DISCLAIMER - see chapter one
"Hanataro-kun! What are you doing out here?" Yumichika asked in surprise as he entered the yard wearing his Gigai. The young medic was sitting on the deck leaning on the wall, his knees at his chest with a steaming cup of something in his hands. At Yumichika's voice he looked up in surprise and smiled as the older man approached and sat beside him,
"Yumichika-san! What are you doing here?" He asked, either ignoring or missing Yumichika's question. Leaning back Yumichika felt the strain leave his Gigai's back. That was the problem with not using them for so long, they were stored at Ichigo's and he left them hunched up in the bottom of the closet.
"I'm off duty, so I came to visit…Hitsugaya and Kuchiki-taicho have returned to Seireitei, so the rest of us are on stand down unless there's a sudden emergency." He replied with a wince as he rotated his stiff shoulder in annoyance, wondering if he should find somewhere else to leave it. Urahara was an option, but he'd already been warned about the Shopkeeper and his habit of asking favours in return. Perhaps that Inoue girl would agree…
"I'll be the same once I'm finished here." Hanataro replied as he sipped the hot liquid, which looked like hot chocolate. It seemed that they had all adapted to the Human World quickly, which was strange to Yumichika. The Human World had always been there, but it was only now that Shinigami were interacting with it on a regular basis, but then a century ago there were no Gigai…
"Meaning you'll be going back to Soul Society?" Yumichika asked, bending one leg while the other stretched out in front of him. Despite it being only a short walk away Yumichika couldn't help but feel a little homesick at times. The real world was nice, but it wasn't Seireitei,
"Hai, I have a few errands to run first but…" Hanataro replied happily, apparently feeling the same was that Yumichika did, and though he'd never say it he knew Ikkaku felt the same. Even Rukia, who seemed to have set up a permanent home here, often returned to Soul Society at random intervals for no apparent reason.
"I think you can afford to leave for a while Hanataro-kun if you have things to do." A third voice said from the door, both Shinigami jerking in surprise. Hearing Hanataro's small sounds of panic Yumichika looked over in alarm to see him juggling his hot drink back and forth, trying not to spill it.
"You really are a klutz sometimes." Yumichika sighed as he reached out and grabbed the rim of the cup effortlessly, Hanataro sighing in relief as he took the hot drink. It had been a while since his clumsy side had shown itself, but Yumichika was quietly grateful that their training hadn't changed the medic that much.
"Gomen, did I startle you?" The Shopkeeper asked, hiding his amusement behind his paper fan as Hanataro gave him a somewhat sheepish look.
"Hai, ano, are you sure you won't need me?" The medic asked as he got to his feet, still sipping his drink as he looked at the older man. Yumichika stayed where he was on the deck, kicking back while he waited for the medic to get ready.
"Hai-hai! We can cope for a few hours, go on, have fun." Urahara replied as he led the way back inside, where Hanataro quickly finished his drink and climbed into his Gigai. As he stood he winced at the pain in his back, I really need to stop leaving it slumped over tables like this!
"I'll return shortly." Hanataro excused with a bow before hurrying out to Yumichika, who groaned and got to his feet. As he stood Hanataro winced at the sound of the older man's back cracking, the sound working its way up and rippling across his shoulders. Surprisingly this action was followed by a look of relief, "Didn't that hurt?" The medic asked.
Looking over his shoulder, his arms folded behind his head casually, Yumichika raised an eyebrow. For some reason since his joints had cracked he felt less stiff than before, the annoying urge to rotate his shoulder gone.
"Not at all…Is that normal?" He asked worriedly, hoping that this wouldn't cause unsightly lumps to appear beneath his skin. Blemishes he could deal with, but lumps? If they were made of disjointed bone he would never get them out! That would be horrible!
"Ano…Not that I know of." Hanataro replied thoughtfully, waving it off as Yumichika began to look worried, "It's fine, it's fine! I just thought that the release of pent up strain would be painful is all." He added quickly as he tugged the T-shirt he was wearing. He wasn't used to having the loose material at his waist, or the tight jeans for that matter.
"You could have chosen better clothes than that! And look at this hair!" Yumichika said in despair as he tugged on the ebony locks, which looked like they hadn't been cut in years. "You didn't request your Gigai like this did you?" The older man asked warily, knowing that Hanataro had little respect for his outward appearance.
"This is how I always look." Hanataro replied as his hazel eyes rolled upwards to get a look at his bangs. He didn't see much wrong with them, though perhaps they were getting a little long. He never noticed while in his own body.
"You really need to take better care of your appearance Hanataro! No wonder you Squad Four lot are always being picked on!" Yumichika replied in exasperation as he swept his hand through Hanataro's bangs. The rest of his hair was tied back in a short ponytail, but Yumichika could still see all the split ends. "Do me a favour and go to a hairdresser!" The older man sighed,
"But I don't have the money to spend on that!" Hanataro replied as he looked up the street and stopped to cross the road. Looking up Yumichika found that they were facing a familiar bakery. It was where he, Hanataro and Rin had met the dead chef and helped him to move on by making a cake he had planned to make for his mother.
"What are we doing here?" Yumichika asked as he followed the medic across the road, Hanataro quickly heading inside. At the door was the heavenly smell of cake, something Yumichika had taken a great liking to since he had tried it.
