Title: The Pain That Binds Us
Author: disnaly
Main Pairing: Inoue Orihime x Cifer Ulquiorra.
Minor Pairings: Mentions of Kuchiki Rukia x Kurosaki Ichigo, Matsumoto Rangiku x Ichimaru Gin, Urahara Kisuke x Shihoun Yoruichi, Aizen Sosuke x Hinamori Momo.
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the original Bleach characters or the Bleach franchise.
Warning: Mentions and mild descriptions of violence. Hints at mature themes.
A/N: Each chapter will contain ten snippets, all in varying lengths. These take place before and throughout Orihime's captivity. The events are written in chronological order and do not follow the events of the anime.
Summary: In a world where Soulmates can feel each other's pain, Orihime was born with a Numb heart.
Children often felt their first Pain from the ages of eight to ten, and was always preceded by a trigger. It could range from something as small as a lost toy, to something a big as someone's death.
(XXXI)
He came back for her, stopping her in the limbo between the Living World and Soul Society. He made quick work of the Reapers accompanying her, much to her horror.
"Come, woman."
His voice was ice cold, and all kinds of soft, sharp with authority of someone who was used to being obeyed. He took her away from the only life she had known, presenting her with a choice they both knew I can't refuse.
Their hands brushed together when he handed her the bracelet that was meant to conceal her presence. The Completeness returned full force, giving home to longing and once again, Orihime had to fight back tears.
Despite his harsh words and the ultimatum he presented, there was only one thing hovering in her mind.
Say my name.
(XXXII)
She whispered goodbyes to all her friends, lingering in the bedroom of Kurosaki Ichigo. It had confused her why her Soulmate had let her go. Soon, the answer became obvious: he was portraying her as a traitor.
Orihime was surprised to find that she didn't care.
(XXXIII)
The darkness of the Garganta terrified her. It went on endlessly in all directions, and Orihime hesitated on the bridge made by her Soulmate's reitsu.
He walked calmly over it, not paying any mind if she followed or not. She had nowhere to go, after all.
Afraid of being left behind, she ran ahead, hand extended to snag his coat. She had scarcely taken hold, when he whipped around, pale fingers encircling her wrist in a bruising grip.
She yelped, looking up at him with wide, fearful eyes. His words were as cutting as the sword he wielded so perfectly, beautiful eyes sharp as they bored into her own. Her stomach gave a sickening tug at his glare.
"Do not misunderstand, woman. The only reason you have been summoned is because Aizen-sama wills it. Do not let your human delusions get the better of you."
She swallowed, then nodded.
(XXXIV)
Meeting the other Espada was anything but a positive experience. Most looked at her with hatred and contempt, some regarded her with curiosity.
Ulquiorra remained indifferent, wordlessly taking in the orders he was assigned as her caretaker. Despite his harsh treatment of her earlier, Orihime's heart pounded nervously when he led her to her room.
Her days of freedom were over and her life as captive began.
(XXXV)
Her room was bare, safe for a couch, a bed and a table. A small search revealed the adjoining door to be the bathroom. Orihime looked around in slight despair, taking in the blankness Where is all the colour?
of the room.
In the monotony of endless white, she sought refugee in emerald green eyes.
(XXXVI)
There wasn't much to do in Hueco Mundo and Orihime set up a routine quickly. She woke up, took a bath, got dressed and ate breakfast. Then, she daydreamed and told herself stories until lunch arrived. She walked a little around her room, deep in thought until dinner. Then, she went to sleep.
She spent little time wondering about her friends. She missed them terribly, of course, but didn't dare wish they were with her.
They would only be running towards their deaths if they arrived.
(XXXVII)
Orihime began looking forward to her mealtimes, because they were the only times she saw her Soulmate the only time I am Complete and Whole.
Ulquiorra arrived two times, lingered long enough for her to finish her meal, and then left. She often tried to make small talk, but all she in return were harsh jabs or silence.
"I am not here to converse with you, woman. Finish your meal in silence."
Regardless of his words, she always flashed him the brightest smile she could muster, when he left.
(XXXVIII)
Sometimes, Orihime felt discouraged at his lack of response. On such days, she laid on the couch, thinking of her friends. She imagined what they were doing and how they were faring.
On such days, Ulquiorra was particularly harsh, taunting and throwing jabs at her and her friends.
She knew that he expected her to react. She never gave him the satisfaction, and instead met his eyes with an icy look she had mastered from him.
Sometimes, he was surprised. Months of watching others had made even the smallest motions visible to her; the miniscule raise of his eyebrow, the barely perceptible twitch of his fingers.
Orihime took pride in the moments she could make him drop his mask, even if it was just a little bit.
(XXXIX)
The days passed and she learned to read his eyes too. Maybe it was a Soulmate thing, but she learned to see between the lines, pick apart his words and decipher what he was trying to say.
"Surprisingly, the dress suits you."
She learned to recognize the traces of irritation, the flashes of curiosity that often followed the claims she made.
"Stop blabbering, woman. It is annoying."
(XXXX)
And yet, for some reason, it was never enough. The distance between them was always too much, the unspoken always too loud, and and tension always too thick.
She began growing restless when he was away, just as he began to relax when he entered her room.
The way Ichigo did in front of Rukia. The way Kisuke did in front of Yoruichi. The way all Soulmates did in each others presence.
One day, he began to stay even after she had finished her meals. He gave no explanation and she didn't ask.
A/N: Thank you so much for reading! I hope you enjoyed it! Be sure to tell me what you think!