A/N: Sorry for taking so long getting this chapter up everyone! Both my beta and I have been pretty busy so it was delayed a bit. But this is it, finally! It was really fun writing this fic and exploring Orihime and Ulquiorra's relationship through the canon material. I also loved coming up with my version of a sweet ending for them ^^ The song I chose for this final chapter is Your Guardian Angel by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus. Ulquiorra would go to any lengths for Orihime...and she would do the same for him.
Your Guardian Angel
It was early spring when Orihime stepped foot into her apartment again. When she did, she found that she couldn't speak. Instead, she stepped around her home touching things absentmindedly while trying to gauge her shockingly calm feelings. Eventually, she made it to her desk, where an open notebook lay. She noticed some writing scribbled in the corner, and her hand trembled as she reached out, her fingers smoothing over the words.
It was then that she sunk to her knees and wept.
When she had cried herself dry and shed all of her hurt, she wiped away her tears and reclaimed life. Now she could smile at the girl who had written such condemning and hopeless words; she was stronger now, so none of that worry mattered. But even so, Orihime found it was somewhat hard for her new self to suddenly be thrown into her old life. Without knowing what else to do, Orihime began cleaning her apartment, and little by little, she began feeling at home once again. She went shopping, filled her fridge with food, and baked the most ingredient packed cake she had ever made.
Slowly but surely, Orihime picked up the pieces of her shattered life. She and Tatsuki spent many long hours together in the days to come. Eventually, Orihime even was able to speak about her time in Las Noches. She told Tatsuki about the many things she had seen and felt. It was therapeutic, sharing some of her more difficult memories, but she never quite got over them completely. There was something there, a sunken part of her heart, that never seemed to let up.
Some nights, they would lay mats on the small space on the roof and star gaze. On one such occasion, when Orihime was being more silent than usual, Tatsuki made an observation.
"You've changed, you know," she stated, blowing softly over her tea as Orihime looked over at her.
Her face fell as she asked, "I have?"
Tatsuki nodded, her face betraying her amusement as she replied. "Sure. You've definitely grown up. Haven't you noticed?"
Orihime worried her lip for a moment and glanced away, thinking. "I…I suppose I have changed."
"But," Tatsuki went on, her smile unfaltering, with Orihime looking back at her in wonder, "you changed because you wanted to. You didn't change for anyone but yourself."
She stared a moment, blinking, her eyes beginning to feel slightly misty as a slow smile spread across her face. "I did…"
Tatsuki bent her head towards her cup, her expression mischievous as she added, "You never used to look at the moon so much either."
Orihime found she could give no excuse for that.
---
It was raining the day she returned to her apartment after school and found a man lying on her couch. At first she had gasped, and then she spent a moment wondering if she was perhaps dreaming. Who could really blame her for her confusion? It wasn't every day that your former enemy wound up taking a nap in your home, especially when he hadn't even been invited. She watched him, unsure of what to do, and after what seemed like centuries, she saw two vivid green eyes open to observe her casually. He watched her, and she watched back, but eventually curiosity got the better of her, and she spoke.
"Ulquiorra…you-…how-" she faltered, indecisive about what was the most important question she should be asking out of the many that were forming within her mind. At last she settled on the blunt, Ulquiorra-type of question: "What are you doing here?"
He didn't answer right away and merely looked into her warm eyes - eyes that still were somewhat wary and questioning. So they should be, when looking upon someone who had been (and still might be) an enemy. He knew she wouldn't be sure, and trusting someone so easily was dangerous. It seemed she had learned and grown from her experiences, and yet her open heart remained.
"I did not know where else to go."
She blinked slowly but did not move from her spot. Her brows slid together delicately in confusion, and he could almost see the questions forming on her mind.
Ulquiorra breathed slowly and closed his eyes. "No, that is not entirely true."
How could he translate these…feelings into words? He was so unused to trying, and it had even been something with which she had difficulty, he remembered. A novice like himself would be very unpracticed at it.