"I promised I'd get some cake for Rin and Yachiru-chan." Hanataro replied simply as he went to the display and looked at all the different cakes. Let's see…I think I'll see how Rin-san likes the lemon cake next, but what would Yachiru-chan like? He wondered as he peered in and hummed at the display, "Yumichika-san, what flavours does Yachiru-chan like?" The medic asked as he crouched at the display,
"That's a tough one…there are so many! Chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, honey, gingerbread…basically anything sweet." He replied as he leaned down over Hanataro's shoulder and looked inside with a bright smile. The cakes were all decorated so beautifully with delicate, intricate patterns. "This one!" Yumichika exclaimed loudly, Hanataro jumping beside him, a true work of art!
Looking up at Yumichika's shining violet eyes Hanataro followed their direction to a large chocolate cake with intricately drawn white chocolate patters and a delicately constructed lily in the centre. Hanataro had to admit it was beautiful, but would Yachiru-chan appreciate it or just eat it? Guess there's only one way to find out…
"Ano, excuse me Miss." Hanataro called politely as he got to his feet and looked over the counter. A young teenage girl with long blonde hair was just laying out some sticky buns in a cabinet further down, her hazel eyes looking up at his call.
"Yes, what can I do for you?" She asked with a smile as she pulled the small door shut and rested the tray on the counter to continue with later. As she walked over to Hanataro Yumichika wandered away, though the young medic didn't notice right away.
"I'd like this chocolate cake and a lemon cake please." He said politely, the girl behind the counter looking surprised before smiling and turning to grab two large boxes. From what Hanataro could tell the cakes were supposed to serve ten at least.
"Hey!" She said in alarm as she looked at the sticky buns, Hanataro turning with a shocked look as he saw Yumichika inching one off the tray. With a gentle chuckle he looked across at the shocked girl,
"Gomen, I guess we'll have two of those buns too." He said sheepishly, the girl smiling brightly in return as she pulled the boxes into shape. With a smile of his own Yumichika plucked a second sticky bun from the tray and headed over to Hanataro, where the young woman boxed the two large cakes for them.
"That'll be twenty-five fifty." She said with a smile as Hanataro pulled out his wallet. After handing over the money Hanataro led the way outside, where they sat on the small wall running alongside the shop.
"Arigato." Yumichika said as he handed one of the buns to Hanataro who chuckled as he took it. He had never expected Yumichika to do something like that, at least not for food. A pretty mirror or hair comb perhaps. "What's so funny?" Yumichika asked as Hanataro thought of Yumichika and Rangiku in a tug of war over a sweater.
"Nothing." The medic replied quickly as he took a large bite of his bun, making himself unable to answer. With a suspicious look Yumichika dropped the subject and took a bite of his own, his eyes lighting up at the sweet taste.
"So, have you heard about this ball?" The older man asked as he finished his bun in record time. He wasn't used to taking his time with his food; living on the streets had made both he and Ikkaku fast eaters. They never really stayed still all that long, and between drinking sake and fighting, food was a rushed affair only done because it was necessary. Yumichika hadn't taken up cooking really good food until he became Fifth Seat and had the time, not to mention the ingredients.
"Ball?" Hanataro said questioningly as he slowly chewed his bun while Yumichika licked his fingers clean, reminding himself to find a sink at the earliest convenience. If he got his sticky fingers on his skin it would cause greasy blemishes, maybe even spots, and that will not be tolerated!
"Hai, at Ichigo's school. It's going to take place in about two weeks and a bunch of us are going as security. We're not sure who yet, but as the medical officer you're likely to be one of them, so who will you go with?" The older man asked almost teasingly. Hanataro froze for a moment before realising that Yumichika was being serious and began choking on his bun. With a small chuckle Yumichika slapped his back a few times until the medic could breath again,
"Ball? Me? Date?" Was all he could stammer out as he stared at Yumichika in horror.
"What's the big deal? I'm sure you have a few girls in mind, right?" He asked, his smiled slipping as Hanataro shook his head, his shoulders slumping as he looked down at the floor. "Are you serious?" Yumichika asked, the medic nodding sheepishly,
"I'm not all that popular…In fact because I get all the odd jobs pushed on me I don't have much of a social life, at least I didn't until recently." Hanataro replied a little brighter. Well, at least that's one thing to be grateful for, he's not a complete sociopath. Yumichika thought positively,
"Well, you'd best think about it…You'll probably be officially notified in a few days." Yumichika said as Hanataro finished his bun and sighed, his eyes shifting upwards to look at the sky with an expression that said 'why me?' "Now come on, you treated me to a bun, so I'll get you a haircut." The older man added as he pulled Hanataro to his feet and all but dragged him down the street.
"Oh my God! Did you hear? Yamada from class five C just invited Sakura to the ball!" A feminine voice squealed, followed by many other squeals. Orihime giggled as she watched Ulquiorra's brow furrow somewhere between annoyance and despair, his green eyes opening to look at her. It was break, and he was tired due to his restless mind the night before. He wasn't sure he actually went to sleep at all.
"Has Ulquiorra invited anyone yet?" One girl asked, the voice telling him it was Miaka. He would know her voice anywhere, having sat next to her during art and helped her often with her homework.
