A/N: Hello! Long time because I suck at life. You guys are going to HATE this chapter. But there's a method to my madness I swear, so please come back for the next one too!
Chapter 29: Want This
Belief in the breeze
The smoky morning haze
The sun on her face
And the touch of lover's hands
The pain that comes today
Is here, then goes away
And we are homeward bound
And I
I want this more than life
I want this more than life
I want this more than life
To touch something real
Will help your wounds heal
Like the sun on your face
The dreams of starry nights
And we are homeward bound
And I
I want this more than life
I want this more than life
I want this more than life
-Whitely "More than Life"
The girl and the two Arrancar sauntered out of the school each lost in their own dark thoughts. Orihime was tired. Sick and fucking tired. All she tried to do was help. She had always tried to help Ichigo too. The pretty girl frowned….tried was the operative word wasn't it? No matter what she had done, Ichigo would always see her as the damsel in distress. Ulquiorra didn't see her that way. She glanced over at the green eyed man gripping her hand firmly. No, Ulquiorra definitely didn't see her that way. He needed her.
God how he needed her. This world was ridiculous. Full of stupid people that were so far below him. Trash. But this woman. She was fire to his infinite chill. Light to the darkness of his soul. If this was where she was, then he would be here too. He'd even breathe the same air as that stupid strawberry, just because this was where she wanted to be. Although, if he had to admit it, this world was far better than Hueco Mundo. His eyes lit up as they exited the school gate and found themselves facing a store across the street. Large televisions in the windows streamed music videos like the ones he watched on the girl's small television.
What the fuck?! No seriously…what the ever living fuck?! Grimmjow's thoughts were in a snarl as he followed Orihime and Ulquiorra out of the school. Outside he looked calm and detached as some girls sitting nearby stared appreciatively at him. But he didn't notice. Because inside, well, inside was a hurricane. He couldn't believe the change in Nel as soon as that ass wipe Ichigo walked in. Why hadn't she been like that with him? After all it was him that had held her all night. And then she had given him the silent treatment. Well fuck that. He was done.
Grimmhow was forced from his thoughts when he suddenly ran into Ulquiorra's back. Orihime kept walking until she was suddenly jerked back by her hand still tethered to Ulquiorra's as he stopped suddenly.
Ulquiorra? But the Arrancar didn't answer, his gaze rapt on the building across the street. Orihime followed his line of sight. The music store?
Umm, did you want to go into the music store Ulquiorra?
What is a music store onna? He asked, his eyes never leaving the images on the screens as the music accompanying seemed to call out to him. Grimmjow looked expectantly at girl as well.
Thinking of how much both of the Espadas had loved to watch music on the tv, this could be a good thing to get them into. Smiling, she stepped out before Ulquiorra and held her hand out, mimicking that night so long ago when he had changed her life.
Come with me…and I'll show you.
She sat shyly beside him, her hair falling forward to cover her face. He slowly reached forward to grab a shiny lock of green hair, running it between his thumb and index finger before tucking it behind her ear.
Hey. That was all he could think to say to her. Great job, idiot. You blow her off and all you can say is hey?! He shifted nervously as he berated himself. But then she looked up and he was caught in the golden glow of her eyes. She smiled at it. Softly at first and then it spread till her tiny fangs showed as she apparently liked whatever she saw in his expression.
Feeling more confident he slung his arm around her shoulder and drew her to his side as he brought the clipboard she had dropped out in front of her.
Do you want me to help you with this Nel?
Yes please…she breathlessly whispered in her little girl voice. He was surprised to find how much her voice turned him on. After all it was the same voice she had had when he had first met her, when he had thought she was a child. It was bubblegum and rainbows but when paired with the fact that she was lethal…it just worked. He wondered what it would be like to hear her say that as he lay over her lush little body as he worked them into a frenzy before he finally took her. Wait? What? Ichigo felt his pants become tight and uncomfortable as he just sat there staring into her eyes…in the school office. Oh hell, what was he doing!
Umm, umm he stuttered as he shifted himself to hide his growing problem.
Luckily, Nel was oblivious to his inner devious thoughts. She listened patiently as he explained what information the form was asking and helped her make up the information that would have outed her as inhuman. Finally it was done. He grabbed her hand to help her up and then kept it as they walked to the woman at the front desk.