In the end, he had to stop thinking about his words and just spit them out, allowing his memories and thoughts to blend into his speech. "There had been only one thought on my mind during the agonizing minutes, hours, and days it took for me to reform myself from nothing." He began, his jaw tensing at the memory of how painful it had been for him. "It was an inescapable thing that somewhat fueled my rebirth, and once I was conscious again, I thought only of seeking it out immediately. It was, of course, 'the heart'."
His eyes momentarily flickered to the spot on Orihime's chest where he knew her physical heart existed while resisting the urge to touch the spot on his own chest. Ulquiorra had honestly done so; but no matter how many times he repeated the act, it was still hard to accept it as truth.
"Still I try to grasp at it, and even now, when it must be present within me, I question it. Understanding has not been as forthcoming as I had hoped, but I am no longer hollow, and for that I feel… grateful, surprisingly. I had never noticed how dark my life had been before I glimpsed light for the first time. It could be compared to not knowing what it is like to breathe, and then suddenly taking your first breath. Another and another must then follow."
He sat up from the couch and returned his gaze to her. "It must be hard for you to understand, you who have always felt the emotions of the heart, and so strongly at that."
"I understand," she said softly, her voice quivering for reasons that escaped him, but her eyes were so bright and warm that he felt confident enough to go on.
The pull to be near her was incredibly strong, and he wondered if she would allow him to touch her. He held himself back, however, not wanting to scare her.
"I have been transformed because of you. It was you who offered your hand to me, and within that hand that was reaching for me, I felt it for the first time. You told me before that you can give a part of your heart to those you care about. And while I reached for you first, I had no heart to give yet, but you did have a heart and you also tried to grasp me. This action, though perhaps seeming insignificant to you, was something that changed my entire world."
Her eyes were glistening now, wet with tears, and he wondered if she was hurting or if, perhaps, she cried for other reasons.
"You gave me part of your heart, for reasons I still do not understand, and it was that small piece of a heart that became the center of my universe. As I previously said, I focused all of my thought and energy on that one thing, and now I have no other choice but to seek it."
Suddenly he looked lost, as if the words that fell across his mind troubled and controlled him.
"My heart is entirely yours. I could go no where else but here."
He felt vulnerable, more so than he had ever felt in his life. He did not expect anything from her really, for what could she owe him? The words needed to be said, regardless.
Her lips were parted, as if she wanted to speak but could not decide on the words to say. He did not dare approach her, for still that invisible boundary between two very different beings stopped him. Ulquiorra had no strength with regards to barriers; it was her who could cross the divide. Only her.
When she finally did react, some moments later, she did something he never expected of her. Moving, she knelt before him, brought her hands up, and placed them gently against his face. The warmth surprised him, and he looked back into her eyes, his body stilling reflexively. He was unused to being touched, but her touch was not unwelcome.
"Oh Ulquiorra…" she breathed, a kind smile upon her face even while her eyes sparkled with unshed tears. "That heart that you have is yours to control. I don't want you to think you owe me your life or anything like that. I-I'm not Aizen."
Understanding her worry, he allowed a ghost-like smile. "No," he agreed, watching as she pulled her hands away but wishing she wouldn't. "You are nothing like Aizen." He reached his hand towards her, mimicking their last time together. "That is why I can give it to you. That is why I choose to."
She eyed his hand a moment, her heart stilling within her at his confession. Never before had anyone said such an important thing to her…never before had someone given her so much. It was almost frightening, knowing someone placed so much in her hands.
"I am in love with Kurosaki-kun," she whispered fearfully. He had to know, for him to say such a thing to her was so brave that he deserved to know the truth.
But his next words surprised her. "I know," he told her, unabashed, his voice gentle like silk, revealing a tenderness she never thought him capable of. She recognized it was all for her. "But the shinigami cannot hold your attention forever. As it is now, I am far too new at possessing a heart to be a suitable match for you, and you are still hoping for the shinigami to return your affections. There is time still for the both of us."