"I don't think so." Another replied thoughtfully, the Espada shifting uncomfortably as he felt them looking over at him. Hearing a sigh he looked up to see Tatsuki leaning on Orihime's desk with an annoyed expression,
"Don't they have anything better to talk about?" She wondered aloud, Orihime laughing sheepishly with a slight blush. Honestly she had been thinking about the ball a lot herself, but knowing Tatsuki's feelings on the matter she'd not had anyone to talk to about it. She hadn't seen Rukia much to have a girly chat, so she had thought about it, wondering who would invite her this year. In the past she had always gone with her brother, and since his death she had skipped, but this year she was hoping someone would ask her.
"It seems this ball is a special occasion." Ulquiorra observed, leaning back down to his desk tiredly. In the background the girls continued to fuss over dates, wondering who would invite them and talking about the guys they hoped would approach them. Unfortunately Ulquiorra found he was the top choice on everyone's list,
"For some it is, I only go because my mum likes to go. She likes to talk to Sensei to make sure I'm working properly, plus it's a great opportunity to look for dates." Tatsuki replied with a grin, knowing that her mother had been very interested in Isshin for a long time. She and Ichigo often used to joke about it as they watched her mother flirt hopelessly with Ichigo's oblivious father.
"Ulquiorra! Have you invited anyone to the ball yet?" Miaka asked as she appeared at his side, a few of the other girls hovering behind her.
"No, not yet." Ulquiorra replied simply, watching the girls gather into a group and start whispering again. At the moment he wasn't even sure he wanted to go at all, after all he wasn't really getting on with everyone at the moment. Ishida had made his feelings clear, Ichigo was obviously disappointed in him, as was Rukia, and the people at the shop seemed a little more distant. Perhaps that is all the more reason to attend this ball…My decision will be made that night after all…
"Got anyone in mind?" Tatsuki asked meaningfully as she returned to her seat,
"I have, and you?" He asked in return, steering her away from that conversation. He could feel the girls behind him staring, hoping to get that vital piece of information, though he assumed a few had guessed. Looking across at Tatsuki he took the opportunity to glance at Orihime, who also seemed intent on Tatsuki's answer.
"No idea. Ichigo will be going with Rukia this year, so I guess I'll go alone." She replied nonchalantly, though Orihime could tell she was a little disappointed. Unfortunately due to her headstrong nature Tatsuki wasn't really seen as a girl, more as one of the boys, which was great for forming friendships, but lousy for dates.
"And you Orihime?" Ulquiorra asked, his green eyes fixing on the young redhead with interest. She blushed slightly as she looked across at him, feeling like the eyes of the whole class were fixed on her, and most of the girl's were.
"Ano, well no one has asked me yet…I've never gone with anyone other than my brother, Sora before now." She added as she looked at her hands, which she had folded in her lap. She couldn't help but miss Sora at times like this, especially at this time of the year, the time that families were supposed to be together.
"I find that hard to believe." Ulquiorra stated as he saw her expression drop, though he couldn't understand it. Grief was not an emotion he was overly familiar with. When a fellow Espada or Arrancar was killed it was usually looked upon with indifference or glee. Death usually meant a promotion for someone.
"What? Why?" Orihime asked, feeling a little bewildered as she looked across at the Espada, who was now looking up at the ceiling, his green eyes shifting to her with a warm glint,
"Because you are aesthetically pleasing to the eye with a kind and gentle personality. I imagine most males would find that attractive." Ulquiorra replied simply, Orihime blushing bright red in response, and Tatsuki couldn't help but smile. It seemed Ulquiorra knew exactly which buttons to press to get a blush from Orihime, in fact sometimes he didn't even have to speak. Still that's not necessarily a good thing…
"Tatsuki-san, may I speak with you?" Ishida asked as he appeared at her side. Tatsuki couldn't deny she was surprised and as Orihime gave her a questioning look she could only give a confused one in reply. Orihime watched as the two walked out into the corridor, the end of break fast approaching. At first she was worried they would miss the beginning of class, but it took less than two minutes before they returned.
"What did he want?" Ulquiorra asked, his worry well hidden beneath a neutral look. He watched Ishida warily as he returned to his seat, secretly nervous that the Quincy had said something to Tatsuki that would turn her against him so to speak. He had really only just gained Tatsuki's trust; even then it was only a small amount, but they were finally getting on.
"He just wanted to ask me to the dance, no big deal." The sporty teen replied, Orihime brightening at this and turning to give Tatsuki a beaming smile. Ulquiorra breathed a sigh of relief as he sat back in his seat, listening as Orihime began questioning Tatsuki,
"Really? That's great! Do you like him? I never knew!" The redhead asked in a rush, Tatsuki laughing and waving it aside,
"It's not like that! We're just going as friends so that neither of us will be without a date." She replied, noticing Orihime lost a little of her enthusiasm at that. The redhead was a sucker for romance after all. "Ulquiorra, you should hurry up and ask that girl, before someone else does." Tatsuki advised as she leaned around Orihime with a sly look, watching as the Espada sat up a little straighter. I did not think of that…She is an attractive woman, so it is likely that someone else may ask her…
"Ichigo! What is this all about?" Rukia demanded as she stood beside his locker with her eyes closed, though of course she didn't know she was at his locker. Ichigo quickly opened the metal door and took out a large paper bag before pushing it shut and leading the Shinigami down the corridor.
"Just come on, and don't open your eyes yet!" He added nervously as he opened the door that led up to the roof, "Watch your step, we're going up." Ichigo warned as he slowly led her up the first step, Rukia's grip on his hand tightening as they continued. At the top he opened the door and stepped onto the roof, the air on her face telling Rukia where she was immediately.
