Chapter 7

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Ulquiorra was a strange guy. They clearly lived in the same apartment building so why does he communicate with her by a sticky note? It was also the 21st century. Orihime was very positive they both had cell phones. Nothing about him made sense really. One moment he was very shy and the next he was giving her playful looks. The teasing looks didn't suit him. Orihime tired to imagine his voice in a playful tone. It didn't match. When he spoke it was beautiful sounding but often one note and not very expressive. Orihime could never imagine his voice changing under any circumstances. She thought of Kohaku…. Most people speak to animals with a higher voice. Orihime would bet $1000 that Ulquiorra would speak to his cat with a monotone voice. "Kohaku you are cute today…. Stop Haku, that tickles.." picturing this made Orihime laugh uncontrollably

When Ulquiorra had given her unexpected note, the 27th was 2 weeks away. Two long weeks. Orihime expected Ulquiorra to ask after class or something about painting plans. She was wrong. The notes kept coming.

- Week one: Wednesday

What room shall we do first? Living room? Cough once… Bedroom? Cough twice…. Bathroom? Cough 3 times

The note had caught her off guard again. While he had everyone working on chapter review questions he passed out homework. After reading it she decided to play with him a little. He was up front helping a student with a question but at the same time he kept glancing up towards her.

She started by acting out a person painting the air. He gave her confused looked. She put on a goofy expression to try to make him react. At first he remained unchanging until he raised his hand and covered his mouth. She defiantly got at least a smile out of him. Next she imitated the motion of turning on a TV and threw her head back pretending to laugh. It was at this point he gave her a "seriously?" face. Then he coughed once. Orihime smiled and crossed her arms and smugly nodded yes. His eyes narrowed almost to say, "I will get you back"

- Week one: Friday.

Ulquiorra was passing out pop quizzes, much to everyone's dismay. He often made 3 copies of a quiz so it was impossible for anyone to cheat. As he handed Orihime her quiz, he gave her a look as to suggest a note. His face had an expression of 'something urgent and important that needs to be seen'. Orihime got a rush of excitement; she couldn't hide her feelings. She wanted to read what it said promptly. Ulquiorra saw this and gave a slight grin. Orihime flipped over her paper and quickly grabbed the note.

Payback for the classroom charades

All that buildup. Ulquiorra looked self-satisfied as he walked throughout the room. Payback was wicked

-Week two: Tuesday

Be sure to put a tarp down and tape over anything you don't want to get paint on….Also you better be more mindful when you lean back and stretch. Mr. Oda next to you has a wondering eye….

Orihime shot a glance at her neighbor to the left, Ryosuke Oda. She had caught him leering at her chest before but now she needed a new back stretching position. Normally she would lean back in her chair with her arms stretched backwards. Her body got warm thinking how Ulquiorra looked her way when she wasn't looking… very curious.

- Week two: Friday

At what time should I be at your apartment?

It was finally here only one more day to go. Orihime had already cleaned her whole apartment so that it was sparkling for his arrival. She couldn't believe it was happening. She didn't want to read too much into his actions so she was convinced he was being a good neighbor and helping out.

He would do it for anyone…

Orihime thought what time would be good. The room was pretty big and it would need at least 2 or 3 coats of paint before being completely finished She stretch her arm to get his attention. As she stretched she held up 1 finger. She figured 1pm would be a good start point. Ulquiorra noticed and gave a cough, which Orihime assumed was an okay.

She couldn't wait.

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Orihime paced around her apartment. It was 12:45. He will be here in 15 minutes. She had already put down a tarp and taped some edges. Orihime had her standard painting outfit on. It already had paint on it from the bathroom and from times with Sora. (It had gotten smaller since then mainly in the chest area). It was black leggings that really showed off her curves, especially in her backside. On top she had a now tight form-fitting baseball tee. The neckline was a little low showing of some cleavage. She knew it was a little revealing, but she honestly didn't have enough clothes to go and ruin another shirt.

There was a soft knock on the door

OH…MY…GOD…breathe breathe

Orihime composed herself as she went to the door. She took one more breath before opening it. There he was….On a weekend…..At her apartment. She looked at what he was wearing. He wore a black and red striped shirt with ripped slim fit jeans. Orihime loved how his body looked in clothes. Suddenly Orihime snapped out of her thought when she noticed he hadn't come in it.

