#I would've have given up on participating if it weren't for you two so thanks!!

[morangoowada]

Ishimondo week - July 20th Free day

[a-pale-azure-moon]

Midnight Plays Azure Gleam: Chapter 8

Time to deal with Cornelia and the treasonous western lords once and for all. And there's a paralogue battle for the first time too.

Baron Dominic has apparently been appointed as the leader of the rebels. Gustave says House Dominic would've had little choice but to go along given their location, and if they can convince his brother to change sides, along with a decisive battle victory, the rebellion would likely collapse entirely.

(Remembering Annette's AM paralogue, Baron Dominic only allied with Cornelia in appearance and for self-preservation. He was more than willing to pass along Crusher in secret after defeating him. So this feels like a similar situation.)

Cut to Dimitri and Dedue meeting with a Duscur soldier. They're going to help put down the rebellion! Dimitri's amazed at the size of the force (which we sadly don't get to actually see), and the Duscur soldier says everyone who came volunteered! <3

Dimitri thanks Dedue for making this possible, but Dedue, ever humble, defers and credits Dimitri's sincerity for winning Duscur's trust. <3

Camp (Western Blaiddyd Territory)

Sylvain's impressed with his father both stopping the Sreng incursion and coming to Fhirdiad to aid us.

Dimitri says he was up all night, and for once it's not because he was overworking himself. Felix was scolding him for awhile, then they got to talking like the old days. Then Dedue came in and started arguing with Felix, so I guess none of them got any sleep, lol.

Felix and Dedue are talking together nearby about the Duscur forces and are getting along well, though Felix is still being tsundere of course.

Ingrid is talking with a female Duscur soldier, who compliments her lance work. Ingrid offers to train/teach her. Character development! <3

Seteth is curious/worried about Cornelia.

Catherine says Shamir will be joining us at Arianrhod!

An NPC mercenary says that people are born unequal at birth (yup); what matters is what you do with your hand. He says that's what his old boss from Abyss told him. (Yuri, come join us already!)

Flayn says that she's glad Dimitri's safe and that she's noticed he seems more at ease now, crediting his friends. D'aawww.

Interlude

The Empire's launched an attack in former Arundel territory. Rodrigue wonders if there could've been spies in the army. The NPC says that the enemy marching on Arianrhod appears to be the Emperor's personal battalion. Oh boy, here we go...

Arval says Edelgard has guts to fight a war on two fronts simultaneously. (Is that really the right word? I'm more apt to say it's either arrogant or reckless.)

Regardless, suppressing the rebellion still takes priority. Dimitri prioritizes holding Arianrhod over the Kingdom's foothold in Arundel territory. Seteth suggests sending the Knights of Seiros to Arianrhod. New camp dialogue from Seteth after this scene reveals that Catherine and Miklan went too. This is where having a powerful ally like the church pays off!

Paralogue: Wildflowers for the Future

This mission takes place in Duscur, near the area where the Tragedy happened. (Oh boy...bracing myself for feels.) There's a minor insurrection going on; Dedue says Duscur is divided, with some seeking peace with Faerghus and others against it. The leader of this insurrection apparently aided the people who caused the Tragedy (and possibly killed Glenn personally? it's a little unclear), and he's to be apprehended and taken to Fhirdiad.

Shez is surprised that someone from Duscur participated in the Tragedy, saying they thought Duscur was innocent. Dedue says the vast majority are, but there were a few who did, though they weren't the masterminds.

Dedue asks Ingrid if she can stay her hand against the man they're after. Ingrid says she will, and let punishing the guilty serve as her revenge. Felix says there are a lot of people who would like a crack at this person, which is why "a certain someone" isn't here. (Definitely jives.)

The battle map is large but thankfully quite linear. We can only use Shez and the three characters involved in the story. My eyeballs bugged out at the 1800 kill count required for S-rank.

Honestly, the battle's pretty straight forward, just a matter of seizing strongholds and protecting some green Duscur allies. There's a lot of dudes to contend with, but it's not too tough. I equipped Felix with a Rapier and he just rips most of the enemies to shreds!

The character chatter is more interesting. Apparently this area is close to where Dedue's hometown used to be, so he knows it well. Relatedly, it's close to where Lambert and Glenn died. =(

Ingrid says it must be hard for Dedue to be here. Dedue says the concern is unnecessary but thanks her.

Felix expresses surprise that Dimitri sent Ingrid on this mission, to which Ingrid replies that she requested to come, to help put the past behind her. (Press X to hug!)

After saving the green soldiers, they retreat and our target appears. Felix says we need him alive, so we're apparently giving him a non-lethal beating, lol.

I got an A-rank; I had an S in everything except enemy kills, which was only a C! 1800 is way too many for this mission. Felix got MVP honors.

After the battle, Dedue asks to make a stop. We go to a nearby lake, which includes a huge field of flowers that was trampled by the Kingdom army (I'm guessing during the pogrom). Dedue says he used to come here often with his sister, and while he's happy to see it somewhat recovered, he notes that it used to be even more beautiful.

Ingrid wonders if Glenn ever saw this place, which Dedue says is likely. He says Ingrid should return after things have settled in Duscur so she can see the field as Glenn once saw it. She agrees.

(Who is cutting onions in here?)

Felix plays it cool, of course. But he does note that he will protect the same thing Glenn did. Shez can ask if he means Faerghus or Dimitri (I picked the latter). Felix says they're basically one and the same now, and that Shez better not tell "the boar." Eternally tsundere. xD

(Who is cutting onions in here?!)