The older woman looked up happily at Ichigo who only spared her a quick smile before resettling his gaze on Nel. As they walked out of the door hand in hand the woman at the desk sniffed loudly and glared at the green haired girl's back.
The store was amazing. Music was everywhere. And here were the things they used to make the music. Instruments, the woman had called them. They seemed to be divided up by type, each in their own little section of the store. Humans were scattered about, tiny riffs of music coming from them testing out the equipment.
A dark haired human male, wearing eyeliner? walked over to the three.
Hey guys! You looking for anything in particular?
The two Arrancars looked overwhelmed. Orihime quickly glanced around and an idea popped into her head. She shoved Ulquiorra forward. He wants to learn the guitar…and this one needs to be shown the drums. She reached out to snag Grimmjow's arm and pull him in front of the sales guy.
Awesome! So let's go check out the guitars first. Have you ever played man?
No.
So, are you like going to take lessons because we offer those if you want.
No.
Orihime smiled sympathetically at the man as he tried to interact with Ulquiorra. She knew how difficult that could be.
All right so you aren't much of a talker, well let's see….I am feeling this one for you man. It's a solid piece that can go with you from beginner to rocking the fuck out. Plus it just seems to vibe with you.
The man handed Ulquiorra a black guitar that faded into a slivery swirl in the middle. It reminded him of the inside of a gargantua. As he took it he quickly glanced around noticing a young kid next to him fingering the neck of a guitar while strumming the strings in some pattern that was making a pleasing noise. Ulquiorra copied his movements exactly, surprising everyone when the guitar solo for Master of Puppets by Metallica came mutely out as the guitar wasn't hooked into an amp.
Holy fuck dude, you've totally played before…haven't you? The sales guy looked at Ulquiorra with suspicion.
No. Was all the green eyed man said before glancing around again looking for other players.
Well then lets see if you can follow this...and lets plug you in. The guy challenged as he plugged Ulquiorra's guitar into an amp and grabbed another guitar off the wall. Ulquiorra watched as the guys finger flew over the frets as he laid down a little Jimi Hendrix Electric Ladyland.
As the guy winded down, Ulquiorra glanced at his guitar then closed his eyes and let his fingers fly. The music rolled out of him like he had been born to play. He had captured the attention of the entire store as he finished the song and then continued on…the tone the same but the music different, new.
Orihime was breathless as she watched Ulquiorra play. His eyes were closed but his face was relaxed as his long fingers moved gracefully across the frets. She shuddered as she remembered exactly what else those talented fingers could do.
As the melody took on a darker turn, Ulquiorra felt a part of his soul unfurl, a part he hadn't even known had been hurting. Suddenly he realized he was no longer actively paying attention to his surroundings. He abruptly stopped playing as he took in all the people staring at him with their eyes round.
Onna? Is something happening?
The salesguy interjected before Orihime could speak…Uh, yeah dude. You're fucking killing it.
I am not killing anything at the moment.
Orihime sighed as Grimmjow hit Ulquiorra in the shoulder… He means you played ok, for an emospada,
For some reason Ulquiorra felt strange and slightly embarrassed at the praise and the appreciative stares of the people around them. He coughed and pointed at Grimmjow.
Right man! If you're that good lets see what your buddy brings on the drums.
We aren't buddies…both Espada said at the same time before meeting each others eyes. Grimmjow grinned wildly at Ulquiorra who couldn't help but give a small smile back.
The salesguy looked confused but Orihime grabbed him by the arm and all but dragged him to the drums with the two guys trailing behind.
Grimmjow was a bit nervous after how awesome Ulquiorra had sounded. He knew he was way more awesome and superior in every way to the emospada but for some reason it mattered to him to be good at this too. He listened as the guy explained all the pieces of the drum kit and then hit a simple beat. And it clicked. He smiled widely, twirling the drum stick before laying down a sick beat. The clerk just shook his head slightly as he wondered again if he was being played. These guys were just THAT good. He wordlessly handed Ulquiorra the guitar. And together the Espadas wowed everyone in the large crowd that had gathered. Neither knew where the music came from or why they were so in sync as they played.
Orihime watched with tears forming in her eyes. Both guys were finally relaxed and she could see their souls in the music they played. While it was dark there was a note of hope in the whole melody. She knew they were buying both instruments. And that they needed to find a house before everyone in her apartment complex had her kicked out. Luckily with all the money her three roommates were bringing in from being guinea pigs they could probably make it happen.
