AN: Here is the next chapter. I debated about cutting this into two chapters, given that this is practically the biggest chapter I have uploaded, and packs in quite a bit. However then I decided.. nah! I like reading long updates, so I ll just let it be. As I mentioned in the previous chapter, things move a lot quicker from this chapter on, mostly because the last few chapters were setting the stage especially the first three. This chapter is mainly UlquiHime. AND there are mature situations so if you feel uncomfortable reading that kind of stuff, be warned. I WILL warn you guys in case a chapter has mature situations (this can range from something controversial to simply mild sexual content) or lemons (which is pretty self explanatory).
I just wanted to say a special thank you to my reviewers, especially Guest, Pheecat, Kyon sama and yuli2401. Last week was a bit tough for me in terms of writing out these chapters. I lacked motivation and wondered why I was doing this, and realized that when you write it helps to know that someone out there has read you and responded. So their consistent reviews really lifted my spirits. So did the reviews of Ethreal, 2kade and chunk-le. Thank you guys, for I am back on track and not uninspired. I dont like leaving stories unfinished and I really want to develop this one well as its far from done. ;)
Disclaimer: TK created these characters. I created the plot and AU so that they can love and not fight. ;)
Chapter 7
Although Orihime was used to bright lights and huge crowds, she found New York both familiar and yet very very strange. As their flight arrived into JFK International Airport, Orihime could hear her heart beat loudly. She looked around anxiously as she and Ulquiorra got into a yellow cab. Aizen Corp's office was in midtown, so she would be staying in a hotel near Lincoln Centre, which wasn't very far. Orihime watched wide eyed as she saw people of every shape and color walk in all kinds of outfits.
Tokyo had its own subculture may it be the harajuku girls or gyaru. However the variations of people in New York seemed to not follow any particular trend. It was as if they had woken up, decided they wanted to wear leather pants and kimono style jackets with bandana and had done just that because they could. It felt absolutely and completely… free.
As Orihime stared outside the cab window wide eyed, Ulquiorra made quick calls to his landlady and some other places. Orihime would get a smaller office linked to Ulquiorra's bigger office in order to ensure that they could focus on work and Ulquiorra was making sure that preparations were underway so that they could start working the very next day.
As they arrived at their destination, Orihime took in the sights around her. Lincoln Centre area was quite a nice blend of both the shiny and noisy midtown and the more quiet parts of the city she had passed.
"I ll take your bags to the concierge Inoue san. It's about 3 PM now so I suggest that you take a shower and rest. I'll pick you up for dinner at 7 PM. Would that work?"
"Huh?" Orihime was still a bit dazed to realize that Ulquiorra had done the planning for her.
"oh yes! Thanks Cifer san. I ll see you at 7 then."
Ulquiorra looked at the wide-eyed woman carefully. She had obviously not processed a single word he had said. He sighed, and decided to walk her into the hotel and check her in. He wasn't sure if she spoke any English at all.
Once done he asked the desk for a second key. Then had water, tea and some snacks sent to her room in case she got hungry, and told her to not wander outside as she didn't have a phone. She seemed more focused now and nodded gratefully at Ulquiorra. She did speak some English, but she seemed frightened of using it, mostly due to her accent.
After Ulquiorra had left, Orihime made herself comfortable in her room. It offered a brilliant view of the Manhattan skyline, and before she knew an hour had passed and she still wasn't sure she had had her fill of it. Realizing the time, she decided to take a quick nap, shower then get ready.
However the happenings of the last few weeks had left her completely exhausted and she fell asleep the moment her head hit the pillow. When she woke up, she realized that it was already 6:30 PM. Oh crap! Batman will kill me!
She sprinted to the shower, only to realize that her hair was greasy. Oh great, now she would have to wash her hair too. With amazing speed, Orihime showered, washed her hair, wrapped a towel around her and sprinted outside. Oh great! I didn't unpack.
She threw open her suitcase and started rummaging for her clothing, throwing the towel covering her head on one side as the towel around her body now lay precariously wrapped around her, held in place only by her hand.
