Secrets

'...' Thinking

"..." Speaking

Bold Text Messages/Emphasis

Disclaimer:

This will be my first time writing in a few years, so please be patient with me. All the stories I write are my interpretation of how I would have wanted the show/game to end up. The characters and the actual series I write about are not mine as I do not own any rights. I am just a fan and love to show it by creating my stories, but any OC's I create are that of my own imagination and creativity.

The next morning Nel waited by the front entrance gate of the school. She was braiding her green hair as Nnoitra walked up, yawning. "Good morning Noir! Still trying to wake up?"

"Nn. Something like that and you? Are you having a bad hair day?"

"You have no idea. I figured a braid would solve everything, but my hair is so frizzy today. I can't seem to reach the strands in the back." She frowned as she tried to look over her shoulder, but her hair was longer than her arms could reach.

Nnoitra sighed and grabbed her wrist, guiding her to the nearby stone benches. He motioned for her to sit down so that he could finish the rest of her hair. Despite his hands being so large they were actually very soft and gentle. He treated her hair as if every strand were thread, ready to break at any moment.

"There. All done."

"It's so perfect! Thank you so much! I love it, but I didn't know you were so skilled with hair. Then again I should have known since you keep your hair pretty long too." Nnoitra smirked and patted her head before grabbing his backpack, "where is Ulquiorra? He's going to be late if he doesn't get here soon."

"Ulquii? I don't know he usually messages us if he is going to be absent. We should head in though...I have an exam first period and I will not let Ulquii's tardiness make me fail."

'As it is, I am going to bomb it with my own skill…'

"You go on ahead. I have to get something from my locker, I'll meet you after class."

"Kay!" Nnoitra turned and headed back the way he came after she hugged him and ran inside. He didn't tell her he had messaged him multiple times before school started, deep down he had a gut-wrenching feeling something bad happened to his friend. Quickly he made his way down the town roads and through multiple districts, it was a good thing he was tall because he covered ground much faster. Eventually, he came to a fork in the road and turned left into a nice driveway, he noticed Ulquiorra's car was there and not his father's. Setting his bag down he walked up to the living room window and pressed his face up against the glass, having just one eye made it hard for him to see clearly. 'Dammit…where are you?'

Quickly he moved to the other side of the house so no onlookers would see him loitering like some peeping tom. Peering into the right living room window he saw a pair of feet sticking out from behind the loveseat. His eyes widened as the realization hit him that his friend could possibly be in critical condition. He looked around for something bulky to break the window and found a nearby rock that was near the mailbox. 'You idiot I told you to call me if anything happened!'

Covering his eye with his arm, he broke the window and used his foot to kick the rest of the glass out. When Noir got to Ulquiorra he turned him over and cradled him gently. He seemed to be running a high fever, likely caused by being left unattended after the assault last night. Nnoitra was mindful of the cuts and bruises all over his friend's naked torso. Gently hoisted him up into his arms, grabbed the car keys hanging by the front door, and exited the house through the backyard. He didn't want anyone to see him in fear they would call the cops and alert Mr. Cifer that someone had broken in. "I'm getting you out of here."

Opening the back door to Ulquiorra's car, he laid him on his side and closed the door but kept the windows down, "wait here. I'm going to grab some of your things, don't worry, I'll get the important stuff."

Nnoitra had only been inside their residence a handful of times before Mr. Cifer banned everyone from coming over. He went off his memory to find Ulquiorra's room and gathered some clothes, toiletries, and personal items that he managed to stuff into a few black trash bags. It's a good thing he lived alone in his own apartment and he so happened to have a spare room that was used for storage. "I'm going to drive your car now Ulquiorra. I'll try and be careful not to move you too much."

"N-Nnoitra…leave me. He'll come for you…too. I-I'm sorry…I'm just tired. I don't want this anymore. I've had….enough."