On the heels of the already emotional Chapter 7, this is seriously Good Stuff.

Interlude 2

Baron Dominic absolutely eviscerates the other western lords (verbally). He's frankly still going too easy on them. These assholes didn't even attempt to speak with Lambert at all, they just jumped straight into having him murdered and framing Duscur for it. Even worse is that they aren't ashamed of it. These guys deserve what's coming to them and then some.

Cornelia enters and taunts the Baron, telling him he's part of this now, and he'd better behave. Somehow I don't think it'll be too difficult to sway the Baron to our side.

Battle

Dimitri relays that Gustave and Annette are critical to their battle plan. Felix expresses some skepticism, and points out it'd be easier to kill the Baron (he says this right in front of Gustave and Annette no less, though they sadly don't even react). Dimitri feels having the Baron as an ally will pay off later, and Rodrigue points out that the Baron has a son with a Crest, and he'd probably not like to see his father killed, lest he become the head of a new rebellion.

Dimitri says he's counting on everyone to pull off this battle successfully. Shez points out that he seems more at ease compared to before. "Perhaps I am," he says. D'awww.

Arval sounds pleased that Shez has made friends, but is quick to bring up Shez's "true purpose." Shez thinks he might be too obsessed with this "grudge match" with Byleth, and asks why their purpose can't just be fighting for Dimitri. (Ha, no one is immune to Dimitri's charisma, lol.) Arval just says defeating Byleth feels like what they're meant to do.

It's a decent sized map (seems smaller than Fhirdiad though). Gustave's joining us as a green unit, and keeping him alive is one of the mission parameters. The time limit is 23 minutes!

First task is escorting Gustave to meet with his brother. He's thankfully pretty sturdy, just slow like in 3H. And there's naturally an ambush waiting to halt our progress almost immediately. I assigned Annette to guard her dad while the rest of us clean up the streets.

God, effective weaponry is so good. No regrets on sinking resources into maxing out the Rapier.

Baron Dominic is behind a locked gate. Once Gustave reaches the gate, Cornelia summons more "Mysterious Soldiers" as reinforcements. There's quite a lot of them and their magic hurts, but fending them off isn't hard. Meanwhile, Gustave talks with the Baron, and it's only a moment later that the Baron turns into a green unit, lol. And of course, we have to keep him alive too.

Woah, Cornelia summons a Titanus! Haven't seen one of these in this game yet. The western lords show up as reinforcements too. They go down a bit faster than the Titanus, and they're still unrepentant to their dying breaths.

Dimitri: "No words can spare you now. You may plead your case to my father beyond the veil of death." (Savage!)

Now we have to escort the Baron nearly all the way back to the beginning to open a drawbridge. Cornelia activates a Viskam and a whole bunch more Argathan mages come out to play. She needs to find some new tricks.

After opening the drawbridge, Duscur reinforcements arrive to help!

Oh, Count Rowe's here too, it seems. Strange that he wasn't in any of the cutscenes. Do I get to kill him now?

Three Viskam now. But more green Duscur units appear and immediately start heading for the controls. This is so cool! Really feels like a grand, heroic moment.

Bit of a close call with Gustave's health getting low (the Viskam still hurt a lot), but thankfully Mercedes exists.

Count Rowe appears! And he dies wondering where he went wrong. You did everything wrong dude. Literally everything.

And now finally, Cornelia stops hiding behind her gullible minions. And she goes down almost as quickly as they did.

Dimitri interrogates her again and asks about his stepmother. And Cornelia claims that Edelgard killed Patricia/Anselma! But that's all we get out of her before she finally dies. Good riddance.

I got an S-Rank! This battle was fun; there's a lot going on with the reinforcements and the Viskam blasts, but the map and objectives flow in a linear manner, so it wasn't confusing. Dimitri wins the MVP again. (Favoritism from me? Perish the thought!)

Post-Battle

Dimitri (wisely) is unwilling to take Cornelia at her word, but does think Edelgard must know something. Meanwhile, the Lions are all like, "what do you mean the Emperor is your stepsister?!"

This is basically the same scene from late in Azure Moon, but Rodrigue is here to provide some extra perspective. You know, it's a pity we never hear or learn anything at all about Dimitri's birth mother, but you know...Fodlan hates moms.

Cornelia (presumably the real one, not the Agarthan plant we know) helped cure the plague that ravaged Fhirdiad twenty years ago. The only reward she asked for was to rescue a friend of hers (Anselma) from the Empire. Rodrigue says Lambert had a soft spot for those in need (must run in the family). He isn't sure if Lambert and Anselma were actually in love or not, but there were feelings between them.

Dimitri wants to know the real truth of what happened, so he's got to speak with Edelgard. Ashe wonders if that's even possible, given the war. Dimitri isn't sure, but there's no one else left with new information about the Tragedy. He leaves Gustave and Baron Dominic in charge of the western reconstruction, because it's time to go to Arianrhod. (Cue dramatic reverb.)

And we get Crusher as an extra prize on the way out!

[shi-daisy]

Snowed In

Well this it folks, my last Ulquihime Week entry for this year. As always it's been a joy to participate and see everything that all of the other users have created, and that those who host the event take such care to plan our ship week. I had a blast and I'm looking forward to doing this again next year. Till then however, let's all keep on making content for our otp!

