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.
The Pain That Binds Us
Snippet Story
The Heart of a newborn was Numb. The only Pain they felt was their Own, and it stayed that way until they felt that Cursed Trembling in their chest.
(XI)
Orihime passed the days ignoring the pitying looks of her friends. They avoided the topic of Soulmates after her silence at their questions, and pretended.
And yet, sometimes she could make out their whispers Poor girl. Does she even have One? Is something wrong with her? Is she going to be okay?
Orihime pretended she didn't hear them.
(XII)
Tatsuki was one of the few who comforted her Your time will come, Orihime. Don't pay attention to those losers. Chizuru became overly affectionate, hugging her here and there, trying to make her feel better.
It did nothing to the Numbness of her Heart, but Orihime thanked them anyway.
(XIII)
A few girls once cornered her in the bathroom, intent on getting answers. They concealed their taunts and sly smiles behind furrowed brows and concerned eyes.
They asked questions upon questions, poking and prodding for answers she didn't have. Orihime answered them with her signature polite smile, looking for cues to leave. One of them asked if she missed being Complete.
Orihime paused then shook her head because How can I miss something I have never had?
(XIV)
Summer followed and soon she was a high schooler. It was at this time she met Kuchiki Rukia. With the arrival of the female Shinigami, every chance of Orihime dating Ichigo turned to ash.
Neither said it out loud but it was clear to Orihime Rukia is Ichigo's Other Half, isn't she, Tatsuki-chan?
(XV)
Another girl's night and this time Rukia was with them. Being the only female who knew Rukia's true identity, Orihime waited everyone else had fallen asleep. Then, she softly questioned Rukia about the Pain.
The Shinigami looked surprised, before her kind, violet eyes softened with sympathy Oh Orihime. You are going to be okay.
"I've never felt the Pain, and neither has Ichigo. It's just the way it was from the start."
"How did you know then? That he was your Other Half?"
The other woman's eyes glazed over with a silly smile, a small blush whispering against her cheeks.
"Time froze when I met his eyes." She whispered as if she were telling some secret, "Seconds stretched on for an eternity. Something shifted and suddenly, the Completeness was just there."
(XVI)
Kuchiki Rukia gave her hope like nothing else before, and the presence of afterlife in the form of Soul Society only solidified her feelings.
There was a good chance that her Soulmate was a part of a different world. Her hope overshadowed the sorrow she might have felt It's alright even if he is dead. I just hope we get to meet at least once.
They could make it work like Ichigo and Rukia. Though the Soul Society had resisted at first, they soon gave in to the threats and scowls of both reapers.
Even the Head Captain knew better than to interfere with the work of gods.
(XVII)
With her perceptive eyes and no Soulmate to focus them on, Orihime observed other people. She took note of their habits, their nervous ticks, the small gestures that slipped past others.
Her search revealed there were many types of Soulmates. There were a few like Urahara Kisuke and Shihoun Yoruichi; their love was playful and quiet, easily mistaken for friendship.
There were those like Ichigo and Rukia; tough and jagged around the edges, but they Completed each other like no one else.
However, she knew better than anyone that not all Soulmates had happily ever afters, even after they met. Her own parents had been an excellent example; they had been Soulmates, but had still been cruel to herself, her brother, and lastly to each other. Destiny had been more of a prison than a blessing to them.
And lastly, not all Soulmates cared for their Other Half; Aizen Sosuke and Hinamori Momo taught her that harsh lesson.
(XVIII)
Orihime often wandered the streets of the Living World and Soul Society alike, hoping to meet her Other Half along the roads.
The days turned to months, and though she met many eyes, none seemed to entrance her they were supposed to.
(XIX)
Her imagination grew wilder, and her stories grew trickier with countless plot twists and unexpected turns. But, they never ended, the last words refusing to leave her lips.
It was in such circumstances, she met poisonous green eyes; a colour so dark and lovely and pretty and all shades of beautiful that it bled down his face in the form of tears.
(XX)
Looking the eyes of a ruthless enemy, time stopped. Every second stretched on for an eternity, as something shifted within her. The Completeness engulfed her chest, as if it were something that had been there for years, and had been laying in wait for the moment to reveal itself.
She collapsed to her knees, just as her world came crashing down.
A/N: Thank you so much for reading! I hope you enjoyed it! Be sure to tell me what you think!