"Ichigo." She said impatiently, wondering if perhaps he had gone mad as he released her hand. She could hear the rustling of paper, tempted to open her eyes and take a peek, but then I might ruin the surprise…
"Alright…Go ahead." Ichigo said, Rukia opening her eyes slowly to find that she was indeed on the roof, and that's not all. Ichigo stood before her with a large bouquet of deep red roses, his cheeks slightly flushed as he looked down at her.
"What's this about?" The Shinigami asked in confusion as Ichigo handed her the roses, which she took with a warm smile. Of all the flowers she had seen she had to admit roses were the most beautiful,
"Rukia…" Ichigo began as he took one of her small hands in his, her skin soft against his own. Rukia waited as he hesitated a moment, "Will you go to the Christmas Ball with me?" He asked, the Shinigami breaking out into a bright smile, which quickly turned into a laugh.
"That's what you did this for?" She asked incredulously as she held up the roses and looked around, the orange haired boy nodding in reply. "Ichigo…arigato." Rukia said as she stood on tiptoe and pressed her lips to his, shifting closer as she felt his arms wrap around her,
"Does that mean 'yes?'" He asked as he drew back a moment, Rukia laughing as she nodded. Ichigo smiled warmly before pulling her into another kiss, the bell sounding as he pulled her closer. "We should get back." The Vizard said, his eyes widening as Rukia pressed her lips to his once again,
"Let them wait." She breathed against his lips, the roses falling gently to the floor where they wouldn't get mashed between their bodies. Before he could make an objection Rukia's lips were on his once again.
Since Ichigo and Rukia had returned Ulquiorra couldn't help notice a certain glow on the Shinigami's cheeks. He found out soon after that Ichigo had invited her to the ball, though he couldn't see the special connection. They were 'going out' after all, so it is only logical that he would ask her. Ulquiorra himself was unsure what he was supposed to do, I suppose just asking would be simple. He thought, not knowing of any necessary rituals or expectations that went with this invitation.
"Schiffer…Schiffer!" Sensei shouted impatiently, throwing the lid of her board pen to get his attention. As the small black cap bounced off his forehead Ulquiorra looked up in surprise, most of the class laughing at his clueless expression. Looking down and finding the offending object Ulquiorra held it up in mild surprise, "I asked you a question." Sensei said,
"Gomen, what was it?" Ulquiorra asked formally as he tossed the black cap back into her waiting hand. As she caught the lid she held up her pen and nodded to the equation on the board,
"Come and solve this." She ordered, watching as he stood from his seat and approached her. At the board she had a sense of deja vu as Ulquiorra stood at her side looking at the equation with intense eyes, his hand held out for the pen. Sensei handed him the pen and watched as he filled the equation in perfectly as she had expected, "Well at least your brain's still working." She muttered as he returned to his seat, raising an eyebrow at her comment.
Ulquiorra drifted back into his own thoughts while Sensei continued her Maths lecture. He had no particular interest in this subject, and he could easily solve any problem that Sensei sent his way, so it wasn't really a problem. What troubled him was how his attention seemed to be fixed on just one thing, how to ask her to the ball. These human emotions are such an inconvenience, I will just ask her.
"Orihime." Ulquiorra said as he looked across at her, the redhead looking back in confusion. Ulquiorra never usually spoke to her while Sensei was talking, so she was a little concerned. The rest of the class also seemed confused, including Sensei as she stopped talking and looked at the pair,
"Ano…Ulquiorra?" Orihime replied questioningly as the Espada paused. He remembered what Tatsuki had said about asking girls in private, so he couldn't ask her while they were still in the classroom. Before Orihime could object Ulquiorra got to his feet, pulling her with him as he dragged her quickly to the door,
"Excuse us." Ulquiorra said to Sensei, who was to amazed by his audacity to do anything about it. Before Orihime could even think she was out in the corridor with a bright blush on her cheeks. She didn't know why she was surprised, though Ulquiorra had never dragged her from class before,
"Is there something wrong?" The redhead asked worriedly as she looked up at Ulquiorra's pale face. The Espada gave her a warm smile as he shook his head, still holding her hand gently.
"No, everything's fine…Orihime, I have a question." He replied, the redhead blushing as she gently pulled her hand away. She looked so nervous and cute as she held her hands behind her back and crossed her legs,
"W-what is it?" She asked, her heart pounding in her chest as she waited. She wasn't sure why she was suddenly so nervous and excited, but she had to admit it was a nice feeling.
"Will you accompany me to the Christmas Ball?" He asked, his eyes widening as he found Orihime's arms wrapped around his shoulders. It was a feat in itself for Orihime since she was quiet a bit shorter than him, so perhaps it was more accurate to say that she had somehow managed to pull him down. "Orihime?" He said questioningly, the redhead pulling back with a blush,
"A-ano…" She stammered, her embarrassed blush deepening as Ulquiorra smiled at her. "I-I want to…Go with you…To the ball that is." She replied awkwardly, unsure whether her reply got across or not. It seemed it had as Ulquiorra pulled her closer again, his arms so gentle as he held her.