Ok so onto the story, today's theme is Winter/Warmth and I really didn't know what to do, until I remembered I have a whole AU I could use and stuck with that. For those who haven't read my entries from previous years the Reunion AU basically had Ulquiorra and Orihime meet again after a few years, Orihime ran off from her wedding with Ichigo and Ulquiorra is now human(along with the other Arrancar). At this point in the time the two have been dating for a month. Hope you like!

@ulquihimeweek

Ulquihime Week- Day 6: Winter/Warmth

Snowed In

"For the last time Tia, I'll ask her but that dosen't mean she'll say yes." Ulquiorra repeated over the phone for what felt like the hundredth time that day.

His friends had all told him to invite Orihime over for Christmas dinner, and while he wasn't too keen on the holiday he knew his woman was. This would be the first time he would be asking her to spend an event with him and his 'family' and while he might deny it, Ulquiorra was nervous.

"Schiffer, of course she'll say yes. That girl is quite taken with you."

"I'd like to think so, but still, don't be disappointed if she declines."

"Yes, yes, I am ready to accept a negative answer. Still, I wanted some civilized company this year."

He could tell she directed her angry tone at Nnoitra. From over the phone Ulquiorra could hear them bickering.

"If ya don't want me to eat the cookies. Don't leave em on the table!"

"Those were freshly baked! How are you not burned?!"

"Cuz I still have Arrancar-like skin."

"Fool! Your hands are red! I have to go Ulquiorra. Our gigantic toddler has injured himself again."

"No surprise there. I shall see you later."

He arrived at the cafe soon after his call ended, yet he knew things weren't right. Orihime usually waited for him outside, but despite the closed sign in the door, she was nowhere to be seen. Ulquiorra rushed into the cafe, immediately upon entering he heard a loud noise.

"I know language was never your best subject but I think the sign on the door was pretty easy to read Kurosaki!"

"Inoue, just let me explain everything."

"I told you to fuck off!" Orihime angrily took off her arpon and walked away. Ulquiorra headed towards her. The second she saw him, her anger subsided.

He dared to look at Kurosaki. The redhead was no longer the headstrong teen he had met six years ago. His hair was shorter, and while he's grown taller, Ulquiorra thought he looked less intimidating.

"How- How are you here? You died."

"I got better." Ulquiorra answered sarcastically. "Now, I believe you heard the woman. She's not interested in speaking to you."

Ichigo didn't seem keen on backing down, his surprised stare turned into a glare. "You don't get to decide for her anymore, Ulquiorra."

"Oh just shut up already, Ichigo! I don't owe you shit! Tatsuki picked up my stuff a while ago, I've kept away from you and your kin, and paid back what I owed to you father. Aside from those unresolved matters we have nothing else to talk about!"

"I think leaving one's own wedding and then vanishing for two months is something to talk about! You never gave me an explanation for that."

He'd never seen Orihime so enraged, her pale face turned red and she was clenching her fist so hard her arms shook. "You want an explanation?! Fine! I left because just as I was going to get Kenpachi-san to walk me to the altar, I found you and Kuchiki-San! Then you kissed her! When we were young I thought you were in love with her, but since you proposed to me and made me feel as if I was the one you wanted, my worries faded. Imagine how I felt at that moment! I gave up NASA for you, scholarships, internships, my own damn college ambitions all went down the drain! All because I wanted to be with you, and look where the fuck that got me!

So there's your bloody explanation! Now scram!"

There was a small moment of silence before Kurosaki left. The second he was out the door, Ulquiorra hugged Orihime close. "Let it out."

Orihime didn't want to cry over it anymore, but her body betrayed her. She shook as she cried, her sobs echoed in the small cafe and the only solace she could find was the warmth Ulquiorra's hug provided.

As he held onto her, Ulquiorra checked an alert on his phone. There was a snow storm coming to Naruki.

"Woman, it's likely we won't be able to reach your apartment in time. Would you like to accompany me home?"

Orihime stopped crying after hearing that. "Yes. I'd love to go with you."

"Good, I've sent a message to Szayel, he should be coming to pick us up before the storm gets worse."

"Okay."

Orihime stared at Ulquiorra's face for a moment. When she first saw him again after all these years he looked just as he did the day he turned to ash under her touch. Now, he seemed so different. His hair was longer and styled, he often wore leather and dark make up, and even facial jewelery. She also noticed he began doing those things when the two began dating. Maybe it was an effort to become more human like for her.

"Ulqui, are you sure it's okay for me to come home with you? I don't want to bother the others."

"It's no bother, they were all hoping to see you again." Ulquiorra cleared his throat, as he often did when he was nervous. "Actually they were insistent that I brought you home for Christmas celebrations next week."

She blushed. "Really? I'd love to go! Spending Christmas alone is not much fun. I would be happy to spend it with your family."

He sighed in relief. "I'm glad."

"You sound nervous, did you think I'd decline?"

"Well, yes. But that's not why I was nerveous. It's just the others can be quite a handful. I don't want them to overwhelm you."

"I'll be fine, I love hyper groups of people. Besides you and I can have some alone time later."

"That I won't mind."

Szayel arrived at the cafe slightly later than expected. The sky was already darkening, and the road was icy. He drove slowly but made sure to calculate the time properly.

"Inoue-san, I hope you don't mind, Halibel has prepared a room for you, along with clothes. It's likely the snowstorm will keep you from going home tonight, perhaps even longer."

"That's fine. Thanks for telling me Szayel. I'll be sure to not cause any trouble."

"Oh sweetie it's no trouble at all, we are all looking forward to having you around. Ulquiorra has told us so much about you!"

