Upon returning home from running errands, Orihime immediately noticed the unusual warmth despite the season being winter's end. Without delay, she changed into a light blue sundress and grabbed her beloved sunglasses.
Ulquiorra watched her, his eyes fixed on her every movement. He observed her excitedly putting away groceries and searching for items around the house with a smile on her face, leaving him bewildered and unsure of her sudden height of enthusiasm that seemed to surpass her usual level of excitement.
Ulquiorra had to wonder if she was always like this. It hadn't even been a day since her return from the treacherous realm of Hueco Mundo. In his eyes, it defied all logic that someone could display such cheerfulness after enduring such profound psychological trauma. What troubled him further was the realization that he had played a significant role in inflicting that pain upon her.
Ulquiorra found himself contemplating two possibilities:
A: Perhaps she was simply insane. However, this notion didn't align with her indomitable willpower, which would surely counteract any derangement.
B: She was not typically like this, implying there must be a reason for her transformation.
The murcielago found himself inclined towards the latter. But what could have triggered this profound change in her? What was different now compared to before her time in Hueco Mundo? And then, in an instant, an unsettling thought dawned upon him.
"Ulquiorra! Ready to go?" Orihime's voice boomed, jolting the small bat-like creature out of his thoughts. He looked up from his seat on the dining table and found himself gazing into the vibrant eyes of the auburn-haired girl, her smile illuminating the room. A bright yellow bag dangled from her arm, indicating her preparedness for their outing.
"Where are you going?" Ulquiorra asked, his tone devoid of any trace of excitement.
"We are going out, of course! This weather is beautiful!" she replied cheerfully. Orihime's persistent smile caused Ulquiorra's previous contemplations to resurface, his mind swirling with questions.
Maybe... no he was certain that he of all people…
"You returned from Hueco Mundo just yesterday, Orihime Inoue," Ulquiorra began, his voice steady and analytical. "How can you act in such a manner?"
Her smile faltered, catching Ulquiorra off guard. He furrowed his eyebrows, trying to comprehend her change in expression.
…could not be the reason for this shift of behavior.
Orihime's mind sifted through a multitude of emotions and memories. She had endured countless years of solitude, longing for the company of another soul. And now, here was Ulquiorra, even if in his tiny form, providing her with a sense of companionship in her home she had longed for. The mere presence of someone, anyone, had the power to awaken dormant emotions within her.
"Because today, I have the opportunity to do something fun with someone," she responded, her voice filled with a mixture of hope and vulnerability.
She has others. She has that shinigami.
Ulquiorra's brows knitted together in a deeper frown, his mind grappling with the complexities of Orihime's emotions. "Is this a rare occurrence?" he inquired, his voice holding a hint of skepticism.
Orihime nodded in response, her eyes conveying a mixture of understanding and yearning.
A contemplative silence hung between them before Ulquiorra resumed speaking, his tone measured and analytical. "So, even with friends who risked their lives to rescue you, you still experience a sense of isolation in your daily existence, despite their proximity."
Orihime's lips tightened slightly at Ulquiorra's observation, but he forged ahead, his curiosity unyielding.
"Your hearts are intertwined as one, as you mentioned, is that still not the case?" he probed. It perplexed him how someone who espoused the power of connections could now speak of loneliness.
Orihime hesitated, her lips parting as she struggled to find the right words. Taking a deep breath, she finally began to speak.
"To tell you the truth…Rukia, Ichigo, Chad, Tatsuki, and Uryu, well, we've been through a lot together and forged unbreakable bonds along the way, those things are still there, no matter the circumstance or time of day."
Her gaze wandered briefly to a photograph on the table, capturing a snapshot of cherished memories. Her voice carried a hint of nostalgia as she continued.
"It's true, we're all friends and we spend time together, but being alone in this place all day is different," Orihime shared as she gestured around her empty apartment, emphasizing the solitude. "Sometimes, when I try to plan something, they have their own commitments and I don't want to burden them. Tatsuki is always supportive, but she has her own life too. They all have families and people waiting for them at home. It's just that, at times, I feel like they can't truly grasp how lonely it can be for me here, where I don't have anyone. So, even when we do get the chance to hang out, it doesn't always fill that void. Does that make sense?" She searched Ulquiorra's eyes, hoping for understanding.
After a brief pause, Orihime refocused her attention on the small bat perched on the dining table. "Having you here makes me happy, it feels nice to have someone with me," she expressed with a warm smile.
Ulquiorra's penetrating gaze studied her, a flicker of curiosity in his eyes. "So even humans seek to fill voids within themselves," he remarked.