CLICK.
In her shocked state Orihime's hand left her towel. It was as if everything was happening in slow motion. The towel was floating lower and lower, and Ulquiorra's eyes grew wider with every falling inch. Orihime's left hand shot at her now completely bare chest while her right hand caught the towel just below her belly button in what was otherwise an impressive display of reflexes. And then an ear splitting scream left her throat before she could stop herself.
"AAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRGGGHHHHHHHH!"
"Shit!" was all Ulquiorra said before he quickly closed the door.
Orihime stared at the door, trying to believe that it had just been a dream. It might have been as there was no trace of Ulquiorra. It was as if he had never seen her half naked.
"I will be waiting downstairs Inoue san." Came a crisp voice before she heard footsteps retreating on the other side of the door. Oh it had been real all right. Orihime's face turned bright red. In all of the twenty-four years and some months in her life, no one except presumably her parents and then Sora had seen her naked. How was she EVER going to face Ulquiorra now, much less work together with him in the same space?! Orihime took a deep breath in. Now was not the time to get flustered. She looked at the watch again. It still flashed 6:30 PM. Of course, the watch didn't work. Ulquiorra must have waited for her and then decided to get her, worried that she might still be confused about the time difference.
Had it not ended so badly for both of them, it was a very thoughtful gesture. But when it came to Ulquiorra, Orihime was realizing that there was a lot more underneath the stoic, staid surface of his. Realizing that she might have already been late, Orihime picked herself up and got ready.
Of course, despite her resolve, things had been awkward, to say the least. For one, the moment Orihime had met Ulquiorra downstairs, in an unguarded moment his eyes had gone to her chest. Then as if confirming her thoughts, his eyes had resolutely avoided looking at her chest or the general area under her chin the entire time they made their way through the various streets and avenues.
If New York was lively during the day, it was a sight to behold at night. Bright lights and loud noises assaulted Orihime's senses. She again got the same familiar yet new feeling which created a sense of nostalgia that didn't make any sense. It was like the city was speaking with her, welcoming her in its boisterous embrace.
"The restaurant is just off the corner." Ulquiorra was playing guide to her, telling her little snippets of information about every place they walked through.
Orihime had always read on those womens' magazines and blogs how travelling and going to a new place could give you a sense of freedom and much needed disconnect, especially from boy issues (because seriously MOST of what these magazines talked about were boy issues). But she understood it fully for the first time. Here on the other side of the world, walking in a foreign city where she could barely understand the language and the characters dancing from billboards could as well have been drawings, walking next to Ulquiorra as he told her about New York; Orihime felt far away from her worries, as if they had happened in a previous life to another person. She revelled in the sensations.
They soon arrived at an unassuming eatery that served ramen.
"This is the best ramen place in New York. Better than most in Japan actually." Ulquiorra filled her in. Orihime would have loved to try some more, 'New York' food, but she felt a bit tired, with the long flight already taking a toll on her. Ramen sounded wonderful.
As they made their way into the shop Orihime saw Ulquiorra nod at someone. She followed his gaze only to see two of the tallest, most good-looking people she had ever seen. The man was lean and muscular and well over a head taller than Ulquiorra. He had blue hair held in place through tons of hair gel. The woman, also taller than Ulquiorra had a gorgeous face and a body that could easily put Orihime's to shame. She had long billowy turquoise hair and upon closer inspection a light pink tattoo across her nose.
"Ulquiiii" she squealed in an uncharacteristically childish tone and threw herself on Ulquiorra. Ulquiorra muffled something about her blocking his blood circulation, but it took the blue haired man's coaxing for the woman to finally let go of Ulquiorra. Orihime felt a strange pang of annoyance at this.
"Inoue san these two are my friend Grimmjow and Nel. They insisted that I eat with them and I thought I could show you another sight this city is famous for, strange people." Ulquiorra said flatly.