Orihime looked at his hand, taking in his words and recognizing his hope. Her face broke out into a bright smile, one that was beautiful and pure and she threaded her fingers with his, proving that their connection lasted still. His hand was still exceedingly pale, but it was warm against her palm and his grip was strong and unwavering.
"There is time," she agreed, squeezing his hand gently in acceptance.
All he wished for, right now, was to be near her and to learn all she could teach him. And she needed him as well, for he would always remind her of the strength he knew she had and allow her to stand up for herself. She would teach him acceptance and kindness, and he would teach give her courage and self-confidence. He would show her the world as he saw it, the black and white reality. She would show him how she saw the world, with all the colors and lights mixed in. Surely together, they would find the truth in it all.
---
It was quite a bit later, when Orihime went home to her apartment and found Ulquiorra sitting leisurely on the couch reading a textbook. Something clicked within her as she thought back to a time when that spot was empty and just how sad it would make her if he was not presently in it. She loved him being with her and could not bear to be without him now.
She stood unmoving in her place watching him, and he looked up curiously when she didn't move.
"Ulquiorra," she squeaked, her cheeks reddening at her realization. Thinking something was wrong, he rose and moved towards her.
"What is it, woman?" When he reached her she suddenly crushed him in a hug, her face pressed tightly against his chest.
He had to listen close for she began babbling semi-coherently into his chest, "I-I just was thinking that I like you being here. I mean, I didn't know how this would work out, but it has really well, I think. You have helped me a lot too, and I just wanted you to know it and I…I'm just really happy!"
Startled by her outburst, he held her loosely with one arm. "You are usually happy." He pointed out, unsure of what to say.
Moving back to look at him, she shook her head determinately. "No…no, I mean, more so than usual. It's like…that happiness you feel when a fabric you bought recently goes perfectly with the scarf you are trying to make. You didn't know it at first, but then it just worked out so beautifully, you know? Some things you can't really tell until it happens." Suddenly, she looked up thoughtfully. "I think I do have some nice green fabric that would go perfectly, come to think of it…"
Ulquiorra frowned. "You are babbling."
"Oh…" she bit her lip and wrung her hands, looking around as she thought of what she could possibly say to make him understand. Ulquiorra stood back, his hands firmly in the pockets of his pants. It was a shocking thing for many to see, Ulquiorra being so patient with her. Ichigo joked that the extra patience he used on her meant that he had even less patience for everyone else.
Nobody else mattered as much, however, so he couldn't be bothered caring if it was indeed true.
She looked back up at him. He looked very handsome in his specially made gigai, but then again, he looked handsome when not in the gigai as well (the only real difference was the absence of his mask, after all).
He was not bright and tan like Ichigo. Ulquiorra was pale and dark. Ichigo was tall and had a strong, broad frame. Ulquiorra was small and willowy; his movements were carefully planned and graceful in comparison. Her colors would not blend and disappear into him, as they would with Ichigo, but instead the two would contrast each other, making the other look that much more beautiful.
She didn't want to blend in and be forgotten. Orihime licked her lips before finally confessing, "I love you, Ulquiorra…"
A long, silent moment stretched out between them. Ulquiorra was silent and staring unblinkingly, and Orihime stood, cheeks reddening more and more under his gaze.
"It's alright, you don't have to say anything! I just wanted you to know, that's why I'm happy. I only just now realized it, because I've always loved Kurosaki-kun, and really, I still do, but it's not the same, somehow. It's fuzzier while this…you, well you are much more solid." Then she patted his arm with broad smile on her face and went to move around him. "Ok! Now let's see, what should we eat for dinner?"
She didn't quite make it, for as she was passing him, he grabbed her firmly by the arm, reeling her back around to face him.
"Do you not wish to know my reaction?" he asked slowly when she looked up at him.
Orihime had to think about that question for a moment, so used to heartbreak and let down was she. "Y-yes," she answered finally, flustered and yet hopeful.