Orihime's smile widened as she fell to her knees and rummaged for something in her bag. "You see, we're not so different from hollows, after all," she responded, meeting Ulquiorra's gaze from her view on the kitchen floor.
A pregnant pause lingered before Ulquiorra broke the silence. "So, it is my presence alone that brings you satisfaction?" he inquired.
Orihime nodded, her head tilting slightly, her smile radiating warmth. The sunlight streaming through the windows seemed to bathe her in a gentle glow.
Ulquiorra's features tightened, a faint tension gripping him. His jaw clenched, and his talons slightly punctured the wooden surface beneath him. "Would your contentment be the same regardless of who shared your home? Is it simply having someone by your side that matters to you?" he questioned, carefully selecting his words.
Orihime furrowed her brows and took a moment to contemplate the possibility. Adjusting her bag as she stood up, she looked down at Ulquiorra and met his gaze directly.
"You know, I think there might be some truth to that. I would be happy if anyone was here, but..." She paused, biting her lower lip and averting her eyes. Ulquiorra scrutinized her every move as she continued.
"I also think there's a part of me that's specifically happy because it's you, Ulquiorra."
An array of conflicting thoughts flooded Ulquiorra's mind upon hearing her words. On one hand, a flicker of satisfaction ignited within him, acknowledging the existence of their bond. Yet, simultaneously, an urge to admonish her for harboring any positive sentiment towards him gnawed at his core. These conflicting ideas stirred within him, threatening to spill over into harsh words.
However, before he had a chance to give voice to his inner turmoil, Orihime extended her hand towards him, a silent invitation for him to join her. Without uttering a single sound, Ulquiorra followed, gracefully leaping onto her outstretched palm.
"I think we need to make the most of this beautiful weather while we can, that's why we're going to the beach!" Orihime exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement. With her bag in one hand and Ulquiorra perched on the other, she made her way towards the exit.
"That means we need to find you a swimsuit, Ulquiorra," she said cheerfully, pausing briefly to lock the front door, her enthusiasm undeterred even with the slight challenge of juggling both the key and the small arrancar.
Ulquiorra furrowed his eyebrows, a sense of wariness in his gaze as he tried to grasp the concept of a "swimsuit" and how it fit into her plans.
Grimmjow sprawled indolently on Ichigo's shoulder, relishing in the unnecessary feast of fish he had just devoured. In one hand, Ichigo clutched Grimmjow's cage, while his other hand cradled his zanpakuto, observing Karakura Town from their vantage point in the sky towering over the familiar buildings.
"And what the hell are we doing out here?" Grimmjow grumbled, his boredom radiating off him like a scowl.
Ichigo let out an exasperated sigh, his irritation apparent. "I'm on patrol, making sure other assholes like you don't cause trouble."
Grimmjow let out an exaggerated groan, slumping his shoulders against Ichigo's neck. "Oh, yeah, sounds like a real thrill ride, King."
The heat became unbearable, and Ichigo's patience dwindled as Grimmjow pressed against his neck. With an irritated swat, Ichigo pushed the panthera away, likening him to an irritating insect. "Knock it off, Grimmjow," he warned, his eyes squinting against the unforgiving sun above.
Rolling his eyes and twitching his restless tail, Grimmjow skittered down Ichigo's arm, leaving the orange-haired shinigami momentarily bewildered. "Oh, Mr. Hero, the world would be lost without you," Grimmjow retorted, his sarcasm thick in the air.
Ichigo's face displayed a combination of both annoyance and amusement as he shook his head. While Grimmjow settled on his clenched knuckles and gazed off into the distance, Ichigo brought his other hand, holding his zanpakuto, closer to his face, carefully examining the details of Grimmjow's released form. The flowing locks, the snug attire, the perked ears—Ichigo couldn't help but find it almost comical how much Grimmjow resembled a tiny, wild cat.
Feeling the weight of Ichigo's gaze, Grimmjow abruptly snapped his head back, meeting Ichigo's intense brown eyes with a fierce silver stare. For a fleeting moment, their locked gazes transported Ichigo back to the heat of their epic battles, the raw determination that blazed between them.
Taken aback by the unexpected intensity of their locked gazes, Ichigo let out an awkward cough, breaking the momentary spell. Hastily, he redirected his focus to their surroundings, purposefully disregarding the faint hint of confusion that danced in Grimmjow's eyes as their eye contact was abruptly severed.
"Ulquiorra, come out! Let me see it!" Orihime called out impatiently from outside the makeshift "dressing room.
