Sorry for the wait! In the throughout the next few chapters all questions will be answered. And naturally the love and drama! Thanks for being patient! Please enjoy!

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Chapter 9

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Orihime was on trying not to smile. Ulquiorra's 'only you' comment had her on cloud 9. She wasn't completely sure what he had meant but she didn't care. His words made her body tingle. She had danced around and sang to herself for the remainder of the night. While in bed she wondered if they would paint again on Sunday. They didn't talk about that. From the way Ulquiorra had talked before, it seemed like the 3 day weekend would have made it easy to get all the projects done. No sticky notes could be used here. They had never exchanged numbers either. Orihime decided she would be brave and go up and ask him. She had never been to his place. But she knew he lived in 401. Orihime closed her eyes and smiled. She was excited for what tomorrow would bring.

X

Orihime sometimes neglected her phone. She often had it on silent and didn't look at it hardly enough. To her amazement she had a few missed calls and several text messages. Orihime had just returned from the supermarket. She was going to make some muffins to bring to Ulquiorra today. It was 11:30am now and she planned on going up there around 1pm. Having some time to spare she decided to looking into all her messages. The phone calls were from Nel. It was probably about that college party tonight she wanted to take Orihime to. The text messages were a different story. There were texts from two different unknown numbers. Thinking it could be spam or wrong numbers, Orihime checked anyway. The first number had three texts and the other just one. Orihime froze when then text messages popped onto her screen. She almost dropped the phone. It was not spam or a wrong number… it was Ichigo.

Message 1: It's Ichigo. You need to talk to me.

Message 2: I want you back, I still love you…

Message 3: Tell me where you went. Where are you?

Orihime almost threw her phone against the wall. I want you back? I still love you? What bullshit. If you actually love someone, you would never treat them like such garbage. Normally, Orihime would just ignore this but she knew Ichigo wouldn't stop until she answered. She aggressively pressed the buttons on her phone not caring one bit how harsh it sounded.

I do NOT love you. I do NOT want you back. And no, I do NOT need to talk to you. You don't even deserve this message. This will be the only time. No matter how much you message me…. I never want to talk or see you ever again. Leave me alone!

Orihime pressed send. He probably wouldn't listen but Orihime won't respond. Her blood was boiling. She had so much resentment towards him. He was always a selfish man…

Is he really that much of an asshole that he thinks I would just take him back after EVERYTHING?

It was then she remembered there was another number that wasn't Ichigo's. Orihime was rather hesitant about opening it. What if it was Ichigo again? Or maybe it was one of his friends…. Or perhaps by some miracle it was Ulquiorra who magically had her number. She took a deep breath and went to her text inbox. There was only 1 unopened message. It was a picture message. Slowly Orihime clicked it open. In the picture was a desk with writing all over it. Orihime started to hyperventilate. She backed into the corner of the room and sank to the floor, all while never taking her eyes off the picture. She read the words over and over again as tears streamed down her face.

Prostitute….whore….shameless slut…go die….kill yourself….dirty…

She couldn't take it anymore and dropped her phone. That was her old desk at school. Whoever sent it wanted Orihime to remember the months of torture she went through. Why now? Why even bother? Why had this picture come around the same time Ichigo had texted her? Orihime's mind was a mess. She grabbed her keys and ran out the door. She needed to clear her mind.

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Orihime felt defeated. What had happened in the past had come back to taunt her. Ichigo texting her didn't make her feel this way. With Ichigo it was more anger and annoyance. She resented Ichigo for what he had done, but did not blame him for her situation. It was true he did nothing to help but still he wasn't the person that wrote those words on the desk. The picture message was all that was on Orihime's mind. It was something she never wanted to see again. It brought back feelings of when she was bullied. She moved far away from this. She was in a place where people at school or city would just know her as some big boob red head. Not as….. "The whore" Orihime picked up her phone. She was going to try another way to shut off her mind.

"Hey Nel, you know what…. I will come to that party. What time?"

"OMG YESS! I am soooo excited! You finally get to meet Grimmie! We will pick you up at 8!"

"Thanks Nel, I will see you then,"

Orihime hung up the phone. It was now 6:30pm. She had walked around aimlessly for hours. Nothing had seemed to help ease her mind. She drank her favorite coffee, nothing. She tried some new ice cream flavors, nothing. She even tried killing zombies at an arcade, still nothing. When she arrived back home she remembered Nel's invite to the party. Maybe getting drunk will help me forget? She had never really had alcohol before, besides a few sips of wine her brother allowed during special days. People often drank to forget and that's what Orihime wanted, to forget.

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Orihime looked in the mirror at the outfit she had put together. On the bottom she wore her favorite floral tights with black ankle boots and black mini skirt. On top she wore a plain white tank top, Her comfortable baggy yellow cardigan, and her favorite layered necklace her brother had gotten her 2 years ago. She kept her hair down and even tired to put on a little makeup. She had never been to a college party before so she figured she should look somewhat decent. Nel had texted her saying they were outside. She was actually rather curious as to what Nel's boyfriend was like. She left her apartment and walked towards the street were a red sports car was parked.