Ulquiorra, Who had been dozing off in the front seat, was now wide awake and glaring at Szayel.

Orihime laughed at the scene before her. "Does he? What has he told you?"

"That he enjoys speaking to you, and that you have a lovely aura, and that you look very pretty in a sundress."

By now Ulquiorra was a blushing mess, he hid his face under the hoodie of his coat, but Orihime has already seen it. She smiled and blew a kiss in his direction. "Well I think he looks good in black clothes."

Ulquiorra caught the hint. Black was what he always wore, meaning Orihime always found him to be cute. He smiled, this time without covering his blush.

***

Her arrival had been met with hugs, greetings, an enthusiastic snuggle from the family's pet.

"Kukkapuro's no stranger to cuddling new people. He won't leave you alone for the rest of the night." Stark drowsily told her as he tried to get Kukkapuro to move. The hollow puppy ignored him.

"That's okay, Stark-san. I don't mind."

The sleepy man nodded and went back to his favorite spot, on the lap of his boyfriend. Szayel rolled his eyes and let him sleep.

She smiled at the scene, it reminded her of the times she'd act overly affectionate and Ulquiorra would be either unimpressed or dead quiet. Strangely enough she didn't mind.

"Orihime! Can you come to the kitchen? I need your help!"

She followed Halibel's voice to the kitchen. The older women had baked a new batch of cookies and wanted her opinion.

"You're the star baker after all." She told her.

The woman's tone was so sweet Orihime couldn't bear to tell her she hadn't finished culinary school.

She took a bite, savoring the sweet yet salty ginger cookie. "These are great! You're an incredible baker, Halibel-san."

"Thank you, it means a lot coming from a professional. There is something I'd like your help with."

"Anything."

***

"Are you going to chose a movie already?!"

Ulquiorra glared at Nnoitra, who had probably been banned from the kitchen.

"I am not choosing anything until the girls come back with the food. Have some patience Jiruga!"

"I am plenty patient!"

"I agree with Ulquiorra, you have a short fuse. Now be quiet." Szayel snapped.

"Tch. If I'd know you were going to be so moody I would've spent the week with Tesla and Cyan."

"Tesla might've been your fracción but I think even he knows you shouldn't be around a newborn." Stark mumbled in his drowsy state.

Ulquiorra chuckled, as he remembered the little bundle Cyan had given birth to a week ago. He didn't consider himself the baby type but that had been disproven the moment he was allowed to carry the tiny child.

"Maybe you and Inoue will produce a cute baby one day."

Ulquiorra almost fell off the sofa. "Nnoitra if you don't shut up I will disembowel you!"

Szayel shushed them both and pointed down to a sleeping Stark, but by then it was too late. The pair began bickering and Kukkapuro howled along.

***

"See? It's always like this. Can't get some quiet until bedtime."

"Don't worry. This'll warm them up!"

The girls walked out of the kitchen with cookies and hot chocolate. "Settle down! We're here with the treats! Ulquiorra you can pick a movie if you'd like."

He nodded and began browsing. Orihime gave everyone a cup of chocolate and cookies. Once her boyfriend had picked a movie, she sat down with him and their treats.

It didn't take long for the others to fall asleep. According to Ulquiorra this was a common occurrence. 'They'll be asleep before the second act ends.'

The couple was snuggling together covered by a thick blanket, they had finished their sweets and once the movie ended they would be going to bed.

"Hey Ulqui."

"Yes, love?"

"Thanks for tonight. I don't know how badly things would've gotten if I hadn't come with you."

Seeing Ichigo had soured her day greatly, and walking home alone in the freezing cold to cry herself to sleep would've been twice as hellish. Thankfully her boyfriend was there to dry her tears and make her smile again.

"You're welcome woman. I shall always be here for you, so whenever you feel like the world is falling apart remember to lean on me. It is now my eternal duty to keep you smiling."

She giggled and nuzzled close to him. "Thanks Ulqui. You're really sweet." The beating of his heart was lulling her to sleep, but Orihime resisted, she wanted to see the end of the movie. "I have to repay you one day for all the kindness you've given me. Feels like I'm only taking."

"No, you're mistaken. It is I who's repaying a debt to you. Back when I was a hollow you brought joy into my life again, and since then I've thought that one lifetime won't be enough to repay you."

"Then you better be with me in every other lifetime."

He wouldn't refuse such a request. Ulquiorra looked down at Orihime, their gazes met and he knew this was the perfect moment to do as he had planned for so long. He leaned down to press his lips against hers, a soft kiss which caused them both to blush. They both tasted of chocolate and ginger cookies, still it was perfect.

"I love you." He whispered only for her.

Orihime caressed his cheek and smiled. "I love you too."

They stayed like that for the rest of the night, tangled in a warm embrace as the snow continued to fall outside.

[estrxlar]

The Ghost Of You

04 - Learning To Receive

These chapters songs:

Moonlight On The River; Mac Demarco

Nostalgic Feel; Bedroom

New Flesh; Current Joys

——

TW: Self-harm, death.

(Not done by you, don't worry)

——

- K.S. Perspective

      Only two or three days had passed since high school had started, which meant only a couple more walks home with Y/n. They were shorter and quiet, and of course, there weren't any swerving cars.

But so far, what I had suspected was correct. She and I made amends and became buddies, thankfully.

      The only times she was left alone were when I had morning practice, and she had to have one of her friends drive her home. Either that or she would have to walk home alone. I would've loved to accompany her, but volleyball was something I didn't take lightly, and my priorities were important to me.