"Very well. But first, I must have you clarify this love that you are admitting to, for I have learned that love is a very complex thing. There are different types, or so you have said."
Oh, why did he have to be so calm about it? Orihime had the inkling he was trying to push her buttons. He did that sometimes, and he could be very sly about it.
"W-well," she began but was cut off.
"Come now woman, or need I rip open your chest to find out, or crack open your skull?"
"H-huh?"
"You must answer, this is not a negotiation." He was moving closer with an odd look on his face. "Why do you hesitate? Let me tell you, it's because you're-"
"Ulquiorra!" she shrieked, finally realizing what he was doing. Ulquiorra was so good at being serious, it was hard to tell when he was joking, and this had been a very clever joke, she had to admit. His lips twitched faintly, but she looked into his eyes knowing that was where she could read him. It was there that she saw the humor, and she couldn't help but laugh.
Finally she sighed, "You got me…" then she looked thoughtful and said, "Weren't we different back then? When you said those things, I felt so sad. I had never known someone who didn't feel the emotions of the heart. It got my attention."
Ulquiorra shifted his eyes to the side, thinking back. "I believe the goal had been to scare you, somewhat, though underneath it all I had wanted answers. You always needed to be pushed. You were so…frustrating, to say the least." Green eyes moved back to her. "And still are."
Orihime beamed. "Oh Ulquiorra, I think you like me, deep down."
"You need not look that deep to know this, woman."
"And you did promise me your heart."
"So I did."
"Though, sometimes things change…I once lied about the very same thing. Well it wasn't a lie then, but I want to take it back now. I'm sure this time though."
"I do not change so easily. No matter how many times I tried to reason with myself, remind myself that you are far too colorful and loud, and how you babble on about things I don't understand, and you get far too excited over every little thing…I cannot remove that feeling of completeness I receive from being in your presence. I have concluded that putting up with all of that is a fair exchange just to be with you."
This time she did cry. He was so sweet without knowing it, really. When had he learned how to speak to a girl? Or, more specifically, speak to her heart? Here she was, a girl who had known love and lost it, and found it again and still she was reduced to a sobbing mess.
"Ul..qui.." she tried, but already he was wrapping her in his arms, one hand cradling the back of her head as she sniffled against him.
"It is remarkable how a female can produce tears for so many different emotions," he commented against her hair, his voice gentle and thoughtful, and she loved the sound.
This is right, she thought, feeling settled at last, as if her heart had finally returned home.
He was kissing her head, her hair, her temple. Ulquiorra didn't need to be taught how to love her; some things just came naturally. Her face lifted up to him, and it was like the sun shining after a rain, bright and promising, but in her eyes reflected the night and she looked to it without fear. The moon danced along the edges of the dawn and was fulfilled by its light, and the darkness was cast away.
"Woman…woman," he called quietly, over and over, interweaving the words with his gentle, needy kisses.
He held her tightly, desperately and she clung just as desperately back. The two sighed deeply together, wrapped up in each others arms and love, forgetting all else. Nothing had ever felt so perfect.
It was simply completion of their worlds.
I will never let you fall
I'll stand up with you forever
I'll be there for you through it all
Even if saving you sends me to heaven
A/N: Well, I hope you enjoyed the ending to this fic! I am considering writing a prequel story of sorts revolving around Ulquiorra and his struggles before meeting Orihime. It seems like it would be really interesting to write about (I love him!). Come to think of it, it might also be fun to add some side stories that deal with what occurred between Ulquiorra showing up at Orihime's apartment and Orihime realizing she fell in love with him...but I won't make any promises ;) I guess keep an eye out! Thank you for reading :)
Beta'd by a wonderful, mysterious, adorable, scrutinizing, malibu, genius, alluring, quirky, squishable, fantasitcal, sexy, fanciful, spellbound, inglourious, gathering, chootie, extravagant, kingly, impatient, AMAZING, AWESOME chu
-Miss Soupy