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
As the years passed on, the Pain was felt by everyone. There were only three exceptions: those whose Soulmate were too young to have felt Loss, those whose Soulmate hadn't been born yet and those whose Other Half was already dead.
(LXI)
The other hollows began clearing way for her in the halls, scrambling away when they spied her turning the corner.
No one wanted to get on Ulquiorra's bad side, now that they had realized he had one. Orihime didn't like being treated like that. She festered her irritation, held it close, and waited for Ulquiorra to visit her again.
(LXII)
"Is that how you're going to kill me?"
When he couldn't reply, Orihime felt her heart sink, realizing how deep they had fallen.
(LXIII)
After the ordeal with Nnoitora, Ulquiorra began guarding her door. He spent hours standing outside, sending warning glances to anyone who got too close.
All the while, Orihime lay on her couch, staring at the ever-present moon. She sighed as the nights stretched on.
(LXIV)
Ulquiorra fell asleep in her room once. Orihime paused as she was stacking up her plates, wide eyed falling on his form on the couch. Her mouth fell into an O.
She guessed standing for hours could make even him tired. For the first time, she observed him without the scrutiny of his eyes.
(LXV)
He looked unguarded when he slept. His features softened and he looked more serene than his usual calm. Not for the first time, Orihime felt the urge to trace the tears on his face.
Surprisingly, Ulquiorra was also a heavy sleeper. She slipped in at the edge of the couch, her back pressed against his side. Almost instinctively, as a Soul recognizes it's Other Half he turned, his arms coming around her and pressing her against him.
Orihime had never blushed so hard in her life.
(LXVI)
Orihime was in that dream-like state of consciousness when she was asleep, but at the same time, completely aware of the events happening around her.
She felt Ulquiorra wake up beside her, felt hims shift slightly. She felt his arms tighten around her and felt his breath against her nape. She felt him press his face into her neck, cold lips brushing against her pulse.
She felt all those things, and though she was asleep, they brought tears to her eyes.
(LXVII)
She woke up alone, Numb Heart aching with longing. She hated the times he couldn't stay and wasn't there when she wanted him to be.
(LXVIII)
Soon, Aizen called for them. Orihime never managed to completely read the former captain's thoughts, but she knew from the light frown on his face that he was disappointed. Disappointed and confused.
He still had that pleasant smile on his face, as he described recent events in that smooth voice.
"Prepare, my soldiers. In a week, we will attack the Living World."
(LXIX)
"He had been expecting your friends to come for you." Ulquiorra told her once they entered her room.
Orihime looked at him in surprise, but soon, understood.
Though she was glad her friends hadn't fallen for Aizen's tricks, she felt her heart sink slightly. Instead of giving into the homesickness, she tried to come up with a plan.
(LXX)
"What if you die in this war, Ulquiorra?"
"I am already dead."
"Then, what if I die?"
He looked surprised at the question, as if he had forgotten that I am human and so very fragile after all.
"What if I die?"
"You won't." His tone were as sharp as a blade, cool as steel. There was ice within his words, and a determination that was so cold, it burned.
"You won't die. I'll make sure of it."
A/N: Thank you so much for reading! This is the point in the story where things diverge from the canon storyline. Instead of Orihime's friends going to attack Hueco Mundo, the Espada are going to attack the Living World. Any guesses on how things would go? What do you think Ulquiorra will do? Be sure to tell me what you think!
Thank you again for reading and I hope you enjoyed it!
