Chapter 29: Home pt 1
It was early morning when Orihime woke up packed from her slumber. She turned slowly from her side to lay on her back. She could hear Murcielago snoring right next to her. Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, she sat up in the bed, and she gazed around the room. The suitcases were jam-packed with their clothes and souvenirs. Orihime glanced at the clock and realized that they have about five hours to get to the airport. Orihime got out of bed, got her necessities and went into the bathroom to get ready for the ride back home.
Murcielago heard the click of the bathroom door closed when he woke up. He sat up, yawned rubbed his eyes. Scratching his head, Murcielago started to remove the covers from his person and turned on the television. Orihime came out of the bathroom and heard the Italian version of 'Hey Arthur.' She smiled at Murcielago being so engrossed by the show. She went over to the suitcases to get some clothes for her and MurMur. Today, they were going home and to finally rest a couple of before Orihime had to head back to work at the hospital. Ulquiorra won't be home for another week, o Orihime had to make sure his surprise was in order while she was gone. Janette had a spare key to the house and made sure that everything was in order while Orihime wasn't home. Janette did text her yesterday that their little project will be finished before gets home from the airport. Orihime found some outfits for her and MurMur. She zipped the suitcases shut after getting another thing. She placed Murcielago's clothes next to him while she went back to the bathroom to change.
Murcielago began changing out of his PJs into his day clothes and fold his sleepwear neatly and set them next to him. Orihime came out of the bathroom all dressed and fresh. She smiled at Murcielago already dress and ready to go. Orihime has seen his pajamas were settled beside him all folded up so neatly. Walking over to his suitcase, Orihime unzipped it and motioned Murcielago to bring his nightwear to over so she can pack them. He did what he was told, and they were ready to go. Orihime doubled checked their room to make sure they weren't' leaving anything behind and if the room was nice and clean. Being satisfied with not leaving any of the belongings in the room, Orihime grabbed ahold of Murcielago's hand and closed the door. They went to check out at the front desk before her manager Anthony came to pick them up. Orihime motioned Murcielago to sit down on the couch while she checks them out. Murcielago sat on the sofa that Orihime motioned to him. The television was on the news discussing an earthquake that happened in Guam yesterday morning. Murcielago grabbed the remote that was in front of him on the table and changed the channel to The Science Guy. Murcielago interestingly watched the Science Guy speaking about the ozone layer. It was Orihime's turn in line at the reception desk.
"Hello ma'am, are you checking out today?"
"Yes, I am," Orihime said. She gave the receptionist the keypad and waited for the sign to go. The receptionists clicked a few keys on the keyboard before giving Orihime the okay. Orihime thanked them and left the counter to get Murcielago away from the television.
"Murcielago, its time to go, Orihime called. Murcielago turned from the television screen to stare at Orihime with sad eyes.
"But Mr. Science Guy isn't finished explaining about the hole in the ozone layer," Murcielago moaned.
"Oh, well fine. I'll let you finish watching this part, but we will have to leave right after so we won't miss our flight," Orihime agreed to the compromise with him. She did understand why Murcielago wanted to continue watching an old episode of The Science Guy. Orihime loved watching the Science Guy when she was younger when she was a science enthusiast. This episode was the one episode that was her favorite. Murcielago's eyes were bugging out of their eye sockets with so much excitement that Orihime watched him with a loving mother wonder.
'He's so cute and adorable! He makes you want to squeeze him and shower him with kisses,' Orihime thought mentally squealed.
The show was over, and the credits were going by on the screen. Murcielago was ready to go; he glanced over at Orihime who was already off the couch and stretched her limbs. She motioned to him that it's time to go. He got off the couch, grabbed his bag and followed Orihime out of the hotel. Anthony was already parked in front of the hotel waiting for Orihime and Murcielago to come out. He noticed them coming to the rental car. He clicked a button on the dashboard and the back truck raised for them. Orihime placed their bags in the back and pressed the button to close the trunk door. Murcielago was already being strapped in the children car seat by Anthony. Orihime climbed in the passenger seat while Anthony jumped in the driver's seat. He started the truck, and they went on their way to the airport. Orihime went on her phone to text Ulquiorra that she was on her way to the airport. She sent it and placed her phone into the pocket of her jeans.
