Won't You Wake Me Up From This?

[leekspins]

WHO: Orihime Inoue, OPEN
WHAT: Orihime undergoes the long process of recovery. Mild spoilers for the end of the raid on Lucifer's mansion.
WHEN: Any time after September 14th, just pick a date and put it in the subject line! Anything before today is unlikely to get a response from her, so if you want a nice big rambling one shot, choose that for your date.
WHERE: SPOILERS IN WHITE TEXT! The Hospital
NOTES: Physical healing powers are okay! Mental healing is also okay, though it would take a long period of rehibilitation to have a positive effect.


September 14th - September 30th

The hospital room is quiet. A soft, steady beep marks the quiet throb of Orihime's pulse. She sleeps deeply, unmoving save for the slow rise and fall of her chest. Her fingers never twitch. Her lashes never flutter.

If there was one good thing to come from this, it's the chance to sleep without the threat of nightmares to plague her rest. The days pass, unnoticed, while Orihime's body, mind, and soul tried to piece itself together. The Aeon had intertwined itself so tightly with her very being, both physically and mentally, that it had ripped out metaphysical chunks when it finally separated from its captive host. She'd lost a great deal of blood, and for the first week, she's pale and battered. The doctors aren't even certain she'll survive, but there's hope, and fairly decent odds that she'll pull through.

The color in her cheeks does return in time, and her vital records show improvement even if the change is very slow. There's no longer any uncertainty as to the matter of her survival...just whether she'll awaken or not.

The doctors allow visitors, albeit somewhat reluctantly, with a warning that Orihime might not respond to them. They're not sure if she can hear people or not in her condition, but for those who really want to talk to her, they're free to make the attempt.


October 1st - October 11th
She was awake, but quiet. Obedient, she did everything the doctors told her to do, and ate what they put in front of her. Now that Orihime was conscious, she understood at last what had happened to her, and how it had come to pass. She knew she wasn't directly responsible for the Aeon's survival and transfer into Genessia, but she couldn't help feeling guilty anyway. It had been so easy to manipulate her like a puppet. If she really HAD been killed, the creature might have perished. This was why it had taunted her, egging her to lose her life, just so she would defy its demands and preserve the both of them.

But then again, dying might have done nothing to purge the twisted creature, and only Orihime would emerge by paying a price and losing some part of herself.

The worst part was the lingering regret over Adam. He didn't hate her for what happened, but she owed him nonetheless. He'd died, and lost something important to him just for the privilege of living again. If she hadn't been in his life, that wouldn't have happened. She was responsible for that missing piece.

She would have to try very hard to pursue the charms, she decided, if only to give back what she stole.

Suddenly she felt someone drawing close. Orihime sat up a little straighter, shaking off the gloom. As pensive and brooding as she was, she had to admit, visitors made her pretty happy. She knew she had to stop moping and get back on her feet, but there was still a lot of healing to do, and amends to make.

Comments

Oct 2nd

[grindpantera]

Grimmjow just ended up standing by the door. He wasn't there because he cared or anything, the woman just needed to keep herself out of danger in case he had use of her. So maybe he was there to help keep an eye out in case someone tried to take her again. It was a pain in the ass once for her to go missing, he doesn't want to have to deal with it again.

He leaned against the wall next to the door. He heard she was awake, but he hadn't checked for himself. Honestly, if she was awake she probably knew who it was standing out here by the reiatsu.

[leekspins]

Orihime kept staring expectantly at the door for a few more minutes. Someone...was not coming in after all? A doctor?

A few more minutes passed before she tentatively reached out with her reiatsu to see if it was anyone she recognized. Her spiritual senses were weak, but thankfully, the power of Grimmjow's reiatsu was plenty strong enough even for someone in her condition to detect him.

She blinked, surprised. Was he watching over her? Why would he do that? It didn't make sense, but there he was just the same. Honestly, she was touched, and a little smile tugged at the corners of her lips. How kind...