Orihime's heart pounded for a completely new reason as he leaned down to her neck, inhaling her scent slowly in a deep breath. He was holding her so close that her breasts were firmly against his chest, and still touched even as he drew back. She seemed to be frozen as he ran his fingers though her soft orange locks, his face getting closer. The redhead found her eyes fluttering closed as Ulquiorra's hand came up to caress her cheek, his breath on her lips as he leaned forward,
"Are you two planning on coming back in here?" Sensei's voice interrupted, both turning to find the older woman at the door with her arms folded. From her expression Ulquiorra could guess that she had heard their exchange, and as he glanced at Orihime he could tell she thought the same. "Well?" Sensei asked in amusement, Orihime blushing as she led the way.
The couple returned to their seats quickly, the room full of different reactions. Tatsuki was smirking at Orihime teasingly while Ishida shot Ulquiorra a glare. Rukia shook her head with a hopeless smile as Ichigo grinned and Sado remained neutral, though he wore the ghost of a smile. The girls of the class wore dark looks, which made Ulquiorra nervous for Orihime's safety, though a fair few of the boys wore identical looks directed at Ulquiorra. It seems Orihime was more sought after than I first supposed…
"In future I'd prefer it if you didn't disrupt the class like that…And that goes for the rest of you too! No more talking about the ball during class! Now focus!" Sensei ordered in amusement as she returned to her place at the front of the class. She would have continued had it not been for the bell ringing to signal lunch. "Alright, off you go, but make sure you're back on time; Kuchiki, Kurosaki that means you!" Sensei added slyly, watching the couple blush. They had returned fifteen minutes late for class after break.
Ulquiorra stood slowly as the class leapt into movement, Ichigo, Rukia and Sado moving together towards the door. Mizuiro and Keigo remained in the class room with some of the other boys, deep in some sort of discussion. Tatsuki and Orihime quickly prepared to head to the roof, where Ichigo and the others would be waiting, but curiously enough Ishida had made no move to leave yet.
"Ready?" Tatsuki asked, Ulquiorra pulling his gaze away from Ishida to look at the two girls beside him. With a nod he allowed them to lead the way, surprised as he felt a hand clap down on his shoulder. He wasn't so surprised as he turned to see the Quincy, who wore the usual cold expression he had while in Ulquiorra's presence.
"I want to talk to you." Ishida stated, Ulquiorra turning to a worried Orihime and Tatsuki and nodding for them to go ahead. Once the girls were gone Ulquiorra returned his full attention to the Quincy, "I don't know why you decided to stay here, and frankly I don't care, but whatever you're planning you leave Inoue and Arisawa out of it." He said, Ulquiorra giving him a slightly bewildered look,
"I am unsure to what you a referring. I have done nothing to warrant this outburst." The Espada stated calmly, not in the least intimidated by the boy before him. Not only was Ulquiorra at least five times his age, but he held about five times his power in his little finger. At least I did before I was trapped in this body…
"You and that friend of yours are planning something. I know what you are. Why else would you slope off to meet an Arrancar? One of your subordinates was it? Trying to find a way to complete Aizen's mission? Well whatever you're up to I'm watching." Ishida warned coldly, Ulquiorra holding back the urge to sigh.
"Can you not accept that I mean you no harm?" He asked, already knowing Ishida would respond in the negative,
"Trust you? An Espada? A Hollow? How can you even ask? No matter what you've fooled Inoue into believing we both know you're nothing but a Hollow. That's all you'll ever be, and as long as you're here you'll cause nothing but trouble for everyone. Especially Inoue." Ishida stated, enjoying the prick of mixed emotions he saw each time he mention Orihime's name. It wasn't a big reaction, just a small flicker in the eye, but it was still there.
Ulquiorra made no response to this, there was nothing he could say. It was only once Ishida said the words that Ulquiorra realised it was entirely true. The incident at Orihime's flat, her injuries, the hurt he had caused during his time with Loly. None of it would have been possible had he not been there. Then I really don't belong here…Ishida is right, I am Hollow, I can never be anything else. Loly was right, I should leave…
"Don't you think you were being a little hard on him?" Tatsuki asked as Ishida walked out the door. It seemed Orihime had continued to the roof while Tatsuki waited by the door to keep an eye on them. Ishida fixed his deep blue orbs on Tatsuki, who leaned on the wall with her arms folded,
"How can you, of all people, say that? Isn't Inoue your friend? Didn't you want to protect her?" The Quincy asked harshly, immediately feeling bad for his clipped tone. He shouldn't take his frustrations out on Tatsuki, though she already seemed to understand his thoughts from his guilty expression.
"I won't lie to you, I'm worried…But at the same time I know I can't wrap her up in cotton wool. She likes Ulquiorra, she trusts him, and that's good enough for me…All I can do it be around to pick her up if she falls down." She replied with a slightly saddened expression, which Ishida couldn't understand. He'd never had a friend as close as Orihime and Tatsuki were.
"But Ulquiorra is trouble! We both know he can't be trusted! He'll definitely hurt Inoue!" Ishida exclaimed, Tatsuki sighing as she pushed herself off the wall. The same thoughts had been running through her own head, especially since Ulquiorra's questionable rendezvous with that Arrancar. If she'd had her way she would have handed Ulquiorra over to the Shinigami for a more thorough investigation, unfortunately Orihime and Urahara thought otherwise.
"I know he's caused trouble, and…I'm not sure he can be trusted, but Orihime doesn't want to listen, and I can't just turn my back on her. I'll watch him and then make up my mind…One thing's certain, he cares about Orihime, and that's a plus in my book." The sporty teen added as she stretched, her back cracking in the process. As her shirt rose to reveal her midsection Ishida looked away and pushed his glasses up his nose, turning over her words. Perhaps I am a little…cynical.
