"Limerence"
We never realize how frozen we are until someone starts to melt our ice. - Bridgett Devoue
Ugh please no, I moaned as Nel barged into the door with the wedding gown I had just finished cringing about, earlier in the morning when I aroused, to my disappointment Nel was not asleep next to me, she had gone off to do whatever Nel needed to do, but now she came flying through the door with all her chaos and wonderful mess and in her hands the wedding dress.
"Orihime!" She called tunefully, my stomach churned Hell. no. Thankfully I had been perusing about in the closet and quickly found myself pushing in further hoping to escape from her frantic excitement, still I struggled against the heaps of dresses and thick fabrics, but as Nel's flurry neared I honestly considered using the Dojo kicks Tatsuki once taught me to use if I need to defend myself and at this precise moment it felt very necessary. Just as Nel opened the door I turned to face her but slipped onto a long dress instantly plunging onto the floor. My weight cracking the hangers and sending the dresses flying over me, grunting from the impact I glared.
"There you are!" Nel chimed in and stifled, momentarily stunned at my comical state, a smirk working its way onto her lips before doubling over into a fit of laughter. Pouting I threw a dress at her and grumbled before flinging myself back into the monstrous mess.
"What were you doing?" Nel asked trying to control her mirth.
"Hiding from you," I confessed glowering at the popcorn on the ceiling.
"C' mon let's get this over with." Nel persisted indicating the dreadful wedding gown currently hanging inside Its translucent garment bag now mocking me in all its prestige.
"Nooooo," I whined as she stubbornly tugged at my arms expecting me to succumb.
"Don't make this difficult Orihime," she grunted as she pulled against my limp body but instead of giving up she aimed to drag me and I had no intentions of going without a fight, grinning I yanked her arm and she yelped, ungracefully tumbling into the mess with me and I dissolved into laughter until our stomachs knotted and our lungs begged for air, our hysterics intermingling in the ambiance before gradually dying out. Still we lingered there for hours and I listened to Nel chattering away, she told me about the mansion and her various adventures she and Grimmjow explored while seeking privacy for their most intimate and raunchy exploits to their fervor adoration for each other, thankfully she hadn't seen my flustered cheeks as I lacked any form of experience in that field, the mere thought of my first kiss sent millions of tiny butterflies rippling throughout my belly, and I unconsciously stroked my lips imagining the strange supple sensation of another against mine, the curious and enticing softness I romanticized about while sipping freshly squeezed lemonade on hot summer days.
Finally noticing my train of thoughts I sighed away any saccharine and lingering daydreams, Nel sensing my gaze sluggishly stood up before casting a sour look at the clutter, " We will have someone clean this up," Nel winked, contented to be free from the responsibility.
"I'm glad you made that decision." I joked standing to follow Nel out of the messy closet.
The cheery mood I had once been minutes ago now dissipated and crumbled away into thin air only to be replaced by shame and a morbid feeling of unwilling submission. There was absolutely nothing I could do or say that could alter my current situation, I was completely directionless. I peered at my reflection reluctantly as Nel marveled at its beauty, yes the dress was beautiful like that of a bride who would have loved to be married in, one that I would love to have worn If I was completely in love. The luxurious material I harnessed attracted my attention back to the mirror. An elegant V neck, off the shoulder tulle and satin ball gown with delicate thread work and embroidery accentuated my slender waist, its V neck embellished with intricate floral designs that my cheeks flushed at the ample display of my bust and the gown flared out voluminously, its ivory satin extensively lengthen sweeping onto the marble floors and around me.
My eyes traveled up the dress leisurely taking in the fragile details and thread work that must have taken a patient women hours to complete for a moment like this, but involuntarily I made a mistake and my eyelids fluttered to my reflection and what I saw was nothing more than a troubled and guilt-ridden shame disconsolately staring back at me. I swallowed the wave of torment and my breath quickened but just as fast as I had seen, I revolted and detached.