" Sorry! Please come in! You must be cold you didn't bring a jacket!"

" There is no need for a jacket seeing how I am only 2 floors above you. You have prepared well,"

Ulquiorra seemed to be eyeing the place up as he walked around with his hands in his pocket. His everyday stance.

"Where do you want to begin?"

"Over there I suppose…"

She pointed to the big blank wall where her TV usually was. He was so serious. No amount of the playful note maker was here today. He seemed to have gone back to his almost shy reserved self. Orihime felt somewhat disheartened by this but figured it was for the best anyway. She didn't want to be in a one-sided romance when she didn't know if she could be in a relationship again…

Not that he would be interested anyway…remember that Hime.

They both picked up paint brushed and started at the edges. It was quiet and Orihime wasn't sure what to do.

"Should I turn on some music?

" That would be unnecessary. Besides it is easier to talk when there is no music,"

But we aren't talking!

Orihime decided she would have to be the one to step it up. She already took a mental note of several topics in case of an emergency. And this was an emergency.

"How is Kohaku doing? I was so surprised how big he had gotten. Haha But he is still as cute as ever!"

"He is doing perfectly fine. Very healthy and energetic. You saw him 4 years ago. It shouldn't be too surprising that he grew. "

Brushing off his tone she asked another question.

"Actually I was curious. I called him Kohaku back then too. Did you ever hear me say it or did you come up with the name all by yourself? Such a coincidence we call him by the same name…"

Ulquiorra stopped painting. Orihime could tell he was thinking. But why?

"His fur is amber in color so it is not that too far fetched that someone else would call him that…"

"ah, okay…"

There was hurt in Orihime's voice. She knew he was a serious guy but he seemed almost annoyed to be talking to her today. She decided that they should just paint in silence. About 5 minutes had pass of awkward quiet painting, when Ulquiorra let out a frustrated sigh.

Oh no he is angry….I bet he..

"I am sorry"

Wait What?

" I really didn't mean to have that harsh tone with you. I just…sometimes am not good at dealing with people… sometimes I get nervous and sound more stern then I want to be…"

Ulquiorra was nervous? Orihime could hardly believe that. Shy maybe, but nervous?

" Nervous you say? You had no problems talking with me when we picked out paint…"

"I suppose not…"

"And what about our little note exchanges? Haha you seemed plenty spirited. "

Ulquiorra's face changed from serious to a little more light hearted. She could tell he was thinking something mischievous.

"Spirited you say. I had really wanted to see your reactions, and you did not disappoint."

Orihime felt her chest tighten. His mood did a 360. She didn't want to loose this banter. It almost was flirty, even though Orihime knew he wouldn't mean it that way. But she wanted to play along.

"Felt like teasing me did you? Have you ever heard of a cell phone or are you too old for that?"

"That would defeat the purpose. Why would I want to use a cell phone when your responses were excellent? I particularly liked when you would frantically look around the room to see if anyone was looking…"

Who is this man?

"Oh I see you are a sadist aren't you…umm make sense.. make sense…cant believe they let a strange SADIST teach young and impressionable minds…"

"Don't make me laugh. Then that makes you a masochist. tsk tsk…..Cant believe they let in such a student…"

"GASP! Mr Cifer. How dare you speak in such a way to a student! My young mind it is a vulnerable!

Orihime grabbed her head to really ham up their little comedy bit. She never knew they could converse this playfully. It was so out of character for him. Orihime loved it and she didn't want it to stop. Ulquiorra said and did nothing. He just looked at her. Orihime wanted to know what was going on in his head. Before she could say anything, Ulquiorra had leaned forward with his paintbrush and swiped the left side of Orihime's cheek, leaving a large mint line.

"oops"

Ulquiorra then promptly went back to painting as if nothing had happened. Orihime's mouth was agape from shock. There was no way he would get away with that. Game on

Orihime darted forward to try to get his face with her paintbrush. He must have anticipated her actions because he dodged away from her reach. Orihime tried again and missed. She stood up to leap toward him but he had gotten up himself with his paintbrush reloaded. It was a painting standoff. They both slowly walked in a circular motion never breaking contact. Orihime was waiting for the right moment. She lunged forward again, this time making contact with his forearm.