      Both I and my younger brother participated in volleyball and gave it our all ever since we were able to balance on our feet. Sadly, our parents were far too busy to go to any games, or even help us practice at home. But their goal was for their kids to grow up strong and steady with good grades and good stats, so that's why they made sure my younger brother and I were on top of our shit.

      Once my first year ended, I didn't expect that I would have to carry so many burdens all in one year. That's around the time mother had died from sickness, which left me with doubts, wishes, and an unaccomplished relationship with her.

      After the sudden death, our family didn't move on very well. My brother developed anxiety and depression, and he eventually had to take a break from school and volleyball. Then, my father became dull and increased his hours at work to avoid coming home to such a depressing home, leaving my brother and me to continue caring for ourselves, by ourselves.

      I, on the other hand, had barely anything to say about it. All I could do was pose as if I were handling it better than I had. Truth is, my mother's death changed my entire persona. I grew grim and gummy, deprived myself of rest, and repressed the trauma I've received. Not only did I overwork myself because of volleyball and stress, but I also grieved in harmful ways. It'd either be a blade to the wrist, or a night with a girl; anything that could help distract me from my state of deep dejection.

      It's been that way ever since. Only recently have I realized that I'm ruining whatever recovery I built up. That was all because of my best friend— Daichi— who had helped me come out about my feelings towards my mom's passing. Ever since, I've been able to learn from my mistakes, and slowly pick my life back up. I was beginning to become a better player for my team, better support for my family, and a better person for myself.

      That only happened recently. So now, I'm left with lots of things to mend, and relationships to make. I'm determined that I'll mourn more healthily than before.

——

      "Y/n!" A hopeful call leaves my lips, turning her head. As assumed, it was Y/n. Today she looked even brighter than before; she just has gotten more sleep. Not to mention she wore long socks instead of leggings, which must have been pretty hard in this weather.

      I didn't get to see her this morning due to morning practice, but I did catch her before lunch. Just enough time to tell her I won't be riding the bus tonight either.

      I look both ways of the cross hallway, before grabbing my book bag strap with both hands and jogging towards Y/n. I wasn't sure why I was so eager to see her, but all I knew was I needed a refreshing moment, and she could give me exactly that.

      "Why hello, Mrs. Refreshing!" I joke, bowing my head towards her while she giggled. Looking up, she stands there, shining by the sunlight that reflected on the windows.

      'If I could, I'd take a photo of you right here, just to show you how gorgeous you are.' I quickly put a halter on my thoughts, snapping back to a respectful filter. 'No, I can't do that. Not to myself, most definitely not to Y/n.'

      "You look nice today!" I exclaim, awkwardly patting the side of my hips while smiling at her. Hopefully, I hadn't made her uncomfortable in the first ten seconds of talking to her. The last thing I wanted was to ruin yet another relationship with a girl.

      Thankfully, Y/n responded with kind appreciation to my comment. "Why thank you, sir. And what brings you in my presence?" Her words curl in a formal British accent, adding onto our joke.

      Standing normally, I explain, "Oh, nothing. I just wanted to say hi, and to tell you I might not be walking home with you today. I'm really sorry,  practice has been very necessary for our team. I-I hope you understand." I stutter on the last part, with a gentle tone to add on. Ditching Y/n for most of the week wasn't what I had planned at first, but what I had told her was 100% true. The first years, as well as the rest of us, we're in bad shape. With our spring tournament coming up, we had no time to waste.

      "Oh, that's alright. I understand. I was in volleyball too, after all. Although, I do wish you could still accompany me. It gets a little lonely.." She looks down for a minute while I contemplate my existence entirely. 'So it does bother her.' But she quickly caught onto my thoughts by my expression and came up with a solution. "If— if you'd like, I can simply stay near the gym until practice is over! That way I can see you and your boys in action, yeah?"

      Her fists pop up into the air, as a bright smile appeared on her face. If you didn't know Y/n personally, you would expect them to be cold stone and dull. But in reality, I find they're like everybody else, and have a bright side to them, just like the one that was being portrayed right now.

      Nodding with her statement, I reply hesitantly. "Hm, I'd have to ask the captain, but I'm sure he wouldn't mind—"

      "Oh, Daichi? We're buddies, he'll be alright." I'm dazed by what she'd said, pausing the motion of rubbing my neck. She and Daichi hang in completely different groups, though! 'How is it they know each other? They hang around two very different friend groups.. that is unless they have some type of history I'm unaware about.' I think to myself, trying my best to find a reason they would be friends, but I couldn't. And so, I begin my questioning. "You two know each other?"

      Suddenly, Y/ns gaze twists. "Suga, you introduced me to them during our first year, silly. Remember? I went with you from practice once. And besides that, my good friend Miya is close to him."

      "Oh, yeah! I remember that. That means you only know Asahi, Daichi, and Kiyoko, right? I've gotta introduce you to the rest of the team! I'm sure they've missed you!" I chuckle, throwing an arm around her shoulders cautiously, expecting her to reject it. But she goes on casually with our discussion.

      "That's right.. well... I'm also— sort of— friends with them. Well, except Asahi. But Kiyoko and I are pretty close."

      '?' I tilt my head at the uncertain tone she spoke with. "Pretty close?" I ask, turning into the cafeteria with my arm still around her. The room is, of course, crowded as hell.

      Still, I manage to draw out what Y/n was saying to me, leaning my ear close to her mouth for better audio. "Yes! She's one of my best friends.. we used to date and it didn't work out, but we're pretty tight!"