" Heh, look what emo brought back from Japan, a hot little princess. . About damn time I say. But aren't you aiming a bit too high dude. She is way out of your league." The blue haired man called Grimmjow guffawed, showing a wide set of canines that gave him a strangely animalistic appearance. Orihime's eyes widened. He spoke perfect Japanese.
"Although they'll bother us, you can simply ignore them. They don't speak much sense anyways…" Ulquiorra supplied nonchalantly.
"Umm… Hi, I am Inoue Orihime. I work with Cifer san.."
"She is so cute Ulqui! No wonder you are thinking of cheating on me with her." The woman called Nel pouted.
Ulquiorra was dating the hot model like woman?! Orihime blanched. Ulquiorra simply rolled his eyes and directed them to take their seats.
"So, did you know that emo here is a nerd and a virgin? Just telling you in case you are fooled by that cool cat act of his. So don't be surprised if he is a bit… umm, underwhelming in that department, if you know what I mean" Grimmjow smirked and winked at Orihime.
"Grimmjow, would you cease your mindless and vulgar babble? You are making the woman uncomfortable." Ulquiorra looked utterly indifferent.
"Ya ya, whatever. Don't think I don't know how your dirty mind works ya perv. Just helping the nice lady here be aware of all the creeps. What with it being a new city and all for her."
"Oh Grimmy, shut up! So, how did you two meet?" Nel chimed in.
"Ano… I am not,.. dd..dating Ul.. Cifer san. I don't know why you seem so OK about it, but we are strictly coworkers so you need not worry." Orihime felt a bit confused about why Nel seemed so OK with the idea of her boyfriend cheating on her. And seriously, how IS Ulquiorra dating such a knock out?! Not that he couldn't.. he is pretty damn hot himself…whats with the "pretty damn" before hot? Don't tell me you are salivating after another dude! Bad Orihime!
A strange look crossed Nel's face, somewhere between the typical Urahara scheming look, and a look of utter amusement.
"She goes around, if ya know what I mean." But before Grimmjow could explain further Nel flicked him on his head.
"I don't! I am still saving myself for Ulqui. Right Ulqui?"
"Don't bother. I am not interested." Ulquiorra drawled. Orihime looked at the exchange, completely amused. She had never seen this side of Ulquiorra. Even though he appeared even colder to the point of being absolutely rude around these two people, she could tell that he was incredibly comfortable with them. His words weren't guarded and he openly snapped at them. On their part, the two people in front of him were pretty laid back and unrestrained in their leg pulling, paying special attention to Ulquiorra.
Orihime smiled. Genuine friends would always keep one grounded. Just like Rukia kept her grounded, but in a different way.
As the night went on, the four of them chatted freely, and Orihime was amazed at how easily Grimmjow, Nel and Ulquiorra had let her in their own circle. She found out that both Grimmjow and Nel were models (now that wasn't a surprise), and lived near Ulquiorra. They had met through one of Ulquiorra's work colleagues, Szayel, who was good friends with Nel's now ex boyfriend called Nnoitra something. Although neither of them spoke much with these Szayel and nnoitra people (Nel made a particularly annoyed grimace every time Nnoitra's name was mentioned), somehow the three of them had hit it off really well.
As it got closer to 11, Nel insisted that they head to a nightclub. But Ulquiorra firmly motioned Orihime out, stating that they needed to work tomorrow and Orihime was tired. So they would need to head back now.
Nel pouted so pitifully that Orihime promised that once she had adjusted to the time difference she would definitely go to this club with them. This calmed the turquoise haired woman down and they went their separate ways. The night was still young and Orihime could see many people had just started their night time activities. She smiled at the energy around her. She felt that if she breathed in this air long enough maybe it would infuse itself with her body, taking away all her worries.
She glanced at Ulquiorra who was walking with her to her hotel. He had insisted on escorting her back, saying that it was on the way to his home. Apparently he lived pretty close to her hotel. As a soft wind blew into a fall night air, Orihime mused at how much New York suited Ulquiorra.
