This chapter is for LylithB who drew some gorgeous fan art inspired by ch. 32 and posted it over on Tumblr. My interactions with her hold a very special place in my heart, as I've hinted at before, but I wanted to take the opportunity to thank all of you reading, commenting, fave-ing and following: your interest and support brings me so much joy, and I appreciate each one of you. As a gesture of my thanks, here is a brief little omake chapter that tells part of ch. 32 from Ulquiorra's perspective.
3:30 p.m.
To: Orihime Inoue
From: Ulquiorra Cifer
I believe your classes are finished, and I apologize in advance if I am mistaken, but I must know: how did you perform on your exam?
xx
3:31 p.m.
To: Ulquiorra Cifer
From: Orihime Inoue
You're right, classes just ended. My exam went well, I think, thanks for asking! (Blushing smiley)
xx
3:33 p.m.
To: Orihime Inoue
From: Ulquiorra Cifer
As expected from one so stubbornly determined.
Ulquiorra smirked as he tapped the send button, hoping to get a rise out of the usually peaceful healer.
xx
3:34 p.m.
To: Ulquiorra Cifer
From: Orihime Inoue
Hey, it takes one to know one! (Tongue out smiley)
xx
'Oh, so she wants to challenge me? Very well, I accept,' Ulquiorra thought to himself.
3:36 p.m.
To: Orihime Inoue
From: Ulquiorra Cifer
You are right about that. When I set my sights on something, or someone, only death can stop my pursuit, as you well know.
xx
3:38 p.m.
To: Ulquiorra Cifer
From: Orihime Inoue
Um, are you talking about Kurosaki-kun? (Chin scratch emoji)
xx
Ulquiorra was confused for a moment. 'What could she mean - oh', she probably was referring to how he had died at Kurosaki's sword as a result of his pursuit of the shinigami. That is not what he meant, though, and he wondered momentarily whether he should back down and just let her misunderstanding go unchecked. No, he had gone this far. Only the meek retreat, and Ulquiorra Cifer was not meek.
3:41 p.m.
To: Orihime Inoue
From: Ulquiorra Cifer
Wrong. Guess again, woman. There, I've inadvertently given you a hint.
xx
3:43 p.m.
To: Ulquiorra Cifer
From: Orihime Inoue
(Laughing smiley) be careful, Ulquiorra, if I didn't know any better, I'd think you were flirting with me! (Lol) (lol) (blushing smiley)
xx
3:45 p.m.
To: Orihime Inoue
From: Ulquiorra Cifer
This is the first instance in which I might advise that you are overconfident in your beliefs.
Ulquiorra bit his lower lip, waiting anxiously for her response. As the minutes ticked by, he began to fill with dread. Had he been too forward? Was she avoiding him? His face grimaced as he began to pace his room.
After several minutes, he found himself downstairs, pacing the rooms there. He began absentmindedly organizing a stack of newspapers, but still no answer came and his anxiety only grew.
"Damn."
He strode to the genkan, threw on his coat and shoes, and left for Orihime's school. If she meant to reject him, she could do so in person.