked that. Tell me from what angle is that not funny! – She ended with another laugh, though not as intense or long as before.
Ulquiorra's green irises expanded. How could he have asked that? Did this indicate that he, by doing something illogical, been acting humane all that while?
S had left him to his thoughts and meanwhile served herself a glass of a nice wine she found.
Turning to him, she offered Ulquiorra another stool for him to sit on, and he wordlessly and unblinking sat on it.
Several minutes passed. S entertained herself by observing him quietly, occasionally sipping some red wine.
She decided to not hear his thoughts to give him some privacy. She was not fond of listening to thoughts anyways, although, of course, that wouldn't stop her from using that ability when she deemed it necessary or opportune.
Despite the handicap, she could still see how confused and chaotic his mind was just by looking at his face. His inferior lip made a distinctive gesture when his head was in havoc, and his green orbs would also tremble unstably. To make an educated guess, he was thinking about the evidence of him effectively being like a human. He had accepted it, but he was still to embrace that truth.
Once she thought him calmed enough, she continued.
-As you can realize, you and her already have something in common, your humane actions and wishes. – Her grin softened into a more sympathetic and elegant one. – Isn't that great, Ulquiorra?
Ulquiorra didn't reply immediately. He slowly fixed his eyes on S, who attentively showed she was willing to listen to him.
-You said you had an idea of what her reason could be. I'd like to hear it.
S narrowed her eyes, very intrigued about his request. She hadn't expected his next words to be something related to understanding Orihime. Before, it was her who had to retrieve that subject from the back of his head. She felt even prouder of him. He had yet to fully accept his humanity, but he had at last embraced his own desire and at last was trying truly to understand Orihime Inoue. S had thought that at his pace he'd need some more time to progress that much. She had to do some effort to suppress her glee.
Still, she allowed herself to grin wider, knowing he'd attribute it to something else, and shrugged her shoulders.
-Like I said, I do not know all about everyone. I don't know exactly what about you she finds comforting enough to compare you to her brother. I myself found that a surprise.
Ulquiorra's eyes grew more open but also seemed momentarily disoriented.
-Her brother? – He asked slowly.
-Ah yes. She had a brother. You probably didn't know, though, and do not expect me to be the one to tell you about him. – S's smile became toothy. – You will ask about him yourself if you're curious enough, and your face tells me you certainly are. 'How could she compare me to a relative of hers? That hardly seems possible given her opinion of me. Then, what is in truth her opinion of me? Does she not hate me? Does she not despise me? Does she not think I'm not sane? What kind of man was he to be comparable to me in any regard?' Your thoughts are flooding with this many questions when I told you something so brief, Ulquiorra. – She chuckled. – You're indeed fond of asking yourself things in order to analyze everything, and I cannot even question that fact.
Ulquiorra gazed elsewhere. That was S's way of suggesting him a topic for conversation. Then again, he wasn't supposed to know she had thought of her brother. Bringing him up for no apparent reason might seem strange to her.
-And I'll repeat what I said since you didn't quite understand it all. – S announced while standing up and walking about. – You do not need a reason to want to acquire something. That something can be knowledge. For absolutely no reason, you could go ahead and ask perfect strangers if they're liking the weather of that place at that time.
-That is random.
S laughed.
-Indeed, 'random' is the best word to describe that. Humans are more random than they acknowledge to be; pretty much all living creatures are. That, however, is not necessarily a bad thing. What is random is unpredictable. What is unpredictable is not boring at all.
Ulquiorra somehow managed to grasp something more to her words. He then realized S usually expressed herself very uniquely about humans. She called humans 'them' more often than 'us'. He still had present what she had told him in the saddest position he had seen her so far: 'If I had the humane essence you have, I'd be happy, you know?' She also mentioned that she was bound to Hueco Mundo forever, and she said it with a voice different from her usual one, a voice that lacked vivacity in every way, unlike the words she directed to him, filled with her very best efforts.
