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
Having a deceased Other Half didn't effect a person's daily life. Some went on about their normal routine, feeling all sorts of emotions and experiences. However, nothing could fill the Emptiness, the Missing feeling in their Chest.
(LXXI)
When they kissed, it felt like the ground fell from beneath her feet. She let him ravage her mouth, tongues sliding and hearts pounding. She hissed when one of his canines cut her lower lip.
He was quick to sooth her, licking away the liquid. He tasted her blood in his mouth and groaned.
(LXXII)
As much as Orihime loved his touch, she knew she had to draw a line somewhere. There was no saying how the upcoming war would go. Should her friends end up winning, she was sure most of the Espada would be dead.
She felt her heart sink when she realized that she might end up mourning him after all. If that was the case, she didn't want to get too attached.
The voice in her head gave a cruel laugh Really, Orihime? You're worrying about that now? Its too late for you two but Orihime ignored it.
Despite the fact they they were Soulmates, despite the fact the she wanted this as much as he did, when his hands began sliding up her thighs, she stopped him.
Ulquiorra frowned but didn't go on.
(LXXIII)
The day they were supposed to leave for the Living World came. They made the preparations wordlessly, stealing glances at each other.
Orihime felt her heard pound, her hands growing sweaty as the seconds passed.
"What are you going to do, Orihime?"
She almost smiled. He was far more perceptive than her; she was not surprised that he had figured she would do something. She met his eyes.
"What do you think, Ulquiorra?"
"Something foolish, I presume."
"Maybe. What are you going to do about it?"
He didn't reply for a good while. But as he turned away, Orihime still caught his words.
"Something even more foolish."
(LXXIV)
When they exited the Garganta, bright light invaded her vision.
She almost fell to her knees and began to sob.
(LXXV)
Her friends were stronger, or so she sensed with the changes in their reitsu. She was fully intent on standing back and watching, as she waited for her chance to do something.
Her heart sank when Aizen directed her to stand at the front lines, right next to him. The former captain smiled at the hateful glare Hinamori threw at her, but he didn't notice Ulquiorra throwing his own glare at him.
(LXXVI)
Ichimaru Gin certainly did. Meeting Orihime's eyes, he let his lips curl into a sinister smile.
(LXXVII)
Her friends passed her surprised glances, trying to get her at the side to talk. Ulquiorra was quick to intercept all of them, throwing them away. Orihime noticed them gazing strangely at him; whenever he intercepted them, it seemed like their resolve to fight disappeared.
Bafflingly, Ulquiorra didn't engage any of them in a fight either; only stood guard like the dog others called him.
Aizen smiled deceptively, as if he were the one who had instilled such loyalty within him. Orihime had to fight back the laugh at the self-satisfied look on his face.
(LXXVIII)
The fighting began at once, various espada fighting against various captains. Orihime wasn't close enough to see the actual fights, but the clash of reitsu abundantly made up for it.
She clasped her hands together, and silently prayed that her friends would remain alive long enough for her to make a move.
(LXXIX)
Through the chaos, Orihime met Urahara Kisuke's eyes. He looked at her, not saying a word but saying a lot with his gaze. His eyes flicked over to her side, where Aizen was standing before turning back to her.
Making sure Aizen's attention was focused elsewhere, Orihime nodded; the smallest tilt of her chin. Urahara understood.
She would help in defeating the former captain.
Then, Urahara's eyes flickered to Ulquiorra, who was standing in front of them, hands stuffed in his pockets. Orihime felt her heart ache as she held the shop keeper's gaze. Then, she looked away.
She paid no attention to the way Urahara tilted his head towards her in respect; abandoning your Soulmate is nothing to be proud of.
(LXXX)
When Aizen finally stepped onto the battlefield, Orihime almost sighed in relief. Ichimaru Gin followed him, leaving her under the guard of Ulquiorra. Orihime didn't dare say anything to him, just as his perceptive eyes never left Sosuke Aizen.
Orihime knew Aizen was strong, but nothing could have prepared her for the fight that was to come. As soon as Aizen revealed the Hokyokou, all hell broke loose.
A/N: Thank you so much for reading!! The war has began and is reaching its peak! What do you think Orihime will do now that she has decided to help in defeating Aizen? And what about Ulquiorra? Any theories on how it will go?
Be sure to tell me what you think! Thank you again for giving this a chance!