"Nel I want to speak with...Ulquiorra." I stammered. Nel perked up until she noticed the look on my face, her pretty features contorting into worry.
"You don't like it, I could always-
"No, it's not that…" I reassured, if anything I was stunned at the wedding gown she picked out for me, it was an exquisite dress, Nel knew I would have never made the effort or much less have gone to choose anything, she must have been searching faithfully for long hours and it was all for me, my heart swelled she was so selfless, so kind and so caring that I pulled her into a tight embrace, I wouldn't dare be ungrateful of her. Shocked Nel returned the hug, "Thank you." I whispered.
Ulquiorra's household was absurdly massive and while Nel explained to me the different premises of the house and their respective roles, I couldn't help but notice the Arrancars wondering the cold halls aimlessly. My chest constricted, even if I wanted to escape from this horrible nightmare they were everywhere each very different and more aggressive than the last, I hastily looked away when they sneered back their stares dangerous and vicious, there was no way I would be able to live here normally because like Nnoitga they wouldn't hesitate I'd have to be precautious and careful.
"Ulquiorra is in there expecting you, go in," Nel blurted out nudging me from my deep thoughts, I whirled around realizing she wasn't going to join me.
"Wait!" I hissed reaching for her frantically but before I could she disappeared, I covered my face suddenly anxious mentally preparing myself to knock on the door I brought my fist to the door but hesitated depuffing my chest before turning away fiddling my fingers nervously, berating myself to do it. Becoming increasingly frustrated with the idea.
"Come inside," came Ulquiorra's deep voice and I gasped, startled by his fierceness. Composing myself I timidly entered, my eyes instinctively centering on his back where he stood facing away and I felt his presence lingering in the air but most prominently the immense power he exudes and I was once again reminded that I was absolutely afraid of him.
"You asked to speak with me woman, now do so in haste."
I flinched at his sharp tone debating whether I should just leave, but even that wasn't an option as I was much too afraid to wander alone. Fidgeting I moved closer rubbing my fingers together before bursting in courage.
"I wanted to ask you to postpone the wedding." I began my voice tremoring as I shifted closer.
"No."
"W...well I'm not feeling well these days and I thought maybe you-
"No. The wedding will be held tomorrow, now if you don't have anything important to talk to me about, leave I have important matters to get to." He ended firmly dismissing me altogether, sighing I swept my fingers over my temples unwilling to conform.
"Please try to understand." I stammered, pacing in front of his study.
"Don't persist, leave." He demanded.
"Why must you insist on a wedding!" I hissed resentfully, I've had a vague idea of Ulquiorra and Sora's forced agreement, but what they failed to mention was a wedding, all I was aware of was staying with Ulquiorra as some form of retainer until my brother paid off the money stolen, but not to marry him.
"I don't understand why I have to marry you I don't even know you!" I yelled sensing the tears brimming in my eyesight. Finally provoked Ulquiorra responded by slamming his work onto his desk, I flinched back looking at his hands as he rose, his veins protruding from his neck.
"I've ordered you to leave!" he snarled with so much intensity and hostility that I found myself feeling so small, so pointless and so morbidly certain that I was nothing. My face contorted impulsively and suddenly I found it hard to swallow and unwillingly hot tears swelled and tumbled over, pattering against the carpet. I sought to sniffle them away but the waves of anguish crashed and I was but a blubbering mess. Embarrassed at my outburst of overflowing waterworks I turned to leave unable to withstand the exposure of my vulnerability. Without warning, Ulquiorra's cool fingers lifted my chin and I was struck by his probing green eyes now flashing an apologetic look before caressing my cheeks gingerly. Stunned at his tenderness I jerked away, at last, recalling his presence last night while I slept.
"What do you want from me?" I asked curiously searching his gaze, the loneliness rolling off in waves of emerald and as if it never happened he detached, walking back to his desk gathering his things getting ready to leave. I tensed up, I didn't want him to leave without getting to the point and I reached out and touched him.