"How did you like Italy?" Anthony asked trying to make some conversation. The airport was about 15 minutes away from the hotel they stayed at for the job, and a calm discussion began.
"It was new, but I did enjoy myself besides all the modeling; which as fun too," Orihime answered.
"I'm glad you like it. Did you guys enjoy touring around Milan after the modeling and fashion shows? Did you buy any souvenirs to take back home?"
"Yes, we did. We went out around the city and did get some great keepsakes to take back home. I got some for myself, Murcielago, Eric, Janette, and Ulquiorra. I do hope that they like it," Orihime answered, "the city is beautiful every time I see it. Morning or night it's always beautiful."
Anthony nodded in agreement with his charge. Milan always was beautiful at whatever time of day. His wife always wanted to go to Milan but sadly never could because of her job. At least he got something for her this time. They made it to the airport just in time to return the vehicle and to check in their bags. Murcielago was sitting on top of Orihime's rolling suitcase enjoying the ride that Orihime was providing since she was pushing. Anthony was pushing his bag along with Murcielago's. They checked in and went through security with no problems. They went down towards their respective gate and sat down in seats before the time of their flight departure. Anthony decided to get them something to eat since they had to leave early this morning. He took Murcielago with him so he could look around the airport and that left to herself. She was going over the messages that Janette had sent her over the weekend. The device setup looked great, and she was thrilled that the builders cleaned after themselves and made sure that everything was back into their spots. Her phone started to ring, and it was an unknown number. Orihime was reluctant on answering it, so she let it ring and whoever it was could leave a voicemail. She opened the voicemail to hear who it was.
"Onna, its Ulquiorra. I'm using Mark's cellular phone at the moment because my device is at 1% life expectancy left. *weak contraption*. I called to tell you that I got your message and I'll be returning home in two weeks. Return my call when you see fit. Bye."
She redialed Mark's number and waited for anyone to answer.
"Hello?"
"Hello, is this Mark?" Orihime asked.
"Yes, this is. Whom am I speaking too?"
"My name is Orihime Schiffer, and I'm calling you because my husband used your phone to contact me," Orihime answered sheepishly.
"Oh yeah, he did. Forgive me Mrs. Schiffer let me go ahead and get him for you," Mark apologized.
"It's fine," Orihime giggled.
"Hold on w...Oh, here he is," Mark said.
"Ulquiorra, are you there?"
"I'm here. It seems like you received my message," Ulquiorra said.
"Yes, I did. Sorry, I didn't know the number, so that's why I didn't answer," she admitted shamefully.
"...That is understandable," he said after a long pause. "That was smart on your part. I wanted to inform you about me coming back home in a couple of days. We're on the last assignment and some⦠'healthy' competition with a Frenchmen."
"That's good, and at least you have some camaraderie with someone. Have you been seeing your family?" she asked leaning back slightly in her seat.
"Mostly at night when I'm called to be there. They decided to see Eric, and I leave at the airport because they don't want to see my boss again," he mentioned.
"I wouldn't blame them *giggles.* I can see Yammi going Hulk and rampage on your boss," Orihime giggled.
"Based on Yammi's records, he might do that. Where are you located right now?"
"I'm currently at the airport waiting for Anthony and Murcielago to come back with some food since we left early this morning," she said.
"Are you leaving for home?"
"Yes, I'll be arriving home tomorrow afternoon. I'm off for the next couple of days so I'll be able to pick you up or cook for you and Eric," she said.
"...I haven't considered that as of late, but I'll call or message you about it. Onna, I have to go. The judges are here to talk about the last assignment," Ulquiorra droned.
"Oh, alright. My flight just arrived anyways. I'll see you when you get back home. Be safe and stay out of trouble."
"I will make sure not to have any bodily harm to myself. Onna, I don't get in trouble. I'm not Grimmjow or Nnoritora. I can control my impulses," Ulquiorra disputed.