"You've suffered a great amount, why not let your friends take it from here, alright? I'm going to tell Nel, I think it's time she knew what was going on. We can only hide the truth from her for so long and I don't like lying to her anymore. I know she can help, maybe she can get Tier to do something about that piece of shit you have for a father."

"Nn…n-no she can't know. Don't tell her...she'll be...sad."

"She's a big girl, she can handle it just relax now. I'll take care of everything."

Ulquiorra was too tired to argue and just wanted to sleep forever, if possible. The entire way home Nnoitra, was thinking of all the ways to explain their current situation to Nel, but he came up empty-handed with every scenario. What if she no longer wanted to speak to him after he confessed how long he knew this was going on? What if they couldn't be friends anymore? Would she forgive him?

He didn't have time to think about all of it now he needed to get Ulquiorra into bed and tend to his wounds. With haste, he grabbed the medic kit under the bathroom sink and walked into the spare room where his friend was resting. It used to be so packed with cardboard boxes and junk, but Nnoitra threw it all in the dumpster since it had no actual value. Now that Ulquiorra's belongings were there the room was completely occupied. "Sorry to wake you again. I'm going to have to remove your old bandages for the new ones, stay still or this is going to sting like a bitch."

"G-Gah…"

There were just too many cuts and bruises, every time he changed a gauze it would get soaked with pus or blood, "goddamn, why did you let him do this to you?"

"It's not…like I had a choice…he's my father…"

"He's no father to you. He is your abuser and nothing more, you shouldn't give him power like that. Your mother died because of the heart condition she had before you were even conceived the birth just happened to kick it in motion. She would have died regardless."

"That's not how he sees it." Ulquiorra winced when the alcohol touched his open wounds. It was truly the first time Nnoitra could see the scars he had from previous attacks. This time he had yellow and green bruises with vertical lacerations across his skin most likely made from a leather belt.

"Regardless, you won't be going back there."

"What are you talking about? All my stuff is there and-"

"Don't worry about your things I already brought most of it with me when we left your house. Tier went back there to get the rest of your things and to pay a visit to that asshole. Well over an hour ago."

"Fuck. Did she kill him?"

"We aren't savages. Idiot, she used some manipulation tactics and might have reported him to some cops for sexual assault."

"She ok?"

"It was a lie...but I am sure she slept with him anyway, you know she's into that weird shit. That's usually how she gets her way, sorry for planting that disturbing image into your brain."

Ulquiorra gave a soft chuckle before closing his eyes, "guess he's her problem now…thanks, Noir."

"Don't thank me. Just work on getting better... I'm pretty sure Nel is going to kick my ass. I stood her up...I was supposed to walk her home from her last class."

"Did you tell her yet? If not tell her the truth...I don't want my father to affect any more lives. It's bad enough mine was fucked from the start. Your love life has a chance still nn...you can experience something good. With her...you will experience a love like no other…nn I know you like her so don't deny it. I am...tch happy for nn you both..."

'It's something I had hoped to experience...but clearly, it wasn't meant for me in this life or she would have fallen for me and me...her. I know now that I never truly had a heart, to begin with...'

"Tch. When did you become so attentive? Just go to sleep... I'll deal with her, but thanks for the blessing." He closed the door to Ulquiorra's new room and passed through the living space. He felt so awkward, not knowing what to do with all this information. Should he stay by Ulquiorra's side and continue caring for him or call Nelliel up and explain himself? Conflicted he collapsed on the living room couch. He dreaded having to send the message but he figured he'd rip off the bandaid quickly and deal with the pain later. Opening his phone he quickly selected Nel's contact and typed up an explanation.

Sent.

Bing. Bing. Bing.

The ringtone went off as Nelliel received a message. She quickly scrambled for her phone not wanting to disturb the other passengers with the loud volume. She always hated taking the bus since she was occasionally groped or it was too hot. That's why she always walked home with Noir...he always protected her. Speaking of the devil-

'Ugh...what does he want?'

To: Nel O.

From: Noir G

Subject: Sorry...