His unassuming yet graceful form, pastel clothes and pale skin stood in stark contrast to the vibrant city around him. Yet he cut an impressive figure, looking very much like one of the modern art installations you could see in street corners here. The slightly chilly air softly mussed his dark locks while the lights cast a slight glow on his face, giving him an otherworldly appearance.
Orihime had never seen Ulquiorra at night. But now that she had she felt her throat clench and her heart thud. He was overall a very attractive guy. However surrounded by this foreign yet familiar city, illuminated in neon lights with his hair flying around his face, he was the most beautiful man Orihime had ever seen.
She briefly wondered if the only reason she was becoming to aware of his looks was because her feelings for him were also changing. Before she had been too busy confronting and hating Ulquiorra. However in the last week he had not only defended her, but she felt as if he was watching over her. Not in an obvious way like Ichigo did for his friends. No. Ulquiorra didn't seem the type to ask people if they were fine or offer free hugs.
However he paid attention. He observed and despite what she had heard from Urahara he had an ability to empathize with those he cared for. The way he simply helped her without coming off as over protective, how he anticipated her needs without indicating proved that Ulquiorra was fundamentally a kind person. He just was extremely bad at showing it.
"You are staring again woman."
"Ack! Errr… Sorry!" Orihime blushed.
"Its not an issue. Through my interactions with you I have gathered that you are prone to day dreaming and zoning out. However, we are already at your hotel. You must rest." Then he shoved his hand into his trench coat pocket and took out something. "This is a smart phone. It has a sim card and I already added my number and also that of my secretary, Ichimaru Gin, in case there are any issues. Please check this for time as the watch in your room isn't working."
"Wow, ummm thank you Cifer san."
"No need to thank me. I am supposed to do this as you are my coworker and I am in charge of you until you stay here. Now, if you'll excuse me, I must head back home. Good night." And with that he turned around and started walking towards his home.
Of course, what was I thinking? That Ulquiorra might consider me a friend? He was just doing his job.
However no matter how many rational explanations she told herself, Orihime could not get rid of that heaviness in her heart. Sighing heavily, she turned around and entered her hotel.
That Orihime and Ulquiorra might be able to agree and work together was a gross exaggeration and practically delusional on part of Urahara and Aizen. They disagreed on pretty much everything.
It wasn't that they were trying to pick a fight with each other. No. When they had arrived in the office and started discussing possible ideas, they were both hoping to have a vague sense of how to win Yamamoto and USJF back. However within minutes they had started arguing about whose requirements they should prioritize. Orihime insisted that they keep the citizen of New York as a priority and be mindful of Yamamoto's quirks. Ulquiorra thought the opposite. He practically saw no sense in Orihimes argument, given that this is simply an installation. How many people noticed or got affected by some statue they might pass by or park they might walk through every once in a while. Also it wasn't like the sakura plantation would harm the people.
Usually Orihime would not have pressed, and she had told herself to agree with Ulquiorra and that she had learnt her lesson. But she simply could not go against her conscience. And right now what Ulquiorra was suggesting went against her conscience. Not wanting to argue further she suggested they meet mid way. Ulquiorra had agreed and they decided on sticking to the sakura plantation idea, but Orihime argued that simply suggesting it wouldn't be enough as they were looking for the client to forgive them. They would have to go above and beyond. Ulquiorra had agreed to this.
Only for them to disagree on some other aspect of the project the very next day. When they were not bickering, per Ulquiorra's suggestion, they walked around possible NYC spots so Orihime could get a sense of the city. And so they spent their mornings and afternoons touring various neighborhoods, with Ulquiorra giving Orihime a quick run down on each neighborhood. Every once in a while he even added little snippets of information that were obviously his opinion of the neighborhood, which Orihime found very interesting.
Orihime discovered that when they weren't disagreeing, Ulquiorra was actually quite charming. He had a dry sense of humor and he was exceptionally perceptive. His commentary on New York and New Yorkers and the way he noticed things like the gentrification and difference in class in the city had her enraptured every time they went out.
