Lie Down in Darkness Chapter 26: Together, a bleach fanfic

Chapter 26: Together

Dead star shine, light up the sky
I'm all out of breath, my walls are closing in
Days go by, give me a sign
Come back to the end, the shepherd of the damned

I can feel you falling away
No longer the lost, no longer the same
And I can see you starting to break
I'll keep you alive if you show me the way
Forever and ever the scars will remain
I'm falling apart, leave me here forever in the dark

Daylight dies, blackout the sky
Does anyone care? Is anybody there?
Take this life, empty inside
I'm already dead, I'll rise to fall again

God, help me, I've come undone
Out of the light of the sun
God, help me, I've come undone
Out of the light of the sun

I can feel you falling away
No longer the lost, no longer the same
And I can see you starting to break
I'll keep you alive if you show me the way
Forever and ever the scars will remain

Give me a sign
There's something buried in the words
Give me a sign
Your tears are adding to the flood

Just give me a sign
There's something buried in the words
Give me a sign
Your tears are adding to the flood

Forever and ever the scars will remain

Breaking Benjamin-Give Me a Sign

Orihime cradled her hand, still stinging from slapping Ulquiorra, and tried not to hyperventilate. She couldn't believe any of this was happening. Why was it that every man she was into ended up disappointing her in the end? She had literally almost died to bring Ulquiorra back to her. She began pacing the room kicking stuffed animals out of her way. Well she hadn't actually meant to bring Ulquiorra back had she? Could she really take credit for that? And she knew the adjustment had been hard on Ulquiorra and the others…. the others! Grimmjow knew exactly what had happened at the club and Orihime needed answers now! She ran into the other room banging the door open loudly but no one moved. The blue haired man snored loudly from his prone position on his mat and Nel slept on in the bed. Orihime walked over to Grimmjow and leaned over to begin violently shaking him. C'mon Grimmjow, wake up! But Grimmjow just groaned in his sleep. ERGGG! Orihime groaned in frustration before kicking Grimmjow right in his ass. The man didn't move. Orihime sighed and slumped to the ground in frustration. Guess I'll just have to wait.

The morning air was cold as Ulquiorra slowly walked to the shopkeeper's store. He had of course forgotten his jacket when he fled the woman's apartment. The woman…..he could be snuggled up in her warm embrace right now if he wasn't such an idiot. What was he doing? Why was it all so hard for him? It seemed like it should be simple. He loved the woman. Loved everything about her, well except maybe her cooking. But he could do that. She was so strong and beautiful but he knew there was great sadness inside her. He could be there for her. He just knew he could….but somehow he kept fucking it up. His cheek suddenly burned in the cold wind and he reached a hand up to touch his face where she had struck him, surprised to find it wet. A tear? Who was he anymore? He shrugged and walked on.

Kisuke looked up from his coffee as the font door to the shop opened. He was surprised to see Ulquiorra; he hadn't expected any of the Espada to feel up to moving today after the night they'd had. But the green eyed man definitely looked worse for the wear.

Ulquiorra! I wasn't expecting you today! How are you?

Ulquiorra averted the man's gaze as he mumbled, Fine. I am fine.

Well you don't look fine. Sit, sit. As Ulquiorra sat at the dining table Kisuke rose and grabbed another cup of coffee for the Espada. Ulquiorra eyed it warily.

Drink it, it will help, I promise.

The man studied Ulquiorra as he drank his coffee. Something was definitely up with him, besides the major hangover he had to be nursing.

Look Ulquiorra. I know you are a man of few words but you really look like you need to talk to someone.

I…I am fine.

Does Orihime know you are here?

The onna….the onna does not care where I am, as long as I am not with her.

Ah, I see. And what event precipitated this?

I had an, an indiscretion last night. I was drunk and high and I ruined everything.

Kisuke had been right that the Espada needed to talk. He couldn't believe the usually silent man was opening up to him like this. But what to say…it wasn't as if Ulquiorra was a normal man. The wrong thing could send him off on a killing spree and then Kisuke would have to put him down. And as a scientist he did not want to lose his newest pet project. Who was he kidding, it was more than that. Somewhere along the way he had become emotionally invested in these kids. He remembered how the Soul Society had chewed him up and used him, just as they did to countless children every day. Everyone was a pawn to them. Just then he heard a noise from the other room and Yoruichi appeared in the doorway. He simply shook his head at her and she quietly disappeared out the back door. Yoruichi, the love of his life. Perhaps she was the key to helping the Espada. Afterall, Kisuke had once simply been a boy in love with a girl much too good for him.