" Hey there Orihime, The names Grimmjow. Nice of ya to join us,"

Grimmjow sat in the drivers seat with a wide smile. The man had bright blue hair and a face of a gangster. He wore a leather jacket and all black from what Orihime could see. She could tell why so many people avoided him. He was rather imposing, but Orihime could notice he was a good-natured guy. Just maybe a little intense though…

"haa such a coincidence you live at the same apartment as my friend….You know that firm ass teacher of yours,"

"Orihime you live in the same place as Ulquiorra?! Did you know that?"

Orihime was taken aback. Nel's boyfriend was friends with Ulquiorra? Why didn't Nel say anything about that before…she says EVERYTING!

"Yea I did actually….. We met once while he was trying to find his cat….Nel …so you…did you know your boyfriend was friends with Ulquiorra?"

"That cat got out again? HA… That cat hates me. Of course she knows it! We would all hang together sometimes! But ever since he started this student teaching thing, he barely comes out anymore. He used to all the time. Now he is so lame. Isn't that right Nel?"

"Sorry I didn't say anything. I kept it secret. At school I almost act like I don't know him…. I think he prefers it that way. You know…not wanting to mix personal and professional…."

It made sense. Nel was 20 and had been going out with Grimmjow for a while. Orihime assumed Grimmjow and Ulquiorra were the same age and met at college. It really was a coincidence. At the moment Orihime remembered she forgot to go to his place today. The picture had consumed her mind. Maybe painting would have cleared her head… Seeing him would have been really nice too. It was too late now.

"HA! I don't think he has problems mixing personal and professional, Nel.."

Grimmjow looked in the rear view mirror at Orihime with a knowing looks. He then started laughing to himself. She was starting to suspect he knew something more…. What did he mean by that?

They had arrived at the party 20 minutes later. It was in someone house. There were so many people standing around talking while holding red plastic cups. The music was really loud, so Orihime wondered how they heard each other. So this was a college party everyone talks about…..Orihime didn't understand the appeal just yet. Her and Nel were just standing around. Grimmjow had disappeared somewhere. Orihime was wondering what would happen tonight when Grimmjow had appeared in front of her with cups for all 3 of them. They were filled with a mysterious red liquid.

"Bottoms up!"

"Wait! Before we start, I want to take a picture! First time I hang with my best friend and my Grimmie together!" yay memory photo!"

Nel took out her phone and snapped a photo of the three of them. They had taken a few more in different poses to appease Nel. After their mini photo shoot Grimmjow help up his cup to cheers the ladies. They all took a long sip together. The drink was very strong. It burned as it went down her throat. Without hesitation, Orihime downed the rest of her drink. Time to forget.

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"What do you want…"

"Dude…just letting you know I sent her home in a cab a little while ago… She is pretty trashed…"

"What is wrong with you, she is under aged."

"Relax it is fine! It is called having fun…you know fun? Does that compute? Anyway maybe you should go see her…who knows what lovey dovey things could happen.."

"Are you actually suggesting I take advantage of a drunk person? I am not trash like you,"

"Ha whatever man, I am going back in the party… because unlike you emo boy. I have a girlfriend and a social life,"

Ulquiorra hung up the phone. So she went to the party… Throughout the day Ulquiorra had went to her apartment and knocked on the door. He wanted to make things clear. Each time there was no answer. He half expected her to want to paint again. Maybe something had gone wrong. Or his words and actions freaked her out. Was she ignoring him because she didn't feel the same? Is that why she went to a party and got drunk? Ulquiorra started to panic. He felt that maybe he had caused her some sort of discomfort. He grabbed his jacket. If Grimmjow was right about how drunk she was, he wanted to at least help her. It was probably her first time being drunk, he didn't want her to get sick. He opened the door quickly ready to run down the stairs but was stopped by two gray drunken eyes staring at him. Orihime was in front of his door sitting on the ground. Her face was flushed and her eyes sleepy. He could smell the scent of something sickly sweet.

"ahhhh haaa there you are *hic* I fell down hehe"

"Orihime..are you alright? Let me help you….."

Orihime drunkenly smiled at him as he reached down to help her up. Going to her apartment was out of the question. He was actually impressed she had made it to the fourth floor in her condition. He had no other choice but to bring her inside. He helped her to the couch and sat her down. After making sure she was stable he went to go get her some water.

"where'sss my kitty? Kitty kitty kitttyyyy"

Kohaku was hiding. Perhaps he could sense how drunk he was. Grimmjow had once squeezed him too hard while drinking and ever since then, Kohaku hid at the smell of booze. Ulquiorra helped Orihime take a sip of water. She swayed slightly as she sat up. Her eyes were glued to Ulquiorra.

"Ulquiorra!"

"…Yes?"