Hey, I know I may seem like a huge jerk right now for bailing on you, but it was for a good reason. Meet me at your house whenever you are done with your afterschool activities.

'He'd better explain why he bailed on me. I was late to third period because of him!'

To: Noir G.

From: Nel O.

Subject: Explaining to do…

I will be there. This time don't bail on me, see you in a few.

Nel put away her phone and went back to staring out the window, minding her own business. Sometimes it sucked being the only one out of all her friends who attend afterschool clubs, she wished she had someone to keep her company. Nel took a deep breath cast all the negativity out of the window. Noir wasn't the type to just leave her out to dry like that and Ulquiorra ALWAYS messaged her...something wasn't right, 'I just hope everyone's ok.'

Once the announcement went off that she had arrived at her stop she gathered her belongings and stepped off the bus. She was almost to her district when she ran into Rangiku and Orihime the captain and co-captain of the Reaper's Cheerleading team. "Well looky here! If it isn't one of the three musketeers."

Nel rolled her eyes and tried to go around the two, but Rangiku blocked the way. Had any pervert been nearby they would have seen their wildest fantasy come to life. Three big-breasted ladies about to hash it out minus the jello and swimsuits.

"I don't think so grinch."

"Really Rani? You're going to hurl insults my way for no reason? I thought you were more classy than that after all you are the captain. When I led the team, my girls knew nothing but positivity and respect. Now it's just straight animosity towards students who aren't in your little clique. I don't have time for this my friends need me, now if you're done being a complete and utter meanie I got to GO!"

"What did you just say? Hey! I'm talking to you freak!"

"R-Rangiku just d-drop it. She's probably in a rush to g-get home."

"No, Orihime. You're just too nice, grow some backbone! You should be angry that she's your boyfriend's ex! The EX-captain of the team. You're pretty much her replacement...well minus being captain cause that's obviously my role!" Rangiku grabbed Nel's backpack and held her back, "we aren't done here."

"No, but I'm done with you. If you want to keep that arm, I suggest you let me go. I would hate to have to hurt a team's captain. Can you picture it? Captain Matsumoto unable to attend nationals due to an unfortunate injury. Then again you all never really had a chance at nationals anyways. A word of advice Rani? You shouldn't put down your team's co-captain. I am sure they listen and respect her more than they do with you. You'd better be careful or one day you'll find yourself being overthrown by her. Also, she isn't anyone's replacement or backup girlfriend. She has her own personality and there is a reason why Itsygo chose her over you."

Rangiku's blue eyes widened as she stumbled backward, not used to someone talking back. Nel knew it was a low blow, but if Rangiku was ever going to learn she needed a taste of her own medicine. "If that's all? I have somewhere I have to be."

Nel smirked and walked away while Rangiku fumed with anger, "this isn't over bitch. We'll have our time."

"I look forward to it now uh, take those pom-poms elsewhere. You're ruining the beautiful scenery of my hometown." Orihime glared and stepped forward with her hands on her hip. She was super red in the face as she did not expect Nelliel to defend her like that or go and mention the reason why Ichigo preferred her over Rangiku, her best friend (who used to have the biggest crush on him). She had to step in since she didn't want Rangiku to get more upset at her or the situation that she was clearly losing.

"Make no mistake I may be sometimes of an airhead and too nice, but I am still Rangiku's best friend and I will defend her when necessary. Though she was wrong for overreacting and being mean, you had no business telling her off like that. On top of being a role model student, I am the girlfriend of Ichigo Kurosaki, the son of the principal. It would be a shame if your 'other' friends were to get expelled for assaulting one of us, please remember that next time before making empty threats." Orihime bowed and grabbed Rangiku's hand to drag her away.

'Whatever.' She didn't have time to quarrel any longer Nnoitra was waiting for her.

"N-Noir!" She spotted the gentle giant almost instantly as she walked up to her driveway. Before he could get a greeting out she ran up to him and sucker-punched his stomach drawing a loud cough. "That's for standing me up! Now then...what was your ominous text for?"