Ulquiorra, do you know how I ended up in the human world? The Espada just stared at him dumbly before slightly shaking his head no.

Simply put, I screwed up everything. I was a pawn of Aizen just like you were. And I loved a girl just like you do. I was too arrogant; I thought of myself as being too smart to let Aizen win. But I was young, so young. And in the end, my promising career with the Soul Society was in ashes and I was sentenced to lose my powers and be exiled to the human world. What I didn't know at the time was that the girl I loved, well her family was very powerful in the Soul Society. She was in fact a princess. We had been friends from childhood but her father had begun to notice that I was interested in his daughter far beyond that. When I was brought to trial for Aizen's crimes I was given no defense even though I was a Captain. I later found out that her father had used his influence with the Central 46, although his intent had been my death, not my banishment. Anyways, there I was about to lose it all because of my brashness and my egotism, when she saved me. She gave up everything, her titles, her family, her home, and she saved me. Does any of this sound familiar? You yourself are involved with a woman who was willing to give up everything for you. I know you have disgraced yourself with her, but if I know Orihime, I think you will find that you still have a chance, if you play your cards right of course.

Ulquiorra had paid close attention to everything the man had told him. It was a longwinded story but its intent was not lost on him. He still had a chance. And this man was willing to help him. He felt hope, that most dangerous of feelings, flare in his heart. He would win her back….

Mmm, That feels so nice….Grimmjow drowsily thought as fingers brushed through his hair. He lazily opened his eyes and yelled out frightened as two silver eyes stared intently at him from inches away. Orihime jumped at Grimmjow's outburst and dropped his head that she had been cradling hard on the floor.

Jeez woman, what are you doing?!

Well you were groaning in your sleep so I thought you were having a nightmare. When I was young my brother used to stroke my hair when I had a nightmare and it helped me sleep peacefully. Grimmjow looked guiltily to the side. He might have been groaning in his sleep but it wasn't for the reasons the girl thought. He glanced down nervously and yup, sure enough, tent in the sheet.

I need to talk to you…about last night…and I've been waiting forever and ever for you to wake up and you finally did so yeah, we need to talk…now.

Umm well can you give me a minute. I need to, I need to uh wake up all the way.

No. Now Grimmjow. The impatient red head started pulling on his arm and the sheet slipped from his hips. He rushed to cover himself but it was too late. Orihime caught sight of his monstrous erection and blushed furiously.

Oh! Ummm, yeah Ill just go wait in the living room. She hurriedly rose and scurried from the bed room.

What a way to wake up….Grimmjow sighed and glanced across the room at the sleeping figure in the bed. What a dream… He shook his head to clear away the images his brain had drawn in his head last night as he slept. But new ones took their place as he eyed the green haired girl. She lay on her back, her arms curled around her head causing her tank top to ride up, exposing her taut stomach. One long lean leg had escaped from the covers and his eyes eagerly followed it up to the line of her panties before the sight disappeared back into the blanket. Sigh. to find them slighith her other hand, her fingers tracing the tear lines on his face, surprised to find them slighThis was definitely not helping any. He grabbed his boxers and quickly made a beeline for the bathroom before Orihime could stop him.

She was trying to be patient, she really was. She was also trying not to think about Grimmjow naked but it was very hard not to. The man was definitely a sight to behold. Great. Now she felt bad for ogling another man when she had just given Ulquiorra the shove off for another woman. But it wasn't like she'd meant to look.