"hehehe"

"Are you feeling okay?"

"umm no?"

"What?...Wh-"

"I wanted to see you…. the booze didn't *hic* help….but your face *hic* doessss. I want to….I wanted to….."

"Orihime?"

"you…I want….kiss.."

She reached her arms around his neck. He stiffened under her touch. She leaned in and hugged him tightly. Her strength took him by surprise as she pushed him backward so that he was on his back on the couch; she was on top of him. He became extremely still. Their position was tremendously dangerous. Her legs were straddling him as she sat on his hips. He could feel her warmth and it caused his lower regions to swell. She had slipped her hands under his shirt and was feeling his abs. the contact had sent shocks throughout his body. Whether she was aware of it or not, she started to rock her hips slightly, causing Ulquiorra to grip the cushions hard. She gave a little moan and she continued to feel his body. She looked unbelievably sexy. The look in her eye was full of lust. He wanted to take her so badly, but not like this. He didn't know how much was drunken or actual desire.

"Orihime…st-"

She put her finger on his lips rendering him silent. She leaned her head down slowly. She pressed her lips to the side of his neck. The contact pushed him over the edge. His fingers were turning white from how hard he was holding the couch. She moved again, this time their lips were inches apart. As much as Ulquiorra wanted all of this, it was time to take action. He grabbed her shoulders and gently pushed her away. She moved back on the couch wide eyed.

"Not like this…I..I.."

Before he finished, the tears falling down Orihime's face hushed his words.

"I am not a whore…"

"What?"

"Its not true! They lied! They lied!

"Who lied? Orihime…"

"No! I am not a prostitute! Don't think of me that way….I am not…"

" Orihime? What? … who said that to you? Someone at the party? "

Orihime started to reach for her bag. Ulquiorra was very concerned. Who would say these things to her? Something was definitely wrong and it was breaking his heart watching her cry. Orihime had gotten out her phone. She fumbled around a bit until she tossed it over to Ulquiorra's lap. She motioned for him to look at it. Confused, he grabbed the phone and looked at the screen in horror. What had happened at school? Who could write such things? It made Ulquiorra sick looking at it. He put the phone down. Orihime was looking at him with a blank face. He slowly reached for her hands; she let him take them.

"Listen here. You are nothing like what was written on that desk. Understand? Delete that photo…"

Orihime's tears started again. Ulquiorra quickly held her close to him for comfort. His mind was racing. He had no idea this was going on in her life. All he knew was that he wanted to do anything in his power to support her in any way she needed.

After a while, Orihime had fallen asleep while crying on his chest. He let her stay in that position because it seemed to calm her down. He didn't want to move her just yet. He grabbed a blanket near him and wrapped it around Orihime. He didn't see any of them moving anytime in the near future.

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Orihime didn't want to open her eyes. Only a few parts of the night were hazy but she remembered everything. Getting drunk, stumbling up the stairs to his apartment, getting on top of him…. Orihime internally screamed. They weren't the worst part. She had shown him the picture and cried in front of him. She cursed at herself for doing such a thing. What would he think? Even if there was any chance of romance here, Orihime though that this probably squashed it. She felt embarrassed and wanted to avoid the situation for a long as she could. It was then she realized it wasn't a pillow her head was on. She let her eyes open. Her head was on Ulquiorra's chest. She looked up at his face. He had fallen asleep sitting up on the couch.

Oh no no no nooooo. First you show up to his house drunk…then you attack him and almost kiss him….then you cried like a fool in front of himmmm. AND NOW YOU ARE USING HIM AS A PILLOW. GET YOURSELF TOGETHER GIRL!

Now get of here you idiot.

Orihime gently got herself up off the couch as to not wake him. She decided she was just going to leave. She honestly wanted to forget about everything. The thought of facing Ulquiorra scared her. She knew he would listen and be supportive but it still terrified her. It was a part of her she didn't know if she was ready to talk about. She also had touched him again, this time it wasn't a soft touch to the cheek or hand. She had gotten on him…touched his body…kissed his neck… Orihime couldn't believe she did that. He must have hated it. Her mind was too much of a mess for the explanations she would have to give.

Orihime finally stood up from the couch. She couldn't help but noticed how attractive he looked even when he slept. She almost wanted to cry again. In her mind she had messed everything up. Orihime started to quietly look for a pen and paper. Since she wasn't going to wake him up she thought just a little note would do. She wanted to say thank you and sorry. There was a little desk at the back of the room where she was sure to find what she needed. She slowly tiptoed over constantly looking at Ulquiorra making sure he was still asleep. Finally at the desk she searched. Having found a pen, Orihime opened the desk drawer to see if there was blank paper inside. Jackpot. With paper in hand, Orihime began to close the drawer when something caught her eye. Next to the stack of paper was a few random items but one of them Orihime had seen before. It was a piece of candy. Melon candy to be exact. The same candy that was given to her 4 years ago.

It can't be….