"Could I at least request just one thing?"
When he didn't respond I continued trying to gain his attention.
"Please let me see Sora…just one last time?" I mustered stepping back as he moved around in his study, what I didn't see was the move he made as an acknowledgment, "and I promise to be at my best behavior tomorrow." I added quickly and he stiffened I held my breath as I waited for him to answer.
"I will consider it," came his short answer and my stomach fluttered in delight instantly shooting a warm smile his way and his narrowed eyes softened.
"Thank you," I added turning to leave so he could finish, but suddenly a hand shot out and closed the door to stop me, his breath tickling the back of my neck as he hovered his familiar reiatsu circling dominantly around me and I was afraid again.
"I would never hurt you." he drawled touching my long tresses tenderly and I gasped at the contact my heart thudding against my chest, I turned to face his eyes, now circling with longing and desire and he pressed a hand against my chest.
"Your heart is racing," he whispered huskily, my eyes fluttered to his and I blushed profusely my cheeks burning under his intensity. Ulquiorra shifted closer and I pressed against the door as my breath caught, my head heady from the proximity and crisp musky scent of his fougere cologne his lips just mere inches from mine.
"I...I have to go." I stuttered nervously, Ulquiorra smirked at my reaction fleetingly that I almost missed it, I reached behind me and with one last glance, I slipped away.
~Sora~
Sora clutched the phone tightly as he listened to the women though the phone, quickly jotting down the address to Orihime's wedding that was being hosted just on the outskirts of Karakura Town and to his horror Ulquiorra's plan for Orihime had been more than just taking her hostage, his fist tightened, certain Orihime wouldn't be coming home and share a meal with him ever again and this disheartened him. Guilt washed over him, if he hadn't taken the money at least Orihime would have been under his protection, but over time that had become difficult as people began to seek her out without a clue as to why as if she were pulling them in. The aura around her was strange and light, just standing near her made you feel tranquil and whole. Sora forbade Orihime from ever using her powers or much less mention them with any of her friends afraid that while all she wanted to do was help, others would think it would be easy to use her.
The woman on the phone hung up before he could even ask how Orihime had been doing, convinced that she must have been confused and scared with the news. At least knowing that he was invited to the wedding would mean who would get to see Orihime putting him at ease as she had been gone for days and while the days turned to nights he was often tormented by thoughts of her being far from home and not being there to protect her from whatever horror she may have been experiencing. Sora eyed the piece of paper where he jotted the messy address and picked it up, swiftly leaving his home and trodding down the steps before halting when he spotted Ichigo making his way up.
"Kurosaki your back," Sora called recalling the night Ichigo had stormed out of his house following the news of Orihime, but now he remained quiet.
"I got a call for Orihime."
Ichigo perked up at this and gripped the stairs "Where is she? Is she ok?" He asked hastily his eyes wide in urgency, he knew Ichigo had been losing sleep over this and wanted to rescue her but there was only one problem, Orihime vanished into thin air.
"Well? What they say?" he demanded, Sora hesitated thoughtfully he knew that if he let Ichigo know where Orihime would be, there would be consequences further than his own life, he knew very well Ichigo would do something reckless resulting in both their deaths, his like felt worthless if he couldn't do anything for Orihime, without sparing another second he handed Ichigo the piece of paper. Ichigo snatched it away before looking past him "those Bastards."
~Orihime~
Grimmjow's chest rumbled, smirking as he followed Orihime sneaking around in the hallways, had this child not learned from her last attack? Still, her courage was admirable and he followed suit careful not to be detected as she jumped from corner to corner until she successfully slipped into Ulquiorra's study. Grimmjow tailed behind without a sound and quickly slipped into the room without her noticing hiding in the dark corners of the office. Orihime oblivious crept over to Ulquiorra's desk and skittishly looked around the room to make sure she was alone. Snatching the phone up she quickly dialed Sora's number and listened intently as it rang when suddenly the phone cut off, Orihime frowned and stood, tugging at the wire and grabbed the phone making sure everything was connected properly before sitting it back down and redialing the number, as the phone rang it cut off blaringly in her ear. Grimmjow cackled and clapped his hands finally showing himself, Orihime jumped off the chair and backed away the color draining from her face.