Her hand came up to brush at her eyes. He'd be annoyed if he came in to find her getting misty-eyed over an unexpected visitor, but she really couldn't help it. She hadn't thought he would care what happened to her.

When she felt relatively composed, she raised a fist to her mouth and started coughing loudly to attract his attention, signalling that she was awake and coherent.

[grindpantera]

Grimmjow tensed for a second when he heard that loud coughing. Was she hinting that she was awake? Honestly, he was hoping she would be sleep the entire time he was here so she wouldn’t have become aware of him at all. He thought it over for a second before moving to the door and opening it up. He stepped inside and set his gaze on her.

“You look like shit.” Not the nicest thing he could have said by any means, but..well. It was Grimmjow, what could one really expect from him? Though the fact that he was here at all was probably a bigger surprise than anything.

[leekspins]

"I probably do," she conceded with a wry smile. She started to rub at her hair, but stopped when she felt the warning tug of the IV attached to the back of her hand. She laid her hand back down onto her lap.

"I'm...happy to see you, Grimmjow-san," she admitted softly. "Thank you for visiting. It means a lot to me." She still didn't know why he was here, but she didn't want to question it. It was just good to see a familiar face, and know that he held more concern than she thought.

[grindpantera]

He could honestly say that those were words he had never heard before. No one was ever happy to see him. He frowned some and looked away, focusing his gaze on the wall like there was something interesting there to look at.

“Yeah, you should be thanking me for pointing those assholes in your direction.” Not like anyone else could find her reaitsu like he could. “I didn’t think they would manage to pull off getting you back, though.”

October 1

[immortaltrickster]

When Orihime wakes up, she would notice a familiar face looking at her. She may remember him from some months ago, but that was definitely not him. It looked like him, it felt like him, but Gabriel had never met Orihime before.

But today was not the day to talk about that. The door is closed behind him, and Gabriel had the cheeriest smile on his face. He's also wearing a doctor's coat for today's event. The metal pin says, "G. Sexy, M.D.".

"So, you're finally awake"

[leekspins]

The painkillers made it difficult for her to focus, especially when she first woke up. Her gaze was hazy as she stared up at him, struggling to coax her addled senses into something comprehensible. But then slowly, little by little, comprehension dawned on her face and brightened her eyes. "Gabriel-san," she croaked, tired but happy. She hadn't seen him since February!

The hand that wasn't pierced by an IV rose to rub at her face, chasing away the traces of sleep. "You're still here. I'm so glad!"

It was possible that he'd left and returned. If so, she was glad. It meant he hadn't seen her at her very worst.

Give her a second. She'd notice the nametag on his labcoat soon enough.

[immortaltrickster]

Before she could even mention his name, she'd find the bed and all the equipment were shipped in a fake hospital room. The two of them were now in the set of 'Dr. Sexy, M.D.'. He was not to keen about having anyone else in Genessia know his real name. "You can call me, Dr. Sexy", he said. Though he knew that Orihime knew who Gabriel was, he still preferred silence about it.

"And yes. You did see me before, didn't you", he said with a cheery smile.

[leekspins]

"Ha ha!" NOW she noticed, and it tickled her plenty. Even if it hurt to laugh, it felt good at the same time. Gabriel's grin was downright infectious, and she was feeling better already. Her head moved a little in acknowledgment.

"Okay, Sensei." She just couldn't bring herself to call him 'Sexy-sensei' because she knew she'd blow up the monitors with uproarious laughter every time she did.

"How long have I been here...?" She looked around the room for a moment, taking it in for the first time. Her gaze rested for a long moment on the flowers on her table. Who had brought those...?

[immortaltrickster]

He was happy to see the girl laugh. He was just pleased that she wasn't scarred for life. His brother did tend to be playful with so many things. After all, he learned most of his tricks from that bag of dicks.