Well, calling it a dressing room was an overstatement. In reality, it was a toy house in an abandoned corner of a toy-store, away from the wandering eyes of other customers. After all, where else could she possibly find a suitable swimsuit for Ulquiorra?
"No." Ulquiorra responded flatly from behind the tiny door, his voice filled with a mix of uncertainty and resignation.
"Please, just let me see it! If you don't like it, I promise I'll find another one," Orihime pleaded, her voice filled with hopeful anticipation.
Ulquiorra released a weary sigh, his expansive wings and protruding horns leaving him confined within the cramped toy house. Casting a brief glance at his reflection in the miniature mirror, his perpetual frown deepened at the sight that greeted him. He found himself donning a green swimsuit that clearly didn't fit properly, with tufts of fur protruding awkwardly from where the pants should have begun and ended.
Ulquiorra's gaze hardened as he surveyed his reflection, the absurdity of the situation weighing heavily on him.
"Woman, this is unnecessary." Ulquiorra asserted, his tone unwavering. He could hear Orihime's disappointed sigh from the other side of the door. "Just let me see it, please," she persisted.
Summoning his resolve, Ulquiorra inhaled deeply and cautiously swung open the door, revealing a captivating silver eye that remained fixated on him. A surge of unfamiliar sensations washed over him, prompting him to instinctively retreat a step. This underlying energy seemed to intensify with every gaze and touch from her, amplifying his growing discomfort with these newfound encounters.
"Are you sure you don't want it?" Orihime asked, her voice faltering in hope from Ulquiorra's lack of enthusiasm.
Ulquiorra nodded, resolute in his decision. Slowly, he started removing the swimsuit, only to be met with wide-eyed astonishment from Orihime. She stared at him, momentarily taken aback by his actions.
"W-What are you doing?" Orihime stammered, a mixture of surprise and embarrassment evident in her voice.
The murciélago paused his movements, turning to face her. "I am taking it off." he replied matter-of-factly, his expression devoid of any embarrassment.
"Well, not in front of me!" Orihime blurted out, her cheeks turning a shade of pink as she shunned her eyes with her fingers from the indecensy.
Ulquiorra blinked, genuinely perplexed by her reaction. "Why not?" he inquired, unable to comprehend the concept of modesty or personal boundaries that was causing her to react in such a way.
Ulquiorra's gaze lingered on her for a few more seconds, his expression unchanged. "I have been walking around without clothing this entire time. I fail to comprehend why you are now making a fuss about it. However, if this situation is causing you discomfort, I will close the door."
Ulquiorra closed the door of the toy house, leaving Orihime standing there, her cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and contemplation. Confusion enveloped her mind, swirling like a whirlwind. She couldn't understand why the act of Ulquiorra removing his pants had triggered such a strong sense of embarrassment within her. After all, he had been walking around without them all along, hadn't he?
Trying to make sense of her own emotions, Orihime gently massaged her forehead, as if hoping to massage away the tangled thoughts that knotted her mind. She had to remind herself that Ulquiorra was still the same person, regardless of his smaller stature. Yet, deep down, she couldn't shake the feeling that if she had witnessed him stripping down at normal-height the same wave of embarrassment would have still washed over her.
Suddenly, images of Ulquiorra in his arrancar uniform played out vividly in her mind. She envisioned him unzipping his coat, revealing the pale expanse of his torso, and then proceeding to discard his pants in a deliberate, unhurried manner. The mere thought sent an electric surge through her body, causing goosebumps to rise on her arms and her muscles to tense involuntarily.
No, this wasn't the right scenario. What if Ulquiorra was in his bat form, normal-sized, and wearing pants? Would she still feel uncomfortable witnessing him take them off? She attempted to imagine such a thing, but the image of Ulquiorra donning slacks while being shirtless with his unmistakable batwings still visible struck her as amusing, causing an internal giggle. However, as she tried to focus on Ulquiorra in this hypothetical situation, the idea of him physically removing his trousers, even if he remained modestly covered underneath, triggered another wave of embarrassment.
Frustration etched across her face, Orihime couldn't believe the thoughts that had crossed her mind—multiple instances of Ulquiorra taking off his pants. What was she thinking? With a quick, self-inflicted slap to her cheek, she attempted to shake off those distracting and embarrassing images.
Although Ulquiorra had initially protested, Orihime found solace in her flustered state. It seemed justified now, given the unusual circumstances and her own unfamiliar emotions. Inhaling deeply, she focused on regaining control, willing her racing heart to slow down as she sought to restore a sense of composure.