Grimmjow knew Orihime was waiting to talk to him but his cock simply would not go down. Sighing loudly he reached over and turned on the shower knowing what he had to do. The warm water felt nice as it sluiced down his bruised and battered body. His hand followed the trail of water down his broad chest and across his muscled abs until he grasped his erection in his hand. His mind flashed back to his dream as he began to pump his hand in a steady motion. Her green hair fanned out across the pillow as her naked body spread before him. Her golden eyes glowed with need, a need he would soon be fulfilling. She beckoned to him laughing lightly. He covered her body with his, leaning in to kiss her lush lips and he settled between her thighs. She gently nipped his lip and then smiled at him as his gaze devoured her beautiful face. His left hand found her breast and began to tease her nipple as he lightly traced kisses down her neck. She sighed breathily into his ear and whispered that she needed him. He felt her small hand slide between their bodies and grasp him firmly before guiding him into her flesh. He groaned loudly as he slipped into the tight sheath. She was so warm. He raised himself upon his arms and slid further inside her causing her to moan out his name. He found a rhythm and enjoyed watching her as he felt her orgasm rising. She really was perfect. He watched as her eyes closed suddenly and her mouth parted in a pant. Her lush little body rose up into his and he felt her tighten around his cock as she came. He slowed slightly, letting her recover, waiting until she had opened her eyes again. He kissed her deeply, letting his hips rock softly against her. He began to move faster and as he lost himself inside her golden gaze he felt himself coming. Grimmjow almost felt like crying as he came in the shower, rope after rope of creamy white lashing against the bottom of the tub only to be washed down the drain. Spent, he leaned his head against the cool tile. It had never been like this before. He'd never wanted to make love to a girl. It had always been about him and whatever perverse desire he'd had the time. This was different, but why did these feelings have to happen when the girl he wanted wanted someone else. He sighed and slowly washed himself clean before wearily climbing out of the shower.

Orihime was dozing when Grimmjow walked in the living room. He hated to wake her up but she had seemed very insistent about needing to speak with him.

Hey princess, wake up…I'm up.

Grimmjow…she couldn't help it, her eyes started welling with tears. Grimmjow looked around but he couldn't sense Ulquiorra anywhere nearby. Shit shit shit he thought.

I need to know what happened last night.

Uh, well maybe that's something you should talk to Ulquiorra about. Where is he?

I kicked Ulquiorra out.

Oh, so then you already know everything.

I guess I do, but I want to know why you would take him there and how things got so out of control!

Grimmjow sighed. As much as he wanted to put the fault all on Ulquiorra, some of it was his fault too. That poor guy had no experience in the world and Grimmjow had known he was hurting and had led him off into that cesspool of debauchery.

Look princess, it's my fault. When I found Ulquiorra last night, well I was at my own low point. Can I tell you a secret?

Orihime's eyes grew wide as she nodded her head yes.

Well, when I saw Neliel when we rescued her, I couldn't help but notice her. Not that that is unusual for me to notice beautiful women, but this time is different. I can't seem to get her out of my head. I took her out to be able to spend some time with her when that annoying strawberry came and cockblocked me. While all I think about is her, all she thinks about is him.

But Grimmjow, you barely know Nel.

I know! I know, ok. But it's just something I feel. Anyways, I was feeling really bummed when I ran out after Ulquiorra, and he looked as pathetic as I felt, and I really didn't want to be alone. So I dragged him with me to the kind of places I used to go to. They had such things in Hueco Mundo, places where you could get whatever you wanted. Although usually there it was spiritually high beings whose souls you could suck that were the main fair, they had sex and drugs and alcohol too. I used to use those things to help fill the emptiness I had inside before you healed my hollow hole. But last night both of us were feeling empty. So I took him with me. But I forgot that Ulquiorra isn't used to things like feelings and he has like a really low tolerance for drugs and I let one of the girls get too far with him. It wasn't like he was encouraging her; he was just too fucked up to stop it. I know that doesn't make it right but you really need to understand that the emospada is way out of his league here. He has no idea how to be anything but a killing machine, but he sure is trying. For you. Maybe you should cut him some slack this time. He's not a human and you really cant expect him to act like one all of a sudden.

Now Orihime felt like she was the one who had been slapped. She knew Grimmjow didn't understand the seriousness of what Ulquiorra had done, but then again that was because they came from a completely different world. Orihime didn't want to be an idiot though. She didn't want to be one of those girls who made excuses for the bad behavior of their boyfriends. But then again it was her who had picked a violent monster and sought to reform him. Wasn't she already worse than those girls? Uggg! What was wrong with her?! Did she love Ulquiorra? Yes, she really thought she did. But he was a monster! Well he used to be worse of a monster and she's pretty much already been there, done that with this line of thinking. Truth was…she'd already made her decision by bringing them here. She just needed to get some things through to Ulquiorra about some boundaries he couldn't cross again….or else they'd be through.