To add to that, he could be strangely thoughtful and sweet. He had taken her to eat at Japanese restaurants the first few days, would not bother her and always took it easier during mid day, knowing that she would be suffering from jet lag then. He wasn't one for opening doors or lifting bags. He didn't even escort her all the way to her hotel once she had figured out where she was. Yet, he remembered that Orihime wanted to try out local food and also somehow remembered that she liked strong flavors. So, he had taken her to try out the best Mexican place in town, then told her that the food was really tex mex than Mexican. He had also taken her to the various bakeries in the city (Orihime had gone absolutely ballistic after tasting a cupcake) and even doughnut joints. Since he never brought anything (only occasionally picking up a treat for Nel and Grimmjow, who strangely had a major sweet tooth) Orihime assumed that he wasn't going to these bakeries out of some undying love for sweets.
On top of that, Orihime realized that since the hotel instance, she had become especially aware of Ulquiorra physically. His hair, which he hadn't cut in the last month and a half she had known him, now reached well below his ears and slightly down his shoulders. Had it always been so silky? On more than one occasion, she found herself tempted to run her hands through it. Also, Orihime had been right the first night. New York suited Ulquiorra. He cut such an impressive figure in his trench coat and clothes that were some hue of black or grey. Also his body possessed a natural grace of someone who had full control of his body. And on the one occasion he had dressed casually (as they were to working off site) and worn a V neck, orihime had noticed that his chest was rather buff for such a lean person.
But probably Ulquiorra's most stunning feature were his emerald green eyes. Now that they were working together for long hours, Orihime realized that it was positively scary to look Ulquiorra in the eyes. Not because he was trying to scare people. But because his eyes were so green, so deep and so intense, that more often than not she would get goosebumps just looking at them for a few seconds. It was like they were holding back an ocean against them. Basically, Orihime found that she ended up avoiding his gaze and staring at him from the corner of her eyes for about 80% of the time they were together.
Even now, almost two weeks later, as they were walking towards the club to meet Nel and Grimmjow (who had already become her "texting buddies" as they called themselves) she couldn't help but admire how hot Ulquiorra looked in his black trench coat, with a green scarf wrapped around his neck.
Be careful Orihime! Have you not learnt anything from Ichigo and Byakuya?! The hotter they are, the more trouble they spell! Look for the ugly ones. Ignore the green-eyed devil. I repeat, Ignore the green-eyed devil! Orihime silently reprimanded herself.
"Hiiimmeeeee! Mmmuuuuuaaahh" Nel planted a kiss on Orihime's cheek and grabbed her in a bear hug.
"Hello Nel chan! Good to see you are well!"
"Of course I am well! Oh Ulquiii you look so cute!"
"Yeah emo. You look awesome. The boys will be ALL over you tonight." Grimmjow nudged Ulquiorra playfully. Then he gave a once over to Orihime.
"I must say princess, dressing demurely in the club never looked sexier."
Orihime turned completely red and Ulquiorra took this moment to shove Grimmjow inside the club. "Forgive him Inoue san. Neanderthals like him don't know how to interact with civilized people."
Grimmjow winked at Orihime and went in, followed by Ulquiorra. A bit scared, Orihime followed after them with Nel.
Orihime had been to clubs before… once. Rukia had dragged her on her nineteenth birthday, saying that she should try everything once. However that was with Ichigo and Renji and Ishida and Chad. And between three hulking men (and one very sulky one), Rukia and Orihime had been protected from the roving eyes and hands of the other clubbers. Also the club had seemed fairly somber with mostly teenagers dancing and jumping around.
What she saw here was completely different. Women clad in barely there clothing moved around poles inside some sort of capsules, people weren't just dancing; they were practically gyrating against each other. On several occasions she saw couples (she assumed they were) of all inclinations openly kiss and grope each other. They didn't care that people could see them. Despite being packed completely, each person acted as if they were the only people in the room.
After Orihime's initial shock wore off, she felt her head getting light.
"Hime, you need a drink."