Despite her intentions, a rush of memories flooded her mind—moments they had shared together, all when Ulquiorra was at his normal height. It was in those instances that she had come to appreciate his well-built physique and the accompanying strength. She let out a wistful sigh, yearning for him to be of average height once again, a size that felt more familiar and comfortable to her.
"I'm ready," a voice whispered against her ear, its softness carrying an unexpected undercurrent of sensuality. Orihime's eyes widened, her mind conjuring vivid images of Ulquiorra standing before her in his formidable arrancar form. She half-expected to be met with his piercing gaze, the intensity that always held her captive. But as reality settled in, her heart sank. Instead, there he was, a miniature version of himself, hovering in front of her with a curious look in his eyes, his tiny wings fluttering in the air.
"Y-you startled me!" she stammered, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. The contrast between her imagination and the present moment only heightened her confusion. The burning sensation in her stomach persisted, teasing her with a mix of fascination and longing. Why did the mere thought of Ulquiorra in his full stature ignite such a whirlwind of emotions within her?
Completely ignorant of Orihime's inner turmoil, Ulquiorra's voice cut through the tension she was experiencing, his tone measured and composed. "May I ask you a question?"
Orihime turned her gaze towards him, mortified as if she had been caught daydreaming about him. "Sure…what is it?"
"What is a beach?" Ulquiorra inquired, his curiosity betraying a hint of detachment.
Orihime's eyes lit up, her enthusiasm evident in her voice. "Oh, a beach is a fantastic place! It's where the land meets the sea and the sun kisses your skin! You can play in the water, build sand castles, hunt for seashells, go fishing, and a ton of stuff!"
Ulquiorra observed her animated explanation, his analytical mind absorbing the details. "I see. So what is the purpose of a swimsuit in regards to this?" he pressed, seeking a deeper understanding.
Orihime's brows furrowed as she considered his question. "Well it's something we wear when we want to go in the water. It's made from a different material than our normal clothes so it's more comfortable and dries faster. Plus they come in a bunch of pretty designs and patterns you can pick from!"
His eyes narrowed slightly as another question arose. "Do you possess a swimsuit?" he asked, his tone neutral.
Orihime's face lit up with a playful grin. "Of course I do!"
Ulquiorra's interest piqued as he sought further insight. "Are they similar to the one I recently tried on?"
Orihime couldn't contain her laughter as she imagined her male friends, including Ulquiorra, wearing a girl's bikini. The mental image was too amusing to resist, and she exclaimed, "Oh no, definitely not! Swimsuits for girls are completely different from those for boys."
Ulquiorra's stoic expression wavered for a brief moment, a flicker of intrigue crossing his features. He couldn't help but wonder about the specifics of human female swimwear, but supposed he would discover soon enough.
Rukia and Renji were hard at work, trying to make sure that the invitations for the upcoming celebration of Aizen's defeat were sent out to everyone who needed one. Rukia was seated at the table, surrounded by scrolls and ink pots, while Renji paced back and forth, holding a stack of envelopes.
"How many do we have now Renji?" Rukia asked, her voice tinged with excitement.
Renji counted the envelopes quickly. "We've got about 200 so far."
"Only 100 more to go!" Rukia exclaimed, a determined look on her face. "We can do this!"
Renji couldn't help but feel a little overwhelmed by the task at hand. "Do you know where the celebration is going to be held?" he asked, hoping for some reassurance.
Rukia's eyes lit up. "At my brother's mansion, of course!" she replied proudly. "And Sode No Shirayuki is going to make an ice sculpture for the occasion!"
Renji tried to keep the sigh from escaping his lips, but it was no use. He knew how much work went into organizing events like this, and he was already feeling exhausted just thinking about it.
But he knew that he couldn't let Rukia down. He took a deep breath and tried to summon up some enthusiasm. "Well atleast we're almost done, my hands are killing me." he confessed as he began to stuff the envelopes with the invitations.
Rukia nodded in agreement, and together they continued their work, determined to make the celebration a success.
As Ulquiorra and Orihime arrived at the fabled beach, the radiant rays of sunlight caressed their skin. The warmth enveloped them, a sensation unfamiliar and unwelcome to Ulquiorra, as it seared his naturally pallid complexion. However, a gentle breeze, carrying with it the salty essence of the ocean, provided a soothing respite from the intense heat that surrounded them.
Pushing his discomfort to the side, a flicker of curiosity crossed Ulquiorra's emerald eyes as he watched Orihime kick off her flip-flops, her bare feet sinking into the soft grains of sand. The sight of her joyfully darting through the beach stirred something within him, igniting memories of similar landscapes in Hueco Mundo. He couldn't help but wonder if the accompany of water and sunlight in the barren desert would have elicited such joy from her there as well.