      'DID I HEAR THAT RIGHT?!' My eyes widen, and I immediately let go of her, tightening my hands around the strap of my school bag. A gulp falls down my throat before I ask, "Did you say.. date?! You mean you two went out?!"

      To my surprise, Y/n nods proudly. "Yes! Why, did you not think she'd go out with a girl? Or is it so astonishing that I could ever get a girl like her?" She teases, while I'm still puzzled. So many questions ran through my head at the sudden fact: was Kiyoko gay? Was Y/n gay?! Does that mean she's gotten closer to Kiyoko than anyone before??

      "Suga, calm down. It's not like we're still together. As I said, it didn't work out!" She smirks towards me, putting a finger up towards her cheek. "Why? You got a little crush on her..? I wouldn't blame you."

      "N-no! It's not like that! It's just— she never told any of us. I guess she just keeps to herself more than predicted." My sentence comes out to sound like a question, rather than a response. It wasn't that I didn't support it, or that I was surprised Kiyoko would be her girlfriend. Honestly, I was just a little jealous of both of them.

      Either way, it seemed it didn't work out. So it didn't matter now. "Anyway, we're about best friends now, so I'm pretty familiar with your team. I don't think they would mind if I came, but just in case, I'll ask Daichi and Kiyoko." She explains, before looking back towards the slowly dying crowd of students in front of the cafeteria. "I better go soon, Suga. I'll let your captain know I'll be heading over there later—"

      "Wait!" I shut my eyes out of nervousness, as my brain wires work to come up with an excuse for why I yelled that. "You used to play volleyball, right?"

      An awkward nod from Y/n is given to me, followed by, "Yes, but I was sort of just a bench warmer. Nothing big." The hands that held her lunch box gripped tighter, as she suspected I would ask her a favor much larger than a lunch.

      "Mind helping me teach one of our new members how to receive?" I say. "His name is Hinata, and he's a first year. He has great talent and has great potential, but he kind of... sucks at volleyball. I mean, from what I've heard, he practices a lot. But I just think he needs some guidance. So, want to?"

      "Uhm... I'm pretty rusty.. but sure! It wouldn't hurt, right? Besides, I think I need a break from my friends wouldn't do any harm."

      'Yes, I did it.' I thought to myself, before leading her towards the doors that led to the gym. "Alright then, right this way!"

      "Suga! Don't you need your bag?" She immediately asks, tugging on my collared shirt. But I shake my head, responding with a light smile.

      "It's already outside, I just came to check on you, is all."

——

      Up, down, and up again went the ball. Each receive that Hinata had tried had failed every time. At this point, I wouldn't blame Y/n if she wanted to leave. But there she sits against the concrete wall of the outside of the gym, licking white rice off a spoon.

      "Hinata, drop your hips down more," I say to him, demonstrating the position I had stated. "Hit the ball like you're trying to return it where it came from. Got it?"

      Hinata's light expression appears on his face once again. "Yeah, got it!" He exclaims, before getting right into position. I signal the ball is going in the air before my palm hits it in the right spot, sending it towards him.

      And it shoots right back, along with a slap against Hinata's wrists. "Nice!" He praises himself, leaving a feeling of proudness deep within me.

      I'd never been able to teach somebody one of my special skills and having them accomplish it, not the way I did with Hinata. But that was mostly because he was driven by his entire body and soul to memorize every movement in his muscles to create a perfect receive. And who had taught him that? Your one and only.

      "Would you like me to start setting for you tomorrow morning?" I ask the ginger with confidence he'd reply with a yes. Thankfully, that's exactly what happened. His eyes light up in the sun, and his hands take full hold of the ball. "Y-you mean it, sir?!"

      The cold wind hits me, as well as another dosage of serotonin from the first year."Well, I am Karasuno's official setter after all! And you wanna practice spikes, right?" I ask, placing my red hands onto my hips.

      "Exactly! I love to spike! It feels so good when you get it right, and it's cooler than anything!" He shouts. I couldn't help but laugh at his excitement, even if it wasn't the first time he'd portrayed it. Hinata sure reminded me of my past self, and I'd do anything to help first-year Sugawara.

      Y/n suddenly joins our conversation, digging into a reason why Hinata is the way he is when it comes to spikes. "You must have a thing for spiking, don't you?"

      Hinata nods, putting a fist towards his face. "Yes. I didn't have a setter throughout middle school, and I was actually the only club member until my third year of junior high. I used to get my friend in the Basketball Club to toss for me, but after I had dropped out of the club, I went to anybody that could help me practice. Take the first years, and the ladies and setters from the girls' team, too. I've made a lot of friends along the way, but none of those people could ever become my real teammates. That's why I was dying to find out what kind of setters were in high school— but now.. you know."

      Hinatas pure passion dies down once he reaches the word 'setter', and I wouldn't blame him. The person he's supposed to be paired with is his complete opposite, and frankly, a dick-head. "Well, as I said, I'm a setter too. I'll toss you a few, Hinata! Don't get all down."

      I was expecting further satisfaction, but instead, his expression twists into envy. "But it's just that if I have you throw to me now, it kind of feels like... I'm losing." He frowns, looking away from my figure in anger.

      "You're just like someone I know, Hinata!   Always competitive." Y/n says, placing her small bento to the side, and lifting herself from the shaded spot she sat in. Her hands dust off her navy blue skirt, and her blazer comes off. "Why're you so competitive when it comes to Kageyama?"

      "If you ask me, it's better to avoid making enemies with those kinds of people." I join in.