"Ah, no Nel chan. I shouldn't." Orihime screamed over the music.
"Why? It's the weekend tomorrow! Don't tell me Ulqui is making you work on weekends too.."
"Errr… Ano…"
"What?!" Nel looked at Orihime indignantly as if working on weekends was a human rights violation.
"You know what Hime, we'll have to fix that guy. How dare he make you work on weekends when this is your first time in NY!" with that she made her way to Ulquiorra who was sipping on a glass of water, sitting in a corner. Orihime saw as Nel made her way to Ulquiorra, grabbed his head and whispered something in his ears, which made his eyes widen. That was all the distraction she needed, as she practically shoved an entire bottle of whiskey (where had she gotten that?!) into his mouth.
Ulquiorra must have taken more than a few gulps before he choked, shoved her away and started coughing. But Nel was unperturbed. She whispered something in his ears again, standing extremely close to him, which made Orihime's jaw clench. This time he looked a bit annoyed. Grimmjow, who had been watching the exchange while some random girl gyrated to him, took his cue and joined the duo. He went on to say something Orihime couldn't hear.
Miraculously, Ulquiorra gave him one sharp look, grabbed the bottle of whiskey, and emptied it in one go. Orihime stifled a laugh. She had never seen anyone have this much sway over Ulquiorra. Soon the three of them were making their way towards her.
"I'd back off if I were you." Ulquiorra said sternly, looking at some point behind her. Orihime turned around, to notice that a shifty looking man was withdrawing his hand from where her ass would have been.
Turning around she gave Ulquiorra a grateful look. He simply shrugged.
"Its your turn now Hime." Nel said meaningfully.
"Umm… I…"
"Lets do shots!" Grimmjow hollered before she could say anything and soon they were at the bar, with Orihime holding her first shot.
Orihime wasn't a lightweight. Or so she thought. And she had refused to drink after her third shot of what they were calling Jaegerbombs, which was mostly red bull anyways. She figured that since it was some non-alcoholic drink with a bit of alcohol, three shots shouldn't be too bad.
Actually, she loved this stuff. She was already feeling much lighter and the fact that people around her were too engrossed in themselves to care or judge her, made her feel strangely free.
Coming from a society like Japan, and being as affected by and sensitive to other people's feelings as Orihime was, typically meant that Orihime exercised a huge amount of self restraint even without noticing it sometimes. She wasn't into keeping up appearances for appearance sake, however she had a habit of weighing her needs against those of others.
Given that, this wild and free environment made her feel strangely unrestrained. And before she knew it, she was dancing as if she were the only person in the room.
Ulquiorra played with the bottle of beer in his hand as he observed the woman dancing a few feet away from him. He wasn't much for dancing, actually he found the entire notion absurd and in this setting simply akin to a pre mating ritual. Every time he was approached by a girl who tried to gyrate in front of him suggestively, he would throw her a dirty look and turn his body away.
However throughout this, his gaze remained transfixed on Orihime. He had worried that she might be a lightweight, and when Grimmjow had pawned her a Jaegerbomb, convincing her that most of the drink was some sweet energy drink called redbull, he was sure she would be throwing up before the hour was up. Surprisingly Orihime hadn't collapsed. However, Ulquiorra wished she had, as now she was standing in the middle of men who looked like hungry wolves, matching every suggestive dance move of Nel's with her own. At some point, Nel had shrugged her out of her cardigan to reveal a tight tank top, which most likely had no business being worn by itself. Soon after, the density of men around the women had increased. Ulquiorra was waiting for when he would have to go up to them and interrupt. As it were, he had barely made it in time before that shifty man from earlier had grabbed Orihime's ass.
"Dude, stay like this and you'll die a virgin." Grimmjow muttered, uncharacteristically somber.
"Not all of us value our self worth based on our ability to get laid, Grimmjow."
"Ya Ya whatever. I can see it in your eyes. You want that princess. Can't say I blame ya though. With tits like that.."