He knew what she meant, but he just had to insist. "You pronounce it as, Dr. Se~xy~! Get it?", he said with another riveting grin. However, he found himself sitting on top of her bed. His eyes clearly focused on checking on her status. "Almost a month. You sure know how to sleep"

September 15

[beareroflight]

When the hospital halls were dark, when the annoying night shift nurse was asleep, when all Orihime's visitors had gone, Lucifer would visit her. He started visiting her from the day they bought her to the hospital. He had a few minor injuries but he couldn't care less.

He had never cared for another human being as much as Orihime. There was Setsuna and Sara, but they were both partial angels. Perhaps he had cared about Orihime as much as he worried about Kaito back when he was still just Kira. Was it too much to ask? Was it too much to ask to feel like an ordinary human. How he hated heaven for the atrocities they've done on him, and he will forever seek vengeance.

For now, he would always visit Orihime. He'd watch her as she slept. From time to time, when there were lots of people, he'd visit as Kira and leave some flowers for the poor woman. But without fail, he'd often visit her to heal her both physically and mentally. It was over now. At least, he hoped it was over now.

October 3

[leekspins]

It was another quiet night. Orihime had finally opened her eyes two days ago, but it was difficult for her to stay awake for long. The painkillers were administered in strong doses, so she wound up sleeping for long hours with only brief intermissions of consciousness.

She was sleeping deeply when Lucifer arrived in her room, and for all he knew, nothing had changed about her condition. But as the time of his departure drew near, Orihime became subconsciously aware of his reiatsu. It was a distinct and concentrated power, one that was hard for the spiritually sensitive to miss, and it was strong enough to start digging her out of her drug-laced sleep.

Her lashes parted, in time to see him turning away from her bedside. How strange that he visited only at night. Maybe he just didn't want to be seen by anyone else? Whatever the reason, she couldn't just let him leave without thanking him for his help. He'd taken her in when she was a danger to everyone around her, and cared for her when she could no longer care for herself.

Quietly she reached out, catching a small section of his sleeve between her finger and thumb, and holding onto it gently to anchor him in place. When his gaze met hers, she smiled tiredly, but warmly.

It was good to see him again.

[beareroflight]

She wasn't dead. Orihime was alive. Those assholes didn't make a mistake of getting her killed. Good thing too. Her eyes, he never thought they'd open once more.

Perhaps it was the excitement or simply the joy of seeing that Orihime had not died, but when those orbs opened and allowed light within them, the light of the hospital room immediately shut off. Because there and then, warm lips pressed against Orihime's. He couldn't help it. She was alive. When asked about this, he would deny everything. But for now, he kissed her with both his palms pressed against her soft cheeks.

[leekspins]

A muffled, startled grunt was Orihime's first response. She'd been surprised when the lights went out, but that surprise had been quickly forgotten the moment he pressed his lips to hers. It was true that he'd looked after her. She believed that he wouldn't have any qualms or regrets about killing her if it became necessary, so she'd entrusted her life to his hands.

But she hadn't thought he carried feelings so warm, nor so intense. It caught her completely off guard.

But slowly, little by little, her lips moved to better accommodate his own. He smelled of heat and spice, a pleasant exchange of the hospital's chemical sterility. Her fingers, still holding to his sleeve, slowly spread apart to grasp his arm. It had been a very long time since anyone had kissed her. She'd missed the feeling, of believing that someone cared enough about her to take such a bold step.

[beareroflight]

Can he actually believe he deserved love? Can he believe that he deserve to show such a form of affection. No one from heaven was here to stop him. Orihime had grown on him. She was someone whom he felt like he needed to protect. But no one would understand that. Even he was confused with his own feelings. Maybe it was the emotion of Kira which existed within him that made him feel a little more human. He's not entirely sure if it was a good thing. He wasn't sure if it was even good for her.

