I turned at the sound of my name, and smiled as I was met by the sight of my close friend, Ulquiorra. I had known him since I moved into this city two years ago, and I don't regret it one bit. He wasn't one to show much of his affections, but nothing he can say will deny he has them. Its all apparent in every move he makes, and its always there whenever he looks at me with his beautiful green eyes.

Whenever I'm with him, it feels as if he's allowing himself to feel, and to forget all the problems he faces everyday. I'm glad I can help him live another day without stress, and pain. I don't want him to feel bad anymore, and that is why I, no matter what he says will be by his side. I will be the best friend he'll ever have, even if he doesn't want me to be.

"Ulquiorra, I'm glad you could make it!" I smiled shyly at him, and grasped his hand within mine. I pulled him along with me, and entered the small shop just across from my home. He didn't say anything once we entered, and I brushed it off. I wonder what he could be thinking so hard about? "Hey Ulquiorra, want me to get you something? It's Valentine's Day!" I babbled to him, and sighed when he turned his gaze away from mine.

"No, it is fine." he finally spoke, and broke the grip I had on his pale hand. "But why not? Friends are supposed to give presents to each other." I pouted, and stared worriedly when his eyes suddenly shined with an odd glint. Did I say something that upset him? I brought my hand to his shoulder, and peered closely at his face. "Are you okay? Did I say something to make you mad?"

He turned his gaze to mine, and I swallowed the lump of nervousness I didn't know I had. "Am I only just a friend to you, Orihime?" I blushed under his intense gaze, and found myself gasping when he grabbed my shoulders with his hands and peered closer into my face. "O-of course you're my friend, Ulquiorra!" I stuttered, my eyes trapped within his critical green eyes.

"What if I were to say I don't think of you as a friend?" he whispered lowly, forcing me to strain my ears in order to hear him. "W-what?" I choked out, frowning at his cool words. He doesn't consider me a friend. I bit my lip in order to stop myself from crying, and stared into his still intense eyes. "B-but I've been kind to you, and opened my heart just for you? How could you be so cruel?"

I closed my eyes tightly, and felt my tears run down my cheeks. I heard him sigh in exasperation, and felt something cold brush against my cheeks. I opened them only to gaze at Ulquiorra's cold fingers wiping away the tears. "Woman, I meant that I do not feel that we are just friends." I released the breath I didn't know I held, and smiled at his intense expression. "Oh…"

My cheeks reddened once again, and I found myself bringing the aloof man closer to me. His eyes widened slightly in surprise, and I only snuggled closer to him in response. "Does that mean you want to be my Valentine?" I whispered, and inhaled the cool scent that was only him. "If a valentine is someone of more worth than a mere friend, Yes." I pulled away from his chest, and kissed his cheek tenderly.

"Then I accept." I laughed at his furrowed eyebrows, and reached for his hand. I tightened my grip on his, and continued to search around the store for a gift. Now this is a gift I'd want to value for as long as I live. I peeked at his still aloof face, and smiled. In whatever form it comes, I accept every obstacle and blessing life has to give us.