Intrigued by the thought, Ulquiorra tentatively took a step onto the sandy terrain, feeling the gentle resistance beneath his feet. It was indeed reminiscent of the desolate landscapes he was accustomed to, yet different in its own way.
His gaze followed Orihime's movements as she settled behind a sand dune, her vibrant orange hair peeking out playfully. Inclining his head, Ulquiorra spread his elegant wings and gracefully descended, his shadow casting over the sun-kissed sand. The intensity of the sunlight compelled him to raise a hand, shielding his eyes from its blinding brilliance.
His graceful descent came to an abrupt halt as Ulquiorra's eyes fixated on Orihime. There she stood, having shed her dress, revealing a bikini adorned with a pristine white fabric and a delicate pink lining. A meticulously arranged beach umbrella stood tall nearby, its cast shadow just missing the on a carefully positioned towel. Orihime reached for her sunglasses, slipping them on before reclining on her back, her body bathed in the radiant sunlight.
His gaze lingered, captivated by her near-nude form. From her shapely breasts that gently rose and fell with each breath to the enticing curves of her body that flowed seamlessly, his eyes traced every contour.
While the sight of exposed skin and revealing clothing on the female form held no interest to Ulquiorra, there was something different about seeing Orihime adorned in such a similar ensemble that ignited a flurry of thoughts in his mind. Was this truly what she had meant by a human female swimsuit and was this a common article of clothing among humans?
As her presence etched itself firmly in his thoughts, an unsettling warmth permeated his countenance, causing a blush to tinge his typically pale complexion. The heat lingered, spreading through his being and settling uncomfortably in the depths of his stomach, awakening unfamiliar sensations within him.
However, Ulquiorra adamantly resisted the notion that this warmth could be linked to the sight of Orihime Inoue clad in a revealing swimsuit. He was convinced that it was solely the scorching rays of the sun bearing down upon him, provoking such a reaction from his body.
Resolute, he landed softly on the sand, his wings folding neatly against his back. Taking a moment to collect himself, Ulquiorra approached Orihime, the swirling sensations and desires within him masked by his stoic expression. As he stood before her, the sunlight illuminating his striking features, he couldn't help but feel a peculiar shift in the air.
"Ulquiorra…" she called, her voice laced with a tranquil air as she remained reclined on her back, sensing his presence drawing nearer.
Shaking off the persistent thoughts that plagued him, the murcielago turned his attention to her. "What is it?" he inquired, his tone remaining characteristically detached.
"Come and lay beside me," she beckoned, her voice carrying a serene undertone. "We can sunbathe together."
"Sunbathe?" he echoed as he closed the distance between them.
"Yes, just bask under the warmth of the sun," she explained, a sense of contentment evident in her words.
Ulquiorra sank his feet into the soft sand, positioning himself near Orihime's side. His gaze fixated on her serene countenance, her eyes closed in a state of tranquility.
"What purpose does this serve?" he questioned.
"It's... it's for relaxation," she murmured, her voice growing drowsy. "To find peace, unwind, and..." Her sentence trailed off, left unfinished.
The relentless heat of the sun, coupled with the chilling gusts of wind, began to take its toll on Ulquiorra. A sheen of cold sweat formed upon his brow, a physical manifestation of his discomfort.
Although he was discontented with her lack of self-awareness and concern for her own safety as she lay there asleep and exposed to her surroundings, a conflicting part of Ulquiorra found solace in the fact that she felt secure enough to reveal such vulnerability in his presence, and he took it upon himself to watch over her.
A stretch of the towel, where Orihime's vibrant orange hair sprawled in the sun's embrace, offered a patch of shadow from the umbrella. Ulquiorra settled himself there, close to her slumbering figure basking in the sunlight.
Contrary to Orihime's promise of relaxation, Ulquiorra's mind became plagued with a cascade of thoughts, each one tethered to the woman lying before him. He couldn't find solace in the tranquil atmosphere; instead, his focus was consumed by the weighty responsibilities he had shouldered in order to forge the future he had determined for himself.
I've been really busy with work the past 2 months when a huge project for the pride campaign got put on my plate. Although it was a fun project I didn't have much sleep or down time. I then took a week off for mother's day to take my mom on a trip. With my few days left of freedom I am spending it rewriting as much of this as I can. I can say I am happy with the new level of this story and I hope you are too. If you enjoyed please let me know, thank you.