Was it a thousand years? two thousand years? Lucifer can't remember when he last had a kiss from someone that mattered. It was a gentle push, but he pushed Orihime's head towards the pillow and gave her a soft kiss and just enjoying her sweet taste. Yes, this was how he had envisioned it all those nights she stayed in his bed. Sweeter than the nectar of Eden. Such fond memories.

oct 1

[dramaticals]

[and when she had started to wake up, he was already there. adam had been sitting there already, waiting at her bedside. he was hoping to see her as soon as she woke up, and it had taken so long for her to finally open her eyes. he had been reading, a book he borrowed from the library, but as soon as she was awake he set the book down on his lap.

he still had his mask on, he hadn't wanted to remove it upon coming here, but he did smile at her lightly.]

Good morning.

[leekspins]

[His visage is blurry at first, gradually coming into focus as her consciousness asserts itself. As soon as she realizes who it is, and sees the faint smirk, the heart rate monitor beeps quicken as the delight brightens her expression.]

Adam-san...!

[At least, it's what she tries to say. Her voice is hoarse and cracked from lack of use, but it doesn't matter. He's really here! ...And then her smile fades, because as memory returns, so does guilt.]

Anou...about yesterday...

[Orihime, it wasn't yesterday.]

[dramaticals]

Yesterday?

[his smile fades as well, but that's due to her memory.]

Orihime, it's October now. You've been asleep for weeks.

[leekspins]

What...?

[She looks at the window, as though she expects to see the entire world CHANGED. But nature isn't quite that fickle. Instead, her expression falls.]

Oh nooooooooooooooooooooo....

[The wail is small and pathetic...and kind of hilarious. BUT IT'S NOT IMPORTANT NOW! She gives her head a faint shake. No getting derailed now! She needs to tell him that...that, um...wait...]

How...long have you been here...?

[dramaticals]

[ah yes, that question. adam clears his throat, then he simply adjusts his mask as he talks to her.]

Been checking in every day, if you must know.

oct 1st LATER IN THE DAY

[frigus]

[and she had just been able to get back to genessia, and she was already heading to the hospital. she was panicked, even though rukia hardly displayed that kind of behavior, and it was all due to how worried she had been for orihime.

so, rukia came right into the hospital doors and into orihime's room in a huff. she knew where she was, she could sense her reiatsu easily.]

Inoue! Are you alright? You're awake, I'm so relieved! [and rukia placed her hands on the edge of the bed, staring at her friend with wide eyes.]

[leekspins]

[The heart monitors go nuts as Orihime twitches out of her sleep. She doesn't even remember drifting off! Did she fall asleep while talking to Adam?! Did she at least say goodbye, and a million thank yous? She lifts her head, and blinks.]

Oh! Kuchiki-san! You're okay too!

[Orihime's still pretty tired and out of it, but when she slumps back, there's a definite peace on her face that wasn't there the last time the two spoke.]

Mm. I'm much better! And I'm not crazy anymore!

[frigus]

[YEAH IT'S TIME TO WAKE UP WOW! rukia needs to see if her friend is okay!!

but when she sees that orihime is doing just fine, the shinigami sighed to herself. she was relieved, truly.]

My apologies Inoue.... [once she knew she was okay, it was time for an explanation.]

I was stuck on the other side of a gate and couldn't return. I couldn't help save you at all.

[leekspins]

Heh? No! No, no, don't apologize! I wasn't a prisoner!

[She knows there was some misunderstanding about that matter in particular, and honestly? She also has no idea why Lucifer would try to make Adam think she was being held against her will.]

I was the only one who could have saved myself. I just...didn't know how. Not until the crucial moment. And...really...I was ashamed, and scared I might hurt you too. So I didn't tell you where I was.

[Orihime's smile has faded. She drops her head in apology.]

I'm sorry I wasn't a very good friend to you, Kuchiki-san.

[frigus]

Inoue...

[rukia expression fell, and she looked hurt- her eyes wide as she stared at her friend.]

I had informed you before, it was always okay to come to me if you needed help. Do you honestly think I couldn't handle you if I needed to?

[they trained together, orihime should know how strong rukia is.]