Grimmjow was watching the girl as she mulled things over. He hoped he'd helped Ulquiorra out. How strange it was to care about the fourth Espada. Grimmjow just mentally shrugged. These were strange days after all.

Suddenly they both looked up from the couch as Nel walked into the living room clad only in her tank and panties. Grimmjow's jaw dropped open as she stretched.

Heyya guys! Whatcha doin? Nel said in her little girls voice.

Unbelievable Orihime thought. She looks better hungover than I do on a good day. She really liked Nel but with the fact that the girl had won over Ichigo and looked like she did, she knew her ego was going to take a beating living with her. And poor Grimmjow looked like his eyes were about to pop out of his head. She felt for him as she definitely knew what unrequited feelings felt like.

Just then, Orihime's cell phone rang. Urahara. Yes? Hi Urahara-san. Yes I can come over now. Alone? Ok, I'll be there in a little while. Thanks.

The two Espadas looked curiously at Orihime. Seems Ulquiorra and I are due for an intervention at Urahara-san's. You two good while I run over there?

Sure, sure Grimmjow mumbled never taking his eyes off Nel.

Orihime took a steadying breath before trying as casually as she could to walk into the shop. She didn't know what she expected but it definitely wasn't the two women that were waiting for her. Rangiku! Yoruichi! What are you guys doing here? I thought I was supposed to be talking to Urahara-san and Ulquiorra?

Well we wanted to talk to you first sweetie. Rangiku gestured for her to sit at the table.

Rangiku already knew the story minus last nights events so Orihime recapped the whole story of her time in Hueco Mundo for Yoruichi and then filled them in on what had happened last night before the shinigami had showed up. The older women shot knowing looks at each other.

Honey, you can't rush into things like sleeping with someone. Are you sure you love him?

I know I do. I just get confused sometimes. I still get jealous when I see Kuroskai-kun with Nel. That took some explaining as the two women didn't realize the former substitute shinigami and the former Espada were interested in each other.

Well it makes since that you would. You've had years of crushing on Ichigo where as you've know the Arrancar for months. And I wouldn't say the relationship you've had with Ulquiorra has been healthy, but then again neither Rangiku or I can judged what a healthy relationship should be. You definitely picked a hard man to love and while I can't say I approve, I want you to know that you can always come to the two of us with any questions you have. Now I don't want to pry but if you are thinking about sleeping with the Arrancar have you thought about protection?

Orihime blushed furiously. She obviously hadn't. Is that even possible? You know, for me to get pregnant by him.

We don't know. We know shinigami and humans can produce offspring, as is evident by your friend Ichigo. Shinigami and hollows are two sides of the same coin so it reasons that you should be careful. We talked with Ryuuken and he has issued this prescription for birth control, but you need to use condoms in the meantime.

Orihime was embarrassed but grateful for the insight the women were providing. She shyly slipped the condoms Yoruichi offered her into her purse.

Now I'm not condoning this Orihime, I want you to know. But I have been young and in love and I just don't want to see you tied to someone that may not be permanent. And I don't want you to feel responsible for the Espadas if your feelings change. We will help you if that happens; you just have to let us know. Now Kisuke has talked with Ulquiorra about his behavior but you need to talk to him too. Let us know if we can help in anyway. With a quick hug, Yoruichi left the room.

Ok Orihime, now I am condoning this. I'll tell you my story someday and why I am ok with the Arrancar. But we will be keeping a close eye on you two. The two hugged and Rangiku left to find Captain Hitsuguya. They had a date with the Head Captain and the new Central 46 over their failure to initially report the Espadas arrival in Karakura town. But she didn't tell Orihime this because she didn't want to worry the girl.

Orihime nervously headed to the training area. She passed Urahara on the way down and he laid a comforting hand on her shoulder before disappearing into the shop. She found him sitting on a rock his head in his hands. He didn't look up as she walked toward him.

Hey. She softly said to him stopping in front of him. He looked up at her then, his green eyes swirling with emotions. He reached up to her and she allowed him to take her hand.

I am so sorry.

I know. But we can't do this again. You're either in or you're out. Hold on, let me finish. You can't run every time something goes wrong. We have to work this out together.

But are we together? No shinigami. No mistrust. He stared at her, the hope and trepidation evident in his eyes. Orihime gently stroke his face with her other hand, her fingers tracing the tear lines on his face, surprised to find them damp.

Yes. Yes we are.