"As blasé and vulgar as ever I see.." Ulquiorra turned away, more because of the sudden impulse of punch Grimmjow, which surprised him a bit. He was used to Grimmjow's crass language. Heck, he had heard a lot worse come out of his mouth. Why did he want to punch him when he was describing Orihime the same way he described every thing that had two legs and a vagina?
Apparently Grimmjow had noticed this subtle shift too, as his smirk widened.
"Oh my. If you want her that much just make a move on her man. I've seen how she looks at you. No way she'll refuse you. Heck, Nel and I have a bet going on that she'll jump you first."
"What gibberish are you talking Grimmjow. The woman has a suitor already." Ulquiorra scoffed. He couldn't deny that he was drawn to Orihime; something that had happened without him noticing. However there was no way she was interested in him. He had seen how she had practically jumped into the arms of that man she called Kurosaki kun. There was no room in her heart for anyone else.
"Hah, so what if she's got a dude. She ain't married and Nel chats with her practically every day, so according to her credible snooping she doesn't have a boyfriend either. She is a free woman and you are a free man. From where I see it, there's no problem. Worse case; wham, bam, thank you mam." Grimmjow winked.
Ulquiorra shot him a disgusted look. "Cad. You almost sound like Nnoitra." That shut Grimmjow up, for if there was one person Grimmjow did not like, it was Nnoitra.
Grimmjow had been friends with Nelliel from their early days of modeling and had seen how the boyfriend she doted on and adored had consistently abused her. Grimmjow was a free spirit but he would never hurt or abuse a woman.
"That's crossing the line dude." He muttered.
But Ulquiorra was not paying attention anymore. The woman had untied her hair and started matching Nel's extremely suggestive steps, and he could clear see at least one man walking towards her, palms clenching and mouth salivating.
Ulquiorra sighed, gave Grimmjow a quick look and walked towards Orihime. Grimmjow, grasping the situation, followed his friend.
"Ulquiiii! Grimmyyy! You decided to join us!"
"Yeah Nel, but watch out for princess will ya?"
Noticing the two men (especially the towering hulk that was Grimmjow), the man quickly backed away.
"Aaaaah! Batman! You are hereeeee!" Orihime squealed, grabbing Ulquiorra's hands and jumping up and down. For a second, time stopped and Grimmjow and Nels faces became expressionless. Then they both burst out laughing hysterically.
"Oh god! Batman?! Why didn't I come up with this?! This is gold Princess!" Grimmjow said, patting Orihime's back.
"Thank you kitty chan!" Orihime now proceeded to repeat the same gesture with Grimmjow. Now it was Ulquiorra's turn to smirk as Nel practically started howling with laughter.
"Oh god Hime! You are so funny!"
"I am right?! Everyone thinks I am some staid goody two shoes. They don't know the half of it." Orihime pouted with a mischievous look on her face.
Then she grabbed Ulquiorra's hand and started urging him to dance, much to the horror of the green eyed man. He stood absolutely erect, giving her a stern look, which she must have found rather amusing, as she started laughing.
"Oh come on batman, don't be so stuck up! Wont move, will we? Well then I'll just have to make you move." And with that Orihime did what Ulquiorra had never imagined she would do in a million years.
Without so much as a warning, she grabbed both of Ulquiorra's hands, placing them well over her shoulders, slid one of her legs between Ulquiorra's legs and came very close to him, moving her body in a way that would force his body to move too. Suddenly he felt as if he had hit a cushy sofa face first. Her soft curves molded over his hard body, prodding it to move, as she looked him right in his eyes.
With every passing second her cheeks turned rosier till she was practically as red as a tomato. To avoid eye contact, she flipped around and started dancing with her back towards Ulquiorra's body. He wished she hadn't. Her back was dangerously close to his , well.. front. Before the situation could become embarrassing, Ulquiorra backed away, which only prodded Orihime to try crazier moves. It wasn't helping that she was copying them from Nel, who having noticed what was happening, was demonstrating some rather risqué moves, with Grimmjow assisting every once in a while.