"Okay, okay. I am sorry you're right. I just meant to be nice," Orihime tried to explain.
"..I..see. I am not nice at the slightest, but I'll consider to 'behave' and give you an update when you get back to our abode. Goodbye!"
"Ulquiorra, I didn't mean it like that. Let-," Orihime tried to clarify but instead got the beeping sound of a hanged up phone. "Darn, now I have to explain to him what I meant. I better have all the food tasting delicious to make it up to him." Orihime let out a heavy sigh and closed her eyes from the knowing weight of her doing by making Ulquiorra upset with her.
"We're back with some food," Murcielago yelped with glee running towards her while Anthony carried all the food and drinks.
Orihime smiled at him and let him hop on her lap. Anthony sat down next to Orihime and passed her part of the food. She thanked him, and they began eating their food. The plane was ready for bordering and the announcers announced it was time to get on the plane. Orihime, Anthony, and Murcielago finished up the last remains of their breakfast and began getting their stuff so they could board the plane. Each section class was announced and lines of people ready to leave the space of the airport. It was their turn to board to the death flying machine and found their seats. Orihime had the window seat, Murcielago was in the middle place letting his feet sway back and forth with giddiness that was contagious, and Anthony had an outside seat checking his messages on his blackberry.
"Hey Anthony," Orihime started gazing out the window.
"What is it, Orihime?"
"Is it okay to ask for some advice?" Orihime nervously asked.
"Sure, what can I do for you."
"Well, I said something to Ulquiorra that made him upset, and I need to know how to fix it besides making him a buffet of food. I don't know much about guys even though my best friends are guys, but Ulquiorra is different than my guy friends."
'He can get angry?! How the hell can she tell when he's angry,' Anthony thought.
"With them, I can at least know when they're angry; well except for one but I could do something to make them upset anymore. But with Ulquiorra, he doesn't show any emotion so it is hard to know what he is thinking or when he's showing any emotion. What do you think I should do, Anthony?" Orihime inquired still letting her fingers twirl around each other.
Anthony sat there looking at Orihime wondering what he should tell her. He doesn't know Ulquiorra like Orihime does or even had a long conversation with unless you count the time when Anthony asked him out to lunch to discuss Orihime's future, but that was it nothing else. Here he is staring at his client who is asking him for some advice about how to fix her mistake by angering her emotionless husband and he's not giving it. How could he don't know Ulquiorra and how to give advice on something like this, but she did ask him as a man on how to deal with a man's emotion and how to deal with it in the right way.
He took a deep breath and quoted, "A wise man once told me 'A man's emotion is like a vault or a solid rock. With the softest of touch, it can be calm like a river, but when pushed too far, the sky will break and a hurricane of fire will come down from the heavens to destroy anything in its path.'"
Orihime gave him the look of confusion. Anthony knew Orihime would be confused and he was ready for it. "It means little sunshine, a man's emotion can be dangerous when he is pushed to be or do something that they might not want but if cherished right he can be calm and more open to sharing. Ulquiorra is a man and as a man, he is experiencing new things like experiencing his new emotions that have been unused for so long that he doesn't know what do. So, don't push him too much and let him be Ulquiorra until he comes to you when he is ready," Anthony instructed with a smile.
Orihime nodded at him in understanding and smiled at him. "Thanks for the advice, Anthony. It does help a lot."
"You're welcome. I'm glad to help you so don't be afraid to come to me when you have a problem."
"Thank you, and I will."
Anthony smiled at her and went back to messaging his wife. Orihime went back to gazing at the clouds and Murcielago was already fast asleep. The eleven-hour trip was going to be peaceful. Night had fallen and both of hte adults were asleep and our little Murcielago was up and about on Orihime's phone playing a game. It was around 8 in the morning when they arrived at the airport. Orihime and Amthony grudgingly woke up from slumber and slowly trekked their way off the plane, through the airport and to the parking lot. They went their way to the vehicles and went on the drive back home. Orihime and Murcielago arrived back home tired and hungry, but instead of getting the food they both headed upstairs to the master's bedroom and collapsed on the big bed with their eyes closed. They both fell fast asleep.
