Levels of Torture (Bleach, Ulquiorra/Ichigo)

Ichigo looked up with a glare as the door opened. He said nothing as one of his captors, Ulquiorra, walked in. They stared at each other across the room silently for several long minutes. Ulquiorra seemed content to hold still and Ichigo had no choice. This was not a new arrangement for Ichigo. Aside from Aizen, Ulquiorra was Ichigo’s only visitor. Sometimes the black haired arrancar would merely watch him silently for hours. Other times he would speak quietly, telling Ichigo of the way of the arrancar and vague hints of Aizen’s plan.

“Have you considered our offer?” Ulquiorra asked slowly. Apparently this visit would not be one of the silent ones.

Ichigo was tempted to say yes, just to end his confinement. He couldn’t.

“You know my answer.”

Ulquiorra nodded. They were going from rote at this point. Nothing changed in this white prison.

Ulquiorra took a step closer and Ichigo’s eyebrows quirked in surprise. He’d almost come to believe there was some sort of invisible barrier cutting off half the room by the way both Aizen and Ulquiorra had hovered on the far side of the room.

“I must apologize in advance. Aizen-sama has been quite…” Ulquiorra paused to choose his next word. “…displeased with your reluctance. I would have you know that, regarding what I am about to do, I am acting under orders.”