Ichigo briefly wondered why so many people were gathered at the music store across the street from the school before he was distracted again by the green haired golden eyed girl on his arm. On impulse he stopped short and swung her around into his chest. He gazed down at her before brushing his lips across hers. Then he did it again, and again until she was breathless, the rose colored patches on her cheeks no longer from the cold. He pulled back reluctantly looking at her lips, red and puffy from his attentions.
Are you in a hurry to get somewhere or do you want to come hang out at my house?
Do you want me to come uh, hang out? Nel asked shyly, her big eyes looking longingly at Ichigo.
Fuck yeah, I mean yes, of course. Ichigo cursed again, but in his head this time. He hadn't meant to be so brusque but this girl did something to him….shorting out his brain and sending his impulses straight to his cock. Which was again hardening in a bid for attention. He coughed and discreetly pulled his pants to the side, trying desperately to make room.
Ichigo seemed different today to Nel. More confident, a little brasher. His eagerness to be with her was exciting and terrifying. If she had known what a roller coaster was she would have described her feelings as such. As she turned with Ichigo to continue their walk to his house she finally noticed the crowd across the street. Her superior sight allowed her to clearly see the blue haired man in the window, a wild grin on his face as he beat on some sort of music maker. She recognized the device from the television. He had stripped off his shirt and in his tank top she could see the way his muscles bunched and strained as a wonderful noise drifted from the shop. Grimmjow…She flashed back to how he had held her all night. It had been strangely comforting, but she knew she shouldn't dwell on it. He probably thought she was embarrassingly weak. I mean, in their land he would have most likely slit her throat for such vulnerability. She mentally shook away the feeling of longing that came from the man and looked at Ichigo. So strong, but so sensitive. His body hard but his lips so soft. This was all she should think about. And so she did as they walked on, locking Grimmjow into the deepest part of her mind, never to be opened again.
They had to take a cab, the drum kit had so many pieces to haul back to their apartment. Orihime didn't even know where'd they fit it all, or how to buy a larger place, but for the moment she just the guys ride the high they were still feeling. Ulquiorra was mocking Grimmjow, saying what a princess he was for needing a cab to carry their stuff when Ulquiorra could sling his on his back. He was actually bantering and laughing with Grimmjow like normal guys did. It was almost kind of weird to hear so many words pass through his lips. But Orihime was happy to see him happy for once. Not that he didn't seem happy with her, but she had never seen him so carefree.
After the Arrancars had stuffed their new instruments into the small apartment and looked around confused as to where to set up, Orihime cleared her throat, gaining their attention. Sooo…as you're probably realizing, we don't have room for all this new stuff. And apartments don't really like loud music. As she watched the guys faces fall she hurried to her next statement. So, I have decided that between the four of us we should probably look at buying a big house!
The guys didn't really know what the girl was talking about but they could tell it was a big deal so they murmured their appreciation and just went with the happy feeling of the moment.
However….I have no idea how to do that, and the only person I know who has a house is Isshin, Ichigo's father so we probably need to go talk to him! Collective groans arose from the Espada. Both had had enough of Ichigo for the day, but if the girl said they needed his dad then hopefully he would still be out somewhere with Nel. Reluctantly they headed out with Orihime to the strawberry's house where his dad had his clinic.
Thank goodness his dad wasn't home. Ichigo wasn't sure what was going to happen here if anything, but his dad would be far too excited about Nel. Hell he would probably drag them to some wedding chapel that day. At least that's how he had been about Rukia. Rukia… Ichigo felt guilty. He hadn't thought about Rukia since shed said goodbye. Perhaps he should have given that more of a chance. I mean here he was with an Espada after all. But no, she'd never shown an interest in him beyond his soul reaper abilities. Nel actually wanted him back. And damn was she sexy. A girl like her deserved his full attention.
So do you want to go up to my room and watch a movie?
Yes… was all she said so he took her hand and led her up the stairs.