      She wraps her hands around Hinatas shoulders, leaning over his shoulder. "You know, Hinata, you're not as bad as you make yourself out to be. Wanna know a secret about Kageyama?"Without hesitation, Hinata is fully interested in what Y/n had to say. Frankly, so was I.

      "Whatever you see from Kageyama is something he's learned from other players. He wasn't always so snobby; he used to be calmer and kinder. But once he was shown what he could do with his talent, it went to his head. Don't let that become you, Hinata! You have so much potential it's insane! I've never met anybody with as much love for volleyball as you." She pulls up her sleeves, getting into position for a receive, signifying I could rest now. "

      "How do you know what he used to be like, Y/n?" Hinata asks her, sending the ball into the air. My eyes follow it, but my ears listen intently to their conversation.

     "Well, I went to the same middle school as him. When he was a first-year, I was a third. Me and my friend we're on the girls' team, while my other three friends were on the boys' team. The four of us practiced every second of the day, which meant the two teams spent a lot of time together. Everything Kageyama knows is from another player; don't think he's just magically good at volleyball. Anyway, I don't know much about Kageyama, but I do know that he's changed dramatically." She explained. Just then, the bell for our sixth period had rung, and doors were heard opening and closing, as well as students fluttering around hallways.

       The three of us pause our mini practice and gather out things where they were settled. Thoughts ran through my head as I put my school blazer back onto my torso. If Y/n went to the same middle school as Kageyama, that must mean she knows a lot about Aoba Johsai: one of our greatest enemies in volleyball. And if she knows him, could she be familiar with his playstyle? In that case, having her around would not harm the team.

      "Sugawara, I'm off." She's heard saying from behind me, while she put her school bag over her shoulders. "Thank you for having me here with you and Hinata, I'm glad I could be of help."

      I nod in response, nervously breathing through the teeth."Yes, of course. Uhm— would you like me to pick you up from your classroom later on? Either that, or you could walk to the gym after band practice." I ask the young girl, longing for more time to hang about her.

      Then, she began walking backward, meanwhile talking. "I think I'll be just fine, Sugawara. No need to worry about me all the time. I've managed without you the past couple of days haven't I?" Her h/c danced with the wind as she did so, and the corners of her lips rose as she said so.

      "That's right.. I'll catch you later then!" I manage to shout out, raising a hand for a gentle wave, but it was too late. Y/n was already turning into the doors of the school, returning the gesture.

      Somehow, she always found a way to make the chains around my heart tighten a bit more. What was it that drew me towards Y/n? Hell, if I knew. "Wow, Sugawara. You've got yourself a pretty friend! She seems nice, too." Hinata expresses, looking agar with me. "Is she your girlfriend, or something?"

      "No, Hinata. Just an old friend. Someone who may know me better than anybody, you know." Y/n; The girl who knew her way around my heart.

—

Hey everybody, sorry I've been M.I.A for a while. Don't worry, I'm not giving up on my ff!!! I would never do that. This fan fiction is super duper important.

Please note my chapters!! It lets me know you guys enjoy them.

Make sure to be taking care of yourself: drink water, go outside, eat something, and heal yourself after hard work:) It's currently mental awareness month, and it's very important to be taking time for yourself.

love you guys

- Sugawara's beauty mark

[shi-daisy]

Reunion

Alas, we've arrived at the end of Ulquihime Week. I'm sad that it's over, but very proud of our fandom! Ulquihime was my first otp and one of the many reasons I became a writer, seeing everyone here sharing their creations and reasons for loving this pair it's very touching. Thanks to everyone who's participated in this event and to our amazing hosts that made this possible! Can't wait to see ya next year! 😉

Ok, so now onto the story. It's basically what I wish would've happened at the ending of canon Bleach (two years and I'm still salty) and for those who wonder, Orihime is wearing the wedding dress from the gree cards. Hope you like!

@ulquihimeweek

Ulquihime Week: Prompt 7- Confession

Reunion

"Another one." Orihime grumbled holding up her glass.

"Ya sure about that doll face? You look drunk enough to me." The bartender told her.

Orihime rolled her eyes at the white haired girl. "I'm not drunk, just angry."

"That much is certain. It's not everyday you see a girl walk in wearing a wedding dress."

Orihime chuckled blandly. Her feet were killing her from walking so much, even if she lost her shoes halfway through the trek.

"Here, this one is on me." The bartender told her as she handed her another glass of white wine.

"Thank you."

Orihime swallowed it down in one glup, after already having had three the burn wasn't as strong and she didn't even feel tipsy.

"Woman?"

She would have recognized that voice anywhere, for a second she thought the booze was making her hear things, but her eyes never lied.

Ulquiorra was standing beside her, he looked a little different than before, his skin was no longer paper white but had a little bit of color, his hollow hole and mask were nowhere to be found, and somehow his eyes seemed more alive.

"Ulquiorra? Is it really you?"

She reached out to touch him, fearing he'd turn into ash under her fingers again. He didn't.

Orihime smiled and gave him a hug. "It is you!I can't believe it! How did you survive?Are you human now?Do the Espada know?"

"Woman, you need to pause in order to breathe." He told her.

"Sorry. It's just...I can't believe you're here, it's been almost six years since that day. Come sit here with me, let's catch up!"

"Time has indeed passed. To answer your question I didn't survive per se, after turning to ash I awoke as a human back in Las Noches. It appears that the some of the other Espada had a defense mechanism that turned us human upon our deaths. We been living here in Naruki city ever since the war ended."