Ulquiorra looked at S. He could tell she was in a good mood, but part of her looked less bright than normal.
S, are you sad? I cannot tell. Her drinking wine could have a relation to that too, possibly.
S was no longer oblivious to his thoughts. She sighed inwardly only.
Is he worrying about me? – She thought with a desire to laugh, but had she done so, it would've sounded dull and without any sincerity in it. – This is in part my fault. I was careless for a moment due to stress… It seems my attitude a couple of hours ago had an impact on you… I can't let you focus on me too much. You're already busy enough with Orihime –San.
Like magic, S got a plate with a vegetable stew from behind her, although behind her there was only air. It was much like the time she made a mirror appear from nowhere.
-Take this to Orihime – San. – S instructed with a smile as she handed the fancy bowl to his pale hands. – This has plenty of nutrients for her to recover her energy.
Ulquiorra alternated his look from S to the bowl.
-What are you waiting for? – S teased before sipping the last of what was left in her wineglass.
-S, do you know how to cook? – Ulquiorra asked.
S lifted an eyebrow. Ulquiorra was surprising her too much in a short lapse of time. That was very unusual
-See? You're already practicing how to be random. – She joked.
Ulquiorra didn't make the slightest movement to indicate he'd be leaving with that answer. S placed the empty wineglass down.
-You really are trying to get to know me even though your hands are pretty much tied?
Ulquiorra looked down for a second before looking at her blue eyes again with some more determination.
-At least a little. – He confessed.
She sighed softly and formed a little smile. That was her way of ceding, of saying 'alright'.
-No, I don't. I didn't cook that either. – She replied bluntly.
Ulquiorra's face showed he received the answer. It was until then that he began heading back to where Orihime was. Part of him felt satisfied about that encounter with S not being as dramatic or strange as most times. It was…peaceful enough and not as confusing. It only proved S had been right before. Things felt easier now that he understood what he had to do, although the explanation was missing. But after that talk, he wondered if there even was an explanation.
S filled the wineglass again to congratulate herself for the starting fruition.
This is a good thing. Time is running out already. I could not afford Ulquiorra to continue so slowly anymore.
Back in the room-slash-cell, Orihime too had a lot to think about.
I feel very confused. He constantly changes his attitude in strange ways. He at times seems uncomfortable, yet he looks like he's forcing himself to talk to me. Is that part of Aizen's orders? What purpose could that have? (…) If they're not Aizen's orders, then why is he doing it? He said before all cared about was to keep me alive and well. Most probably, he is with me now only because I'm sick… Yes, that has to be it… Yet, his expression is so different. He still looks troubled, but something about his eyes made his worry look sincere. They were centimeters away from mine. Could they have looked so convincing when they were that close to me? How come I could remember my brother then? Nii - San loved me. Ulquiorra Schiffer doesn't… He doesn't… (…) It was really strange. I dreamt he called me by my name. 'Orihime, what's wrong?', he asked me.
She weakly attempted to smile and made a movement that would've resulted in her shaking her head had she been in all her faculties. That chances of that happening seemed that absurd to her.
That wouldn't ever happen. – She thought to herself. – Things feel more confusing than they should. I wonder who is more illogical, Ulquiorra Schiffer or myself.
I have to apologize for the delay, but you can't help it when you're a college student. I truly appreciate that you like this story so much that you wish I could update faster; I myself wish the same. Sadly, no matter how much we wish, I really cannot update any faster, and it's not because I am discouraged about writing; I'm not lying when I say I'm unable to write often. I wish this chapter were longer and more appealing after making you wait so long… Still, you could say this chapter was important. So far it has been more Ulquiorra-centric, but now I can start getting Orihime more involved too. ^^ As for the pop quiz's answer, nobody guessed correctly. The character in which I took inspiration to create our beloved S is: Yuuko Ichihara from xxxHolic! :D I even attempted to make her as sexy and awesome as her. I am aware I am still to work on the latter part, but perhaps I've succeeded in the former? If you haven't checked it out, do so. ;)