He was worried she would read too much into the fact that the only place for them to sit was his bed but she plopped down without a care in the world. He could feel her eyes on him as he brought up his movies on his computer screen. What should they watch? Maybe some generic horror movie…no need to think but he could cuddle her when she got scared. As if he needed an excuse to touch her and be close to her…
She watched him closely as he worked on finding a movie. His jeans fit him in a way that had her aching between her legs. She wasn't sure she wanted to watch a movie…she was more thinking about getting as few clothes between them as possible. She had never felt this achy or needy before, what had gotten into her? But then again she had never met a guy like Ichigo either. The bed dipped as he stretched out beside her, the movie playing its opening credits. He put his arm behind her head and pulled her into him, her head resting on his shoulder.
She never even flinched. Of course he should have known horror films wouldn't faze someone who had lived in Hueco Mundo. But as she snuggled into him more his cock wouldn't take his inaction any longer. He reached down and gently tugged her chin up till she was looking at him before slanting his mouth over hers. Their kiss started slow and sweet but when he licked the inside of her mouth she crushed their bodies together rubbing her thigh along his crotch. He groaned deeply at the contact, deepening the kiss.
She could kiss him all day, but the rest of her body was on fire and she wanted him to touch her. She pressed her hot and aroused breasts into his chest for some reason desperate for him to bring his hands there. And to her surprise it worked. He slowly brought his hand up her side, dragging it agonizingly slowly up until it framed her breast. Now it was her turn to moan. Encouraged by her response he began to rub his thumb across her shirt where he could feel the small bud of her nipple.
Ichigo wasn't sure if he should slow things down. Hell, he wasn't even sure he could if he wanted to. Nel's lush little body was molded to his and as he caressed her breast, he began to thrust softly and slowly into her. She met him each time and he decided he was lost. How had he never done this before?
His hands were where she had wanted them but now she needed him lower…she could feel her core weeping for him. She moved her thigh out, further over him so that with each of his thrust, his hardness was rubbing her between her legs alleviating some of her strain. But she wanted more. How had she never done this before?
They both froze though when they heard voices downstairs. Dammit Ichigo thought as he heard his dad's voice mixed with….Orihime's? What was she doing here? And that low voice, fuck it must be Ulquiorra's. Why oh why were they in his house?
I'm sorry you guys must have missed Ichigo.
Actually Kurosaki-sama, we came to see you! Orihime said brightly. Isshin's smile stretched out as he scooped up Orihime into a big hug.
Awwwwww that's so sweet Orihime! I didn't know you cared so much! And you guys too…get in here!
Ulquiorra quickly sidestepped out of Isshin's grasp but Grimmjow wasn't so lucky and got wrapped up in his bear hug. Ulquiorra couldn't help but smirk as he watched Grimmjow struggle to get away. This guy must be strong to be able to stop Grimmjow. Who or what was he?
We, uh , actually, uh, came to, erm, talk to you about how to buy a house! Orihime's words tumbled out as Isshin finally released her.
A house! That's great but can you really afford that Orihime?
Well everyone except me is working for Urhara-san and I saw the bakery is hiring so maybe I could work there?
Their voices drifted up into Ichigo's bedroom as he lay there with Nel, still breathing heavily. Looks like your moving Nel….but, what if…no nevermind.
What is it Itsygo? Her gold eyes consumed him whole. He swallowed nervously.
What if….what if you moved in here with me? I know it's sudden and way too soon probably but my dad wont care, I mean he let Rukia live here for years.
Uh, you lived with Rukia before? Ichigo couldn't stand the disappointment on her face.
Well yeah, but it wasn't like this. I promise. You are a first for me. I mean, I've never even done what we were um doing. Please, Nel, move in with me.
She leaned suddenly into him and kissed him quickly before breathing out a yes answer. He jumped up eagerly and yanked her to her feet… Well let's go tell them the good news!
The conversation stopped abruptly as Ichigo and Nel came down the stairs. No one, except maybe Isshin missed their wrinkled clothes and rumpled hair.
Uh hey everyone. So we were um watching a movie and heard you guys talking. You don't have to worry about Nel because shes decided to live here with me!
Everyone turned their eyes to Nel, looking shocked…except Isshin. He started his usual celebration of having another daughter in the house. Ulquiorra and Orihime looked uncomfortable but after being assured that this was what she wanted, they gave their blessing to Nel. But Grimmjow, when Nel finally became brave enough to meet his eyes she didn't understand what she saw there. The pain was so strong, like she had stabbed him. Before she could ask him what was wrong his face suddenly closed off and he murmured something before walking out the door. No one but Nel really registered his departure but she was soon swept back up into the happiness of finally getting her man.