"AH HA ! you cant dodge me forever ..I wouldn't be to surprised if you were soon covered in paint….."

"You speak far too soon Ms. Inoue!"

With speedy strokes he had gotten her on the neck and once again on the stomach.

"HEY! Ooo now you have done it SIR. That pretty face of your will soon be COVERED!"

"Well ,well I am so flattered you find me so appealing ..MAM'

Their battle went on for a few more minutes before Orihime bent over huffing and puffing. She was covered in mint paint while Ulquiorra only had a few lines on him. She had one last dash left in her. She darted forward unaware that the tarp had come up slightly. Her foot got caught and she started to fall forward. Ulquiorra slid down to break her fall. Orihime was now in his arms her head was resting by his shoulder, Laughing. They were both on their knees with their bodies were pressed firmly against each other. Orihime could feel his breath go up and down rapidly. His toned and firm body was pushed against her, unmoving. She could have sworn she felt his heart beating abnormally fast. Orihime moved her head to face him. His face was inched away from hers. Her laughter had stopped. She could feel his breath on her skin; it had sent shivers down her spine. Being so close and feeling him lite a fire in her core. She had never experienced such a feeling so strongly. They both said nothing. Without thinking Orihime took one hand and cupped his face, moving her thumb across his cheek. Her body was acting on it's own again. She could have sworn he leaned in closer under her touch. Their gape was becoming smaller and Orihime was unsure if it was her, him, or both. She wanted to kiss him…

There was a loud ring that filled the room, snapping them both back into reality. Orihime quickly removed her hand from his face looking around trying to find the source of the sound. Ulquiorra let out a long exhale and reached into his back pocket. Looking at his phone angrily

"What do you want?"

…

"I told you I was …"

….

"Piss off, Grimmjow"

He ended his phone call and aggressively put his phone back in his pocket. By this point, Orihime had put distance between them. Her mind was racing…what had just almost happened? Orihime was unsure what to do. She believed that they almost kissed….

" I am sorry…. My friend called me…"

"That's okay…No need to apologize!"

Ulquiorra looked up at Orihime. His eyes seemed to have scanned her clothes.

"I think it is safe to say I won,"

He was playing it cool, as if nothing just happened. Orihime was thankful because it made it easier for her to act normal and not die of embarrassment over her actions. Orihime decided to forget it and not let things get weird.

"You won this round…But I don't think you will do so well the next time!...L..Lets finished up these walls,"

Ulquiorra agreed and they continued to paint. They had maintained a conversation; keeping it light and never mentioning or question what happened sometime ago. Orihime was very thankful for this. She had no idea how he felt. He seemed flirty but even friendships can have an element of that without meaning. He might have been just being polite when she touched him…Orihime could think of 100 reasons why he couldn't be into her and not one reason he could. Maybe that was for the best…

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A few hours later they had finished the living room. It had looked great. The mint color made her feel her brother's presence again. Everything had gone smoothly. After giving Ulquiorra some refreshments he was getting ready to leave. Orihime was feeling a certain longing that she couldn't put her finger on. She almost felt apologetic to him for touching him without permission (again) and wasting his Saturday. Her attitude from before was gone and now she had returned to an uncertain crybaby. When he was opening the door, Orihime spoke up.

"Thanks again for all your help. I wouldn't be able to do it so fast. I really do appreciate it. And… I am sorry,"

"Sorry for what?

"Umm sorry for taking up time. I am sure you had better things to do over a 3 day weekend.."

"Have you forgotten it was me who suggested this date?

"Yea only because I had asked.."

"But I had agreed,"

"haha yea.. I am sure it is hard to turn down …a student's request. Haha you would do this for anybody. You are strict but you always help anyone that's asks.."

There was a long pause. Orihime felt like an idiot for being so timid. She guessed that her and Ulquiorra were more similar then she though. They both were extreme in their moods and actions. Orihime hated her timid self. It brought her back to a time she had lost her spirit. She prided herself on being strong willed. She was disappointed in herself and she was sure Ulquiorra was too.

"You are wrong…"

"What?"

"You are wrong. I wouldn't do this if any student or anyone that had asked me.."

"wh-"

"I did it for you, only you"

With that, Ulquiorra left leaving Orihime to contemplate what his words had meant.