"Oof." He rubbed his stomach and glared at her before standing up straight. Once he recovered he took her hand and walked her to the front door. Her cheeks instantly flushed red while her eyes zoomed in on their hands.

"N-Noir…? What's wrong you're usually not touchy-feely like this." No reaction.

"You're scaring me. What is it? Did something happen?"

"Nel, please! Give me a moment." He racked his brain thinking of ways to tell her. He should have come up with a game plan, but he was more of a makeup-as-you-go type-of-guy. "Okay, so you know how Ulquiorra has been absent...a lot as of late?"

"What's the big idea? You know it's okay for someone to be absent occasionally, right?"

"Yes and no. Ulquiorra has been absent a lot during this school year. Usually, in our other years of school, it was rare for him to miss a day."

"O-Okay I am following."

"Ulquiorra has been making up excuses...he hasn't been truthful to us. Well, I know the reason for that...I have for quite a while."

"If he's not sick then where does he go when he skips school? Why would he lie to us?! To me…" He could see she was getting annoyed at all this 'beating around the bush' talk.

"Gah, I don't know how to talk today. Plain and simple...he's hurt Nel and from the looks of it pretty bad this time."

"This time?"

"His father abuses him, physically. From what I can gather it's been off and on for a while now."

Her eyes widened and her hand went over her mouth to hide her gasp of surprise, "w-what?! Wait, wait one minute. What do you mean?! Ulquii is very strong and sweet! Who would want to hurt him…let alone his own dad!? How long have you known about this?! How long has this been going on!?"

He held up his hands in a 'don't shoot the messenger' pose, "I kept it secret for Ulquiorra. He never told me, but I kind of pinpoint when the abuse started...around freshmen year."

Nel shook her head and held her hands to her temples as she felt a huge headache coming on, "You mean...when Ulquii broke his arm in the car accident? It wasn't actually because of that? Did his father break it...?"

"I am ninety-nine percent sure, but I started to notice quite often he would come to school sore and bruise. Naturally, he would feed me some bullshit excuse as to how he got it, but then eventually it became harder for him to hide it, so he just began to skip to avoid us. I think he has been in a deep depression for a long time but he doesn't have the heart to tell us."

Nnoitra sighed and tucked some hair behind his ear before staring into her hazel eyes, "I need you to come with me. He needs his friends to help him through this. I know you may be super angry with me right now, but I am willing to accept any punishment you throw my way. Right now, however, Ulquiorra needs us and we can't let him down. That's where I wanted to take you, but I needed to let you in on what was happening first."

"Take me to him."

"I need you to do me a favor."

"What is it? Can't it wait until after I see him?"

"It'll take but a few moments. When you see him... as hard as it might be I need you to smile for him. You are the only person in his life right now who is like the sun. For Ulquiorra, you give him a sense of happiness and comfort. If your light were to be extinguished by his pain and suffering- I think it would just make him wither away more. Right now, a friend needs our help so whatever is bothering us about this whole situation we need to snuff it out and put on our big girl/boy pants on, do you understand what I am telling you?"

"I-I understand. Please Noir, take me to Ulquii."

Nnoitra nodded and grabbed her hand. After checking in with her mother and changing out of the school's uniform the pair headed towards the train station to take the first ride back to Nnoitra's apartment. Nel's stomach was in knots, she knew she had to be strong, but Ulquiorra was like her big brother. She never wanted to see him hurt or sad. What a bad friend she must have been to not have seen this sooner. Why did she have to always see the positive in things...why couldn't she be more down to Earth...maybe then she would have noticed what was happening to her best friend.

'I feel responsible...I should have seen something or said anything to try and ease his suffering. What a horrible friend I am'

She felt her hand being squeezed again and looked up to see Nnoitra shaking his head. She swore she could almost read his thoughts telling her not to blame herself and now wasn't the time to think that way.

'He is right...I need to get a grip and do everything I can to protect Ulquii from now on.'