"That's enough woman. You are heavily inebriated and you need to get back home. Nel, can you please ensure that.."
"Sorry Ulqui, I am meeting some friends from my agency after. No can do." Nel winked knowingly.
Ulquiorra looked at Grimmjow, then decided otherwise. He knew Grimmjow wouldn't make a move on a helpless woman, but he reasoned that if Grimmjow could lead her back then so could he. Thinking that, he took Orihime's hand and lead her towards the exit.
Orihime was having too much fun dancing, but she had noticed several women approach Ulquiorra. Why couldn't they take a hint? The guy didn't want to dance. Yet, when Ulquiorra had come over to Orihime's defense the second time that night, she suddenly felt that she must dance with him. He was wearing a button down shirt and somewhere between the bottle of whiskey and the weird jaegar drink, another one or two buttons had come undone, offering her a fantastic view of his chest. The shirt also clung to his body and when Orihime leaned against him (or was she pressing against him, she couldn't tell), she could feel his hard muscles.
That's when it hit her. She wanted this man. The alcohol had numbed her rational senses enough for her to not question why and to also admit something so embarrassing to herself freely. The closer her got to her, the harder she found it to restrain her beating heart and the tightness building up in her nether regions. As he dragged her out of the club and sat her in the cab, his proximity hit her harder. Away from the sights, sounds and smells of a thousand people screaming and sweating, all her senses were now attuned to Ulquiorra.
She could smell his scent. It was woody and musky. Every outline and contour on his body stood out clearly in her sight. And when he gave directions to the cab driver, she felt a shiver run down her spine at the sound of his husky deep voice. Hell yeah she wanted him!
As if recognizing that it had locked on its goal, her mind started sputtering directions to her, which she acted on without question. So that once they reached her hotel she all but fell flat on the ground. Noticing this Ulquiorra picked her up and dragged her to the concierge. Uh oh… He is going to ask the concierge to escort me!
Moments later Ulquiorra asked the concierge (who was a female) to escort her to her room. As if on cue, she clung to him like a panda, and when he tried to extract her, started wailing. Sighing, Ulquiorra tried to loosen her grip on him and started walking towards the elevator. Orihime mostly stayed somber during the elevator ride, but as Ulquiorra unlocked her room, panic seized her heart.
He was going to walk away, and she would never have the courage to stop him without the perfect excuse of alcohol. Without thinking, she whirled around, grabbed Ulquiorra, and planted a sloppy kiss straight on his lips. Except, in her inebriated state, she had managed to slobber all over his lower lip and chin. She cringed inwardly. Oh he would never want her now! Ulquiorra, on his part, was completely stunned. Needless to say he hadn't expected it. When he didn't move away or respond in kind, Orihime gathered her courage and kissed him gently this time. His whole body went stiff before he backed away.
"You are not thinking clearly woman. And I should leave." He said with finality, as he turned around and walked out the door, closing it behind him.
Ulquiorra leaned against the door, feeling his heart beat wildly against his rib cage. What the hell had just happened?! Had the woman really kissed him? Did that mean that she did want him? Ulquiorra realized that he hadn't minded the kiss. Actually, he wanted to go further. However despite the realization that he too wanted Orihime Inoue, he couldn't make a move on her. Not when she was so vulnerable.
Suddenly, the door he was leaning on opened, and a very alert looking Orihime was staring at him squarely in the eyes.
"Come inside," her voice was small but strangely steady.
Green eyes widened. "I don't think it is a good idea. You are drunk."
"Not anymore. And why don't you hold your judgment about whether it is a good idea until after tonight."
Now Ulquiorra was completely flabbergasted. "Excus.."
But before he could say further, Orihime pulled him into another kiss, this time with no slobber. Knowing she was at least partly conscious, the last bit of Ulquiorra's restraint snapped and he returned the kiss fully, grabbing her auburn locks in his hand to tilt her head and give him better access to her mouth. Then, pushing the woman inside the room, he locked the door behind them.