"Arisawa, is something wrong?" Ulquiorra's voice asked, Tatsuki turning at the sound of his voice. It always amazed her how he and Ichigo could do that, very few people could sneak up on her without her noticing. It was an annoying habit to say the least.
"No, not really, I was just waiting for you guys…Orihime's waiting on the roof." She added as Ulquiorra's eyes darted briefly around the corridor. With a simple nod he led the way, Ishida waiting until Tatsuki had followed before falling in. He didn't want to be too close to Ulquiorra, not until he had proven himself, and that would take some doing.
On the roof he watched Orihime's face light up as Ulquiorra went to her side. If he didn't know better he would think he was watching two high school students, normal people. Ulquiorra smiled as he sat next to her, trading one of his sandwiches for a pot of strange stew, for want of a better description. Most of the people around them grimaced as Ulquiorra took his first bite, nodding his head appreciatively, proof that he isn't human.
"You look troubled." Ichigo observed as Ishida sat beside him, speaking quietly so that only Ishida and Rukia could head. The ebony haired girl glanced across, though she could already guess why. She felt the same to a certain extent,
"Hai…What do you think of him?" Ishida asked as he nodded in Ulquiorra's direction. This was a first for Ichigo, to be consulted by Ishida. Usually it was Ishida giving his opinions, not the other way around. Ichigo took a look at the Espada, who was currently smiling as Tatsuki teased Orihime about something, the redhead laughing brightly,
"Well…Until last week I thought he was settling in, but now…" He trailed off, Rukia's eyes thinning slightly in agreement as she drank her carton of juice. "I want to believe he's on our side, but…I don't know." He added uncertainly, Ishida catching another nod from Rukia, well at least I'm not the only one with doubts.
"Perhaps we should try skating after all. We didn't get to go last week because of Ulquiorra's disappearance." Rukia said as she lowered her carton and looked across at Ichigo and Ishida, who both looked shocked by her suggestion.
"What? How did we get to skating?" Ichigo asked in confusion,
"Baka. The only way for us to gauge Ulquiorra's intentions is to get to know him, and what better way to do that than…having fun?" The Shinigami pointed out, and though Ichigo knew part of her just wanted to have fun, he also knew she had a valid idea. Beside him he heard Ishida sigh in despair, a feeling he shared himself. He hadn't skated in years, and it seemed so childish now. "You know, we never went skating." Rukia said to the others, as if she had only just thought of it.
"That's right! I was looking forward to it too…" Orihime trailed off almost forlornly. At her words Ulquiorra experienced a moment of dread, knowing instinctively what would happen next. "Why don't we try this weekend? If it's not too cold or wet that is…" She added, pulling her blazer further across her chest. It was mid-December after all, and the weather seemed to have gotten a lot colder all of a sudden as winter set in.
"That sounds…great." Ichigo replied with a forced smile, Rukia almost laughing at the expression. She could tell Ishida and Ulquiorra were also reluctant to take part, although Orihime certainly didn't notice as she beamed at the Espada beside her.
Hanataro felt slightly panicked as he walked the streets of Seireitei. He really had no idea what to do. Unohana-taicho had already informed him that he would be attending the Christmas Ball in the Human Realm in case something happened and someone needed medical attention. With so many high spirit level Humans in one place it wouldn't be surprising for some strong Hollow to appear.
The problem was that he would need a date for this event, and he had no idea who to ask. He didn't socialize with girls, none of his rank or lower anyway. It seemed Soi Fon was going, but there was no way he would ever consider asking her. Hinamori was going, but he assumed she would be accompanying Hitsugaya-taicho since they were so close. This really only left someone who wasn't already part of the mission, but who? He barely knew the names of any girls, even those in his own squad.
"Hana-Hana!" A bright voice cried, the medic finding himself glomped before he could even turn. Looking down he saw a shock of bubblegum pink hair that told him it was Yachiru attached to his waist. It was confusing how she seemed to change. Sometimes he would think she was just a small kid, but right now she just reached his chest.
"Oh, Yachiru-chan." He said unenthusiastically, the young girl looking troubled as she peered up at his downcast expression. Hanataro's eyes widened slightly as he felt a sharp jab on his nose, raising a hand to cover the now sore area, "What was that for?" He asked, feeling bewildered as Yachiru grinned up at him.
"You're too serious Hana-Hana! You look sad…" She added, losing a little of her smile as she said the last part.
"I'm alright…I just have a problem…" Hanataro replied, the young pink haired girl standing on tip toe so that their eyes locked, his slightly darker than hers. He was about to continue when her stomach growled and she blinked,
"I'm hungry Hana-Hana!" She declared brightly as she grinned at him, pleased to see a smile break out across his face as he straightened up.
"Come to think of it I haven't seen you since I got back, so I haven't had the chance to give you." He began, cut off by Yachiru as she jumped on his back, the medic almost falling under her weight; he wasn't Kenpachi after all. Once he managed to stop staggering, hefted her and adjusted her weight properly he found she was actually quite light.
"Give me? Give me! You bought me a present?" She asked excitedly as she gripped his shoulders tightly, Hanataro smiling as he began walking towards his room, where he had left her cake.