She was so happy to hear that, to know that he had been living healthy this whole time. Still, she felt a little disappointed.

"Ulquiorra, Why didn't you try to contact me? I would have been happy to see you again."

He looked down. "I wanted to, truly, but after some consideration well.... I thought you'd be better off without seeing me again. After all I did."

"I never resented you for it." She smiled at him. "I must confess, you never truly left my mind." She showed him her left arm, over her glove she was wearing the bracelet he'd given her before taking her to Hueco Mundo.

"You still have it..." Ulquiorra muttered with surprise.

"It was the only reminder I had left of you, along with the Arrancar dress, but that one shrunk in the wash." She giggled. "Sorry."

Ulquiorra smiled. "It's comforting to know that you thought about me. Although I do suspect that this wasn't the reason fate brought here today." He looked at her directly this time, she knew what he would ask but still dreaded it. "Orihime, why are you here in your wedding dress?"

Ulquiorra using her name threw her off balance for a second. She sighed and began her story. "For the past year I been dating Ichigo. He proposed last month and I said yes, we were just mere hours away from getting married..." Orihime's voice cracked but she kept going. "I overheard him talking to Kuchiki-San, they were fighting. She was telling him that they both had made their choices, and that now had to go through with them... Then he kissed her.

I don't know what happened later, after that I ran off. Figured the only thing I could do was disappear and drink away the sorrows."

Once she finished the tears kept coming, and would not stop. Ulquiorra hugged her, letting her cry on his shoulder.

'He's warm.' Back then, his skin was as cold as his gaze. Still, she didn't mind it, no matter the difference this was still the Ulquiorra Schiffer she knew.

Finally she pulled away. "I'm sorry, we were supposed to be catching up and all I've done is cry."

"It's only natural to be upset"

"I'm just so mad that I was about to waste my life with somebody who never loved me...I loved him, did everything I could to make him happy, gave up on everything I wanted just be by his side, just so that he could string me along. Screw him!"

Ulquiorra chuckled. "Forgive me, I just thought I'd never see the day when you'd hate Kurosaki Ichigo."

That made her laugh as well. "If you want to blow his chest up again I will not stop you."

"I'd rather stay with you, it's a better use of my time."

"Thank you, It's nice to know someone thinks so."

The previous empty bar was now being filled with costumers, it was then when Orihime realized that night had fallen.

"Do you want me to take you home?"

"No, I don't want to go back to Karakura tonight." She closed her eyes. There was no home left to return to, a while ago she had sold her old apparment and going back to the Kurosaki house hold was out of the question.

"Then, would you want to stay with me?"

"It wouldn't be the first time." She joked.

***

'You're a fool.' He told himself, over and over as he drove. Orihime had fallen asleep on the passenger seat. Her face calm and her cheeks red from all the crying.

'You better I pray never see you again, Kurosaki Ichigo. Because I will rip off your throat without mercy.'

Finally they arrived. Ulquiorra carefully picked Orihime up and got her out the car. He placed her on the couch before going upstairs to change. When he came back she was waking up.

"Hey. I'm sorry I fell asleep."

"It's fine, you were tired. Do you want a bath or maybe you'd like to sleep."

Orihime shook her head. "I don't think I'll be able to sleep."

Ulquiorra nodded, he was desperately trying to think of something. "Perhaps it would be nice if we put that dress to good use."

"Eh? What do you mean?"

He turned on her old radio near the fireplace, to his luck it landed on a soft music station. Ulquiorra walked over to her and bowed offering her his hand.

"May I have this dance?"

Orihime chuckled and nodded. "Yes you may."

Her hand went up to his shoulder, and the other to his arm, he wrapped his free arm around her waist. Soon they were both slowly swaying with the music. She didn't look like herself, her eyes weren't vibrant or defiant, but rather an empty mirror of his own emerald orbs. 'She hasn't been truly happy in a while.'

"I should have contacted you sooner, had I know this would happen." He said without thinking.

"It's okay, I'm happy to be here with you now. I've missed you very much, there wasn't a day I wouldn't think of you."

"Likewise." He spun her around, it was clear Orihime had been practicing. "It's been lonely, not having you around, hearing your stories about random things, or simply your voice calling my name."

"Heh. Funny, I always thought you hated babysitting me in Hueco Mundo. Sometimes I felt you had built walls to keep me away, but in the end I felt close to you."

"The walls you speak of...they do not exist anymore, I'm willing to open up to you, if you'd do the same."

"Sure, spending time with you was one of the few worthwhile memories I had of my time in Hueco Mundo."

"I'm flattered. I always assumed your best memory would have been another."

It was clear she knew who he meant, her gaze was filled with both regret and sadness, but somehow she didn't look too bothered.

"Now that I given it some thought. Even when I was with him, I felt alone. We lived in the same house, slept on the same bed, but he wouldn't even hold me as we slept. We didn't touch each other either. And I had stupidly believed it was love. How naive."

"You don't need to worry about that tonight. Forget it all. Kurosaki, the wedding, the time. All that matters it's that you're free."

Orihime smiled as he dipped her in the dance. "Free...I hadn't thought about before. Yes, now I'm free, and in good company."

"Always."

The lasts notes faded out, they both stood still in front of the fireplace. Their foreheads were touching, and in a mere moment it seemed like all of the negative emotions had disappeared.

Tonight they wouldn't worry, about the past or about the future. Tonight they were just two old friends that had coincidentally met again, immensely happy to be reunited.