"I have to say you got some guts on you." Grimmjow chuckled waving the phone cord in front of her.
"What would Ulquiorra do if he found out?" he teased but before Orihime could blink he was suddenly at her side. Orihime flinched seconds late and backed away.
"I was calling-
"Save it, Ulquiorra will be very angry when he finds out," he barked out shoving her towards the door. Ulquiorra had given him strict orders to keep a close eye on her, and as they rumored she was gutsy. Orihime huffed she had been sure to be as quiet and fast as possible, now there was no way she would be able to explain her way out of it. Grimmjow remained close behind sneering as Orihime wracked her brain, once they arrived at her bedroom Grimmjow pushed her inside knocking her down and closed the door. Orihime grunted from the impact and was morbidly shocked recalling Nel's confession of her and Grimmjow having something behind the scenes and she couldn't imagine why she would choose him as her form of love, grumbling she climbed on her bed instead knowing fully well Grimmjow would be in standby until Ulquiorra returned.
Nel fled towards Orihime's room before Ulquiorra did, Grimmjow had informed him that Orihime had sneaked into his office but had left out what she had been doing in there. Ulquiorra had remained quiet and monotonous but Nel knew it had bothered him. Once excused Grimmjow grabbed Nels wrist to stop her and she glared.
"Orihime is my friends, you should have come to me instead!" Nel hissed snatching her wrist out of his grip, Grimmjow growled and pulled her into him nuzzling her neck.
"You know I can't do that, I was under strict orders," He answered, Nel pushed against his strong chest that she normally adored and darted to the direction of Orihime's bedroom. Orihime sat near the fireplace in a trance when Nel barged in.
"Hurry up and act like your busy, Ulquiorra is going to come in here demanding what you were doing in his office!" Nel hissed shoving Orihime into the bathroom.
"What!" Orihime heaved turning the shower on, she knew he would be Infuriated with her lack of compliance, all she had wanted was to hear Sora's voice. Discarding her clothes Nel rummaged through the cabinets and tossed a towel which Orihime caught and placed near the sink. Nel turned and scowled at her "We will talk later!" Nel chided exiting the bathroom. Orihime grumbled flinging her clothes on the floor before getting inside.
Ulquiorra leisurely paced his way over to Orihime's room when he spotted Nel fleeing her bedroom.
"She is busy right now she is-
"Step aside." he commanded, Nel dejected, nodded and moved away while Grimmjow grabbed her wrist and pulled her away, "Let's go," he growled at her stubbornness and dragged her away as she began to protest.
Ulquiorra turned the handle to the door and stepped inside, the smell of her clean scent lingering in the room, a light honey and rich chypre now attacked his senses while he searched for Orihime when he noticed the sound of the shower, realizing the door had been left slightly opened Ulquiorra promptly opened it and halted when he caught a glimpse of Orihime naked and exposed, her delicate fair skin and fragile form enticing. The long ginger tresses that he found intriguing now clung to the small of her back, his eyes traveling to her supple breasts and gritted his teeth with desire clutching his tie tightly as his eyes raked her rousing body and made an excruciating effort from barging in there and taking her as his thrashing inner hollow roared him to do. Still, she was completely helpless and unaware of his presence and while his raging hollow fought against him, he lowly growled and exited the bathroom sauntering over to his office. When he arrived he sat on his chair and unbuttoned his shirt, throwing his head back as the images of his bride still clung in his head, as he loosened up the phone suddenly rang.
"Yes, Loly."
Littlebird021: I hope you enjoyed the chapter, please leave a comment! I finished writing chapter 7 I just need to go back and edit so expect that chapter in like 2 days.