"Hai, I promised I'd bring you cake, remember?" He replied, the girl on his back bouncing excitedly,
"Cake! Cake! Cake! Hurry up Hana-Hana!" She ordered as she dug her heels into his hips as if he were a horse. With a sigh of amusement Hanataro tightened his grip on her small knees and started jogging, Yachiru's weight bouncing up and down on his back with every step.
It didn't take long for him to reach his room and get inside, where Yachiru jumped down from his back and rushed around the small tidy apartment, still clean from where Yumichika had gotten a little carried away tidying up. After a few turns around the room she looked at Hanataro expectantly as he closed the door and walked further into the room.
"Cake-cake-cake!" She cried impatiently as Hanataro chuckled and opened a cupboard, where he had stored the two cakes. Getting them down he checked the cakes before putting Rin's back and handing the chocolate cake down to Yachiru.
"Yachiru-chan…No, never mind." Hanataro decided as he turned away from the pink haired girl, but his tone had peaked Yachiru's interest. Looking down he could see Yachiru looking up at him, the box still cradled in her arms unopened.
"What is it Hana-Hana? Is it about your problem?" She asked, the medic feeling strangely comfortable talking to Yachiru as he nodded and headed over to the small Human world sofa, one of the few human items he had adapted to his apartment.
"I've been ordered to the Human Realm this Saturday to attend a ball in case something happens, and I need a…a….I…I need a date." Hanataro stammered, his cheeks flushing slightly. He would have spoken to Yumichika bout this, but Yumichika was still on duty in the real world, along with Renji and Ikkaku, so Yachiru was the next best alternative.
"A date? You mean a girl!" Yachiru exclaimed in understanding as she hopped onto the sofa beside him and kicked her legs back and forth as she held the box on her small lap. Hanataro nodded his agreement as he looked at his folded hands awkwardly, "Ask a girl!" She suggested innocently, Hanataro sighing as he sat back hopelessly,
"That's the problem! I don't really know any, so who do I ask? And how?" He replied in despair as he covered his eyes with his arm. Feeling a tug on his sleeve he looked across at Yachiru,
"Just ask." She said simply,
"You mean just go up to any girl and say 'will you go to the ball with me?'" He asked sceptically, Yachiru beaming sweetly.
"Sure! I'd love to go! There will be cake, right?" Yachiru asked, Hanataro confused as she bounced to her feet and started running around the room. Seeing his expression she paused and giggled at him, "At the party. There will be cake, there has to be!" She said, her meaning suddenly dawning on the medic, who blushed as he got to his feet.
"Kusajishi Fuku-taicho! I mean Yachiru-chan! Would you really? You'll really go to the ball with me?" He asked in shock as he looked down at the pink haired girl, who hopped onto the sofa so that she could be taller,
"Hai." She replied simply as Hanataro slumped down in a flood of relief. Now I don't have to worry about anything but potential injuries. He thought as Yachiru continued to rush around the room excitedly.
Finally! Ulquiorra thought as the bell for the end of day went. For some reason he hadn't been able to concentrate since his argument with Ishida earlier, in fact he was looking forward to getting to his room in the shop. Having not slept much, if at all, the night before all he wanted to do was fall down on his futon and sleep.
"Orihime, I'll see you later!" Tatsuki called as she hurried to the door. It seemed that she had training after school to prepare for her upcoming competition, which left Orihime to walk home alone. Taking a look around he could already see a few of the girls getting closer together, their general demanour telling him they were up to something. He wouldn't have minded if their looks hadn't been directed at Orihime.
"Hai! Have a good training session!" The redhead called back as Tatsuki left and hurried down the corridor. Almost as soon as Tatsuki had disappeared the girls began heading towards Orihime's desk, the redhead completely unaware. Without a moment's hesitation Ulquiorra took Orihime's hand,
"Are you ready Orihime?" He asked calmly, looking at the crowd of girls from the corner of his eye. Miaka, as usual, seemed to be the head of this crowd, which didn't bode well. He had, after all, turned down her advances not so long ago, and since she suspected he liked Orihime her anger seemed to be directed at the redhead. Orihime looked up at him in surprise, a light blush colouring her cheeks as she glanced at their joined hands.
"A-ano…" She stammered as she looked up at him,
"I'll walk you home." Ulquiorra replied as he hefted his backpack and violin case, tugging Orihime along beside him. As she was pulled along she quickly grabbed her backpack and slipped it over her shoulder, staying very quiet as she walked along side him. He hadn't released her hand yet.
"Inoue! We want to talk to you!" Sakura called, her golden hair flowing freely down her shoulders for a change. Hovering behind her in the doorway Ulquiorra could see Miaka, who stepped back as she saw him watching her. Orihime gave him an apologetic smile and went to turn back when Ulquiorra tightened his grip and tugged her to a stop.
"You may speak with her, but if she is hurt or upset by the exchange I will be very…displeased." Ulquiorra warned, releasing a subtle flow of his reiatsu. He knew that the girls wouldn't understand the pressurised static feeling in the air, but they would definitely understand how 'displeased' he would be. "Do you still wish to speak with her?" Ulquiorra asked, watching as Sakura's eyes darted into the classroom. She shook her head.
Without another word Ulquiorra turned and started walking, pulling a surprised, and now slightly depressed, Orihime behind him. She knew now what the girls would have done to her; bullied her, perhaps even abused her. She knew Ulquiorra had saved her from that, and she was grateful, but she wished he didn't have to. Why are they so obsessed with Ulquiorra? She wondered as she looked at him. He was good looking granted, but there was so much more to him than that, and those girls hadn't even discovered that yet. Are looks that important to them?
