A/N: This is the story of a girl who became an arrancar. And the lives of all who were changed along the way.

Let's start with fluff.

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Finding her was hard.

Ulquiorra trekked through the desert having already covered over a few hundred kilometers of sand. The artificial sun was sinking lower in the sky, signifying that it was getting late and he was running out of time.

He quickened his pace.

Searching through the countless hollow villages he came across mild mannered hollows who do not wish to fight. They were of no consequence and in a way a bit of an annoyance. He did however find a sash that smelled like her.

It was his fault. She was still young, still learning about the world and still so innocent. Most of the Espada were still uncultured and very uncivilized, Nnotira for example. But dirty mouthed as he may be, Ulquiorra knew she had wormed into their cold hearts making it nearly impossible to be angry with her. In fact, they were all very protective. She was the little sister. She was the sun. Most of all, he should have realized how important those hairpins were to her.

That's why she ran. That's why he was here looking for her.

He took them to threaten her to clean her room, and she yelled at him that she was going to run away. Next day, poof she was gone. He searched everywhere, under the bed, in the closet, in the kitchen and even in Szayel's lab. She was nowhere to be found.

Aizen-sama was not happy. The correct word would be displeased. Neither were the rest of the Espada. Halibel gave Ulquiorra an Indian burn to show her displeasure.

At least she learned sonido; he thought as the followed the scent from the sash. Wherever she was, they were far far away from the compound. Far enough to be in other hollow's territories hollows who are strong and those who may dare to eat this innocent soul.

If he returned empty handed, or worse with the news of her death Ulquiorra was sure he too will die.

He caught sight of a piece of fabric. It was parts of a skirt. It smelled like her. As he searched the area for more torn fabric, he found her. Ulquiorra heard her first, the soft sounds of her crying. He climbed up the sand dune and found her in a tree.

"Woman." She turned to see him, her eyes wide and swollen from crying. "Get down from there."

She ignored him. Her clothes were ripped and dirty, he noted.

He patiently waited before speaking again. "It's time to go back home."

No response.

"Aizen-sama awaits."

Still no response.

"I'm waiting for you." She turned her head to look at him, her lips parted. "Really?"

Ulquiorra nodded. "Yes." He apprehensively spoke. "It isn't a party without you."

"Really?" There was hope in her sad eyes.

He hesitantly twitched his lips in a slight smile, the ends of his lips upturning a little. "I even brought some of it with me."

In his hand was a gift, neatly wrapped in green shiny paper and a white bow on top.

Orihime looked down, and sniffled.

"It's for you." He held it out. "Here."

She jumped down from the tree branch, staring at Ulquiorra. "You didn't have to."

He did a slight shoulder turn, his way of a shrug.

"But I didn't get you anything." She sad sadly, staring at the sand.

"Just open it."

She opened the gift with care. Her eyes widened, her breath hitched and she tackled him. He was smothered in her chest as she hugged him. For once, it didn't bother him how hard it was to breathe, or the warmth on his face.

"Merry Christmas."

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A/N: Merry Christmas. Hope you guys like it.