"Are you alright Orihime?" Ulquiorra asked as they walked down the corridor, noticing her saddened expression, and he could understand her sadness. These girls weren't close friends, but before he had come to the school they had been friendly with Orihime, even on his first day he noticed it, but now…
"Hai!" She replied with false cheer, her grip on his hand tightening a little, "Arigato Ulquiorra…I didn't even realise until you spoke that they were…unhappy with me." She added as she looked up at him. As they continued their walk Ulquiorra grew worried. He knew she was sensitive, and finding that most of the girls could turn against her so easily must be quite distressing.
"Come on." He said as he crossed the road, heading away from the main street that led to Orihime's.
"W-where are we going?" She asked as he pulled her along behind him, but all she got was a warm look that clearly said 'you'll see' as he led the way. As they walked she gradually recognised the area, knowing now that they were heading for the park, where Ulquiorra led her to the place they first met. It brought back a few unpleasant memories, but she could help but smile as she walked towards the lake.
The lake was what the council had created once they found out about the giant crater. They had no idea how it happened, even witnesses didn't know, but Orihime knew. Ulquiorra had made the crater the first time he opened a Garganta to this world, and his companion had injured her and Sado, as well as Ichigo.
"Come here." Ulquiorra said as he tugged her up the small slope to the metal poles surrounding the lake. Orihime watched as he hopped over the barrier before hopping back to sit on the horizontal pole. Orihime leaned on the pole beside him and looked out across the lake, which had a couple of baby willow trees just beginning to grow, and there was a family of ducks swimming along.
"I didn't know the lake was finished." Orihime said as she looked around, not many people out at the moment. She couldn't blame them, it was cold. Both of her hands were slightly red and a little painful, but the view was worth the cold. It was so peaceful.
"I thought you would like to see it." Ulquiorra said as he looked down at her, smiling as he watched her knees shake from the cold. "No doubt you'll come here in the warmer weather." He added as he got to his feet and smiled at her, Orihime nodding her agreement as he ducked under the barrier. At least she had cheered up a little, just as he thought she would. He had noticed that Orihime's surroundings often affected her mood, so the calm of the lake was sure to comfort her.
They left the park and slowly walked down the street, taking a slightly longer route back to Orihime's flat, which was covered in scaffolding and plastic sheeting where the hole in the kitchen was. Looking at it Ulquiorra felt quite uncomfortable, after all there was nothing stopping someone, or something, getting inside. It didn't seem safe for her to be living alone like this.
"When will the work be finished?" Ulquiorra asked as he walked with her up the cement steps, determined to at least look in to make sure she was alone. At his question the redhead hummed thoughtfully, unlocking the door and leading the way inside,
"Ano…Well, the work's barely started., so not for a while." She replied, shivering slightly as she closed the door. Ulquiorra couldn't believe she was living here. The plastic sheeting didn't keep out the cold, and the heating didn't seem able to compensate. The rubble and plaster from the kitchen wall and the main wall had been cleaned up, but there was little sign of any other work.
"Orihime, this is unacceptable." Ulquiorra said as he looked at the huge hole, covered only by a blue sheet. Orihime went to his side and looked at the hole herself, waving it off as she walked into her bedroom.
"It's alright, the heating may not work in the living room, but it's warm in here." She replied as she ushered Ulquiorra into her room, where she had her television set up on the chest of drawers, and the remains of her breakfast sat on the vanity table. He had no idea how she managed to make breakfast, not until he turned around and saw a small toaster.
"It is not just the heating. You have no fridge, freezer, washing machine, dish washer, oven or microwave, and very few cooking utensils left intact. The hole in the kitchen is an invitation for thieves or Hollow. Your remaining here is unacceptable." He stated calmly, Orihime blushing at his words. It was true, she had been living off toast and leftovers from Tatsuki, though she had managed to make a cold stew from the little food she had left. As for thieves, that particular problem had never crossed her mind, though it made her nervous now.
"I guess not, but I don't really have anywhere else…Tatsuki-chan's home is crowded enough with just her and her mother. I'll be okay here, it'll only be for a few weeks." She added as Ulquiorra walked back into the living room to get a closer look at the knocked down wall. She watched as he headed into the kitchen to assess the damage, frowning slightly as he looked around.
Not a single cupboard was left, they had all been shattered and thrown into the skip, along with everything but the toaster and a few plates and bowls, along with her cutlery. There were wires hanging out of the walls with frayed ends, which Ulquiorra was relieved to find dead. Apparently electricity had been diverted from this part of the apartment somehow. Ulquiorra pulled his mobile out with a sigh,
"Urahara…Hai, I am fine, however Orihime is not…Her apartment is not in a liveable condition, so she will be staying with us until the work is complete if you have no objections." He said, listening to Urahara's excited tones on the other end. The shopkeeper had no objection to Orihime staying, in fact quite the opposite, though they would have to find a place to put her.
"I couldn't possibly impose on Urahara-san!" Orihime objected, but it seemed Ulquiorra had made his mind up, and there was little she could do as he steered her into her bedroom.
"Pack." Was all he said, and Orihime found she had little choice but to comply. She had little doubt from previous experience that he would pick her up